Beyond Dalit Theology
Searching for New Frontiers
- Theology
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2022
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Publisher's Description
This book is a critique of Dalit theology, leading to proposals for the future directions of a theology of social transformation in India. Dalit theology has ruled the roost for the last forty years in the Indian theological landscape. It has captivated the theological imagination in India in spite of other theological movements, like tribal theology, green theology, and so on, which are relatively recent and have had little impact. Despite the dominance of Dalit theology, in the last decade many writers have questioned its social impact and theological efficacy. This book takes advantage of the critique to make some proposals for doing a theology of social transformation in India. It explores new ways of doing Christology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology. In addition, it argues for the need of a public theology in the changing religious-political scenario in India.
Endorsements (8)
“Pulikottil writes not only on behalf of Dalits but as one convinced that Christian theology is true to its claims when it is fully public and socially transformative, so that what emerges is a theological method in action, exemplifying how the power of the gospel can and should make a difference in the real world.”
“This book continues a tough, yet engaged, conversation in which probing questions are asked, enduring issues and themes looked at again, the gains of forty years reexamined, and current topics identified, all in the service of recognizing and reaffirming Dalit theology as relevant and responsive public theology amidst the chaotic realities of life today, wherever and with whomsoever we live, work, study, and worship at the frontiers of our commitment to upholding the humanity of all God’s children.”
“Paulson Pulikottil has convincingly argued that if Dalit theology is to have real traction in India, it needs to go beyond advocating structural changes; it needs to be a theology that seeks the transformation of Christians, individually and corporately, by the power of the Spirit in and through the church. Only with a robust pneumatology and ecclesiology can there be a more holistic and enduring liberation. Here is a constructive theology that takes Dalit theology beyond its current stalemate.”
“There is a twofold task for Beyond Dalit Theology, namely to provide a constructive critique of this Indian liberation theology after the first four decades of its existence, as well as to chart a way towards a wider, more comprehensive vision of integral transformation. This work brings to the task vast and diverse resources, including ecclesiology, pneumatology, Christology, public theology, and societal analysis. Writing as a sympathetic outside critic, yet firmly located within the Indian society, church, and academia, the author calls the church to be faithful to her calling in facilitating transformation also in the society, not only within her own walls.”
“This book is an invitation to expand the horizon of the hitherto existing Dalit theology to make it a promising theology of integral transformation. It is indeed an invitation to make Dalit theology effective in a substantive and abiding manner. Public theology is the key to make it happen, and Paulson Pulikottil makes a serious proposal in this regard. The book helps students of theology to explore some vital aspects of Indian public theology, which is very much in its birth-pangs today.”
“Pulikottil has had the courage to look again at Dalit theology. The result is fresh and exciting, if perhaps controversial for some. The concept of ‘integral transformation’ considers the stage after ‘liberation’ of the oppressed. Liberation does not guarantee the right to live in a just and equitable society. How does one make societies more just, equitable? While the work focuses on the experience of the Dalit of India, the implications of this rethinking are applicable to all of Christian theology. The chains come off, and then what? This volume is an important contribution to the discipline of World Christianity as well as Dalit and Pentecostal studies.”
“Paulson Pulikottil explores why Dalit theology has been caught in the doldrums in recent years. In Beyond Dalit Theology the author puts new wind in the church’s historic mission to give voice to the disenfranchised and marginalized by powerfully reuniting Dalit theology with the vibrancy of historic doctrines of pneumatology and Christology. This work could be the catalyst to move us forward again.”
“In this outstanding and needed book, Paulson Pulikottil brings a fresh assessment of Dalit liberation theology, which had entered into the doldrums in terms of its impact and theological efficacy. Pulikottil invites us to a profound discussion that sets new sails and oars to pull it out of the lull, sailing toward a new horizon of integral transformation. The new horizon is shaped by a re-articulation of Christology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and public theology. A welcome addition addition to the Dalit theological dialogue and hence a must-read!”
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