The Christian society for the study of Hinduism 1940-1956 : interreligious engagement in mid-twentieth century India

Abstract

This thesis is focused on a particular chapter in the history of the Christian study of Hinduism. Perspectives and attitudes from the mid-twentieth century will be studied as seen in the Christian Society for the Study of Hinduism (CSSH, 1940-1956), the first organization or society ever to focus on the Christian encounter with Hinduism, and the first forty issues of its quarterly publication, The Pilgrim (1941-1952).1 The CSSH made no attempt to spell out what it meant by "Hinduism," nor what particular variety of "Christianity" was brought to the study. The non-reflective use of these terms is not surprising for that time but demands examination in this thesis, which focuses on the Christian understanding of Hinduism that is discernable in the work of the society. The meaning of "Hinduism" has become a hotly contested issue, as has the role of Christians in developing that term and its various shades of meaning. This thesis does not attempt to resolve all the questions and controversies surrounding the study of Hinduism, but does intend to contribute to the ongoing engagement between Christians and Hindus by highlighting an impressive (and neglected) chapter in the history of that interreligious