Religious Conversion: Indian Disputes and Their European Origins

This book explores the issue of religious conversion in India, discussing themes such as conversion, education, reform, Gandhi, equality of religions, religious freedom, and constitutional law. It analyzes cultural background frameworks and the origins of religious conversion in Western Christianity and how Indian culture and traditions have shaped responses to it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the complex and multifaceted issue of religious conversion, which has been a source of contention in India for centuries. It explores a wide range of themes, including conversion, education, and reform in colonial India; the process and practices of conversion in Christian Europe; Gandhi's role in promoting religious equality; perspectives from Hindu nationalism, secularism, and religious minorities; religious freedom and the boundaries of propagating religion; and the legal and constitutional aspects of conversion, including commissions and courts. Spanning from the 19th-century colonial era to contemporary times, the book analyzes cultural background frameworks and the origins of religious conversion, as well as how Indian culture and traditions have shaped responses to it.

As part of the Critical Humanities Across Cultures series, this book is intended for scholars and researchers in critical humanities, religion, cultural studies, sociology of religion, comparative religion, philosophy, anthropology, theology, Indology, history, politics, postcolonial studies, critical theory, and South Asian studies. It offers valuable insights into the historical, social, and cultural factors that have influenced religious conversion and its impact on society.

The book begins by examining the historical context of religious conversion in India, highlighting the various factors that have contributed to its prevalence, including colonialism, social reform movements, and the influence of religious leaders. It explores the different approaches taken by different religious communities to conversion, including coercion, persuasion, and cultural assimilation. The book also examines the role of education in promoting religious conversion, particularly in the context of colonialism, and the challenges faced by religious minorities in accessing education.

Moving beyond India, the book explores the process and practices of conversion in Christian Europe, highlighting the historical and cultural factors that have shaped its development. It examines the role of missionaries and religious organizations in promoting conversion and the challenges faced by converts in integrating into Christian communities. The book also explores the impact of conversion on individuals and communities, including the psychological and social effects of leaving one's religious tradition.

In the chapter on Gandhi and conversion, the book examines the Mahatma's role in promoting religious equality and his philosophy of nonviolence. It explores how Gandhi's ideas of religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue influenced his approach to religious conversion and his efforts to bridge the divide between different religious communities. The book also examines the challenges faced by religious minorities in India, particularly during the period of Hindu nationalism, and the role of Gandhi in advocating for their rights and equality.

The book also delves into the perspectives of Hindu nationalism, secularism, and religious minorities in India. It explores how these ideologies have shaped responses to religious conversion and the challenges faced by religious minorities in maintaining their cultural and religious identities. The book also examines the role of religious freedom in promoting religious conversion and the boundaries of propagating religion in a secular society.

Finally, the book explores the legal and constitutional aspects of religious conversion, including the role of commissions and courts in determining the validity of conversions. It examines the legal challenges faced by religious minorities and the efforts made by legal scholars and activists to promote religious freedom and equality.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of religious conversion, exploring its historical, social, cultural, and legal dimensions. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of religious change and its impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. By examining conversion from various perspectives and across different cultural contexts, the book contributes to our understanding of the diverse and complex nature of religion and its role in shaping our world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032250595