Discourse on parallelisms of Grace (Theology) as reflected in Vaishnavism and Christianity.

It is often said that the real confrontation between Christianity and the great religions of the world is only just beginning. Bishop Kulandran's book on the pivotal religious doctrine of Grace marks the first stage in the new encounter between Christianity and Hinduism. The result of considerable research and theological reflection, Bishop Kulandran's book is an objective and scholarly appraisal of Christianity and Hinduism, their similarities and differences, and of the two different worlds in which they move. Hinduism's uncertainty about the character of God and Christianity's dogmatic certainty are examined in detail. The sense of man's need of God's grace in Christianity, and Hinduism's rejection of any act of reconciliation are seen by Bishop Kulandran as central to the dialogue between the two religions. As Dr. Hendrik Kraemer says in the foreword, Bishop Kulandran's book is animated by the desire for fair presentation and understanding and is a new and important contribution to the subject and not merely a repetition of what has often been said before. The author belonged by birth and experience to the Indian world and as a Bishop of the Church of South India knew the power as well as the limitations of the Christian mission in the world of Hinduism. This scholarly work is a valuable contribution to comparative religion and is an illuminating exploration of two of the world's most important religions.

A selection of themes from the two religions of Hinduism and Christianity, chosen to highlight the central concerns of both, while not neglecting their internal diversity and also maintaining a balance between doctrine and practice, in order to compare like with like. The themes addressed are the nature of the divine, divine interaction with mankind, authority and mediation, devotionalism and personal piety, meditation and asceticism, social values and morality, and teleology; the final chapter then outlines the history of contact and dialogue between the two religions. Although the treatment is thematic, the process of historical development is given due attention.