Theology P. Chenchiah

chenchiah 1 of christian theologians featured in robin boyd s introduction indian christian theology. in it, boyd states chenchiah christological in thinking , focussed upon integration of hinduism , christianity.

rethinking christianity in india

chenchiah spoke against western christian theology , church practice; inspired teachings of aurobindo ghose, teilhard de chardin, , master c.v.v, , basing thoughts on new testament, developed new interpretation of christian doctrine. 1 of founders of christo samaj of madras in 1908 aim of coordinating country, church, , mission supreme purpose of jesus christ. leaders, including v. chakkarai, s.k. george, p.a. thangasami, , others met every year in south india discuss political, economical, , religious issues. members of group later came known rethinking group.

he instrumental in formation of rethinking christianity group in india, after publication of rethinking christianity in india, in 1938, indian christian s reply church-centered missiology of v.s. azariah , hendrik kraemer s christian message in non-christian world, barthian theology. led group of indian christians along vengal chakkarai, , formed rethinking christianity group in madras argued indian christian community not ignore common hindu heritage, culture, , traditions.

in article rethinking christianity in india, chenchiah countered kraemer s understanding of religion. believed there 2 possible realities @ core of every religion; one, pivotal personality rama, krishna, jesus, or budha; two, discovery of truth or principle all-inclusive nature of brahman. according chenchiah, religion grows around 1 or both of these realities, providing different means comprehend principle , follow , emulate personality. [sic] though chenchaih agreed kraemer s belief religion human creation, both chenchaih , kraemer took different approaches study of religion; kraemer on 1 hand, advocated missionary s approach—the missionary perceives christianity 1 means understand god , studies other religions either out of curiosity or affirm conviction of christianity s superiority - christian revelation means understand god, approach pivotal kraemer s missiology; chenchaiah on other hand, being second generation convert, seems had grown dissatisfied church had offer in response indian context in lived , through trying understand faith. he, other indian indigenous converts, studied other religions rediscover message of christianity. in addition, chenchiah seems had interest in comparing religions systems , showing have in common , differ.

new creation

he considered christianity have represented new stage in evolution of man; hence, power of holy spirit, christians can become 1 him, , become new creature. advocated entire life policy of christian policy —to live christ preach christ. according him, human history has begun new revolutionary chapter in jesus—the fact of christ birth of new order in creation; christianity not doctrine of salvation announcement of advent of new creative order in jesus—the christian new creation - holy spirit new cosmic energy - kingdom of god new order - children of god, new type christ had inaugurated.

he baptized along father, when boy , raised christian infancy; however, believed christian faith must open receive new insights indian culture. felt uneasy western concept of church , advocated new indigenized christ-ism gospels, using hindu perspective.