FOCUS January 2018

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| P a g e F O C U S J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8

FOCUS January 2018 Vol. 6 No: 1
Pearls of Wisdom, Fr. Thomas

Punnapadam, SDB, Bangalore - Page 17
Cover Photo: Transformation and Liberation

(Source Internet)
A Publication of Diaspora FOCUS
From Preservation to Fulfillment, Rev. Dr.

Valson Thampu, Trivandrum - Page 18
Editorial, Transformation and Liberation, Rev.

Dr. Valson Thampu, Trivandrum - Page 3
Crisis: Reconciliation, Transformation and

Liberation, Dr. Zac Varghese, London - Page 22
Self Transformation and Communion, Fr.

Thomas Punnapadam, SDB, Bangalore - Page 7
Ministering to the Transgender Persons, Rt.

Transformation & Liberation What it means Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, Rev. Dr. M. J. Joseph,
and How to Achieve? Dr. P. V. Cherian, Chicago-Page 10 Kottayam - Page 25
Evolution as for Grounding Hospitality-

Interfaith Interrogations, Rev. Baiju Markose, Lutheran School of
Theology, Chicago Page 12 Urslem Yaatra Vivranam: An Alternate
Reading, Rev. Dr. Valson Thampu, Trivandrum Page 27
2 | P a g e F O C U S J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8

pre-condition for, not the after effect of, liberation leading
EDITORIAL to transformation. Jesus came to set the captives free
TRANSFORMATION-LIBERATION (Lk.4: 18).
First, a word by way of clarification. I shall use, for Freedom is fundamental to being human. In the biblical
purposes of this editorial reflection, the two words of worldview, death is a cessation of freedom. When the
which the title is compounded as mutually integrated and lost son returns, the father celebrates, the son who was
inseparable. To give this preference a linguistic base, I dead. (Lk. 15:24). What died was not his body, but his
hyphenate the words. So, it will be transformation- freedom. How free can you be amidst a herd of swine -
liberation as a compound word and not transformation and people no better living as they do? It is a question
and liberation as two words denoting two states or that should thunder in the hollow vaults of contemporary
compartments. existence, when all are presumably free and do not know
how to endure, much less employ, their freedom! What
No one can be transformed and not be liberated, in the else, do you think, does this pandemic of mounting
true sense of the word; and no one, likewise, can be suicides point to?
liberated and not be transformed. Liberation that falls
short of transformation proffers an illusion of freedom, or Now a word about transformation. The root of this word
a cosmetic version of unfreedom. is form. Form is understood in two different ways: (a) as
shape, as in water assuming the form of the glass that
holds it and (b) a shaping principle, as in Greek
philosophy. Forms of life come into being when form
penetrates matter. It is reasonable to interpret the biblical
instance of God breathing into Adam as an instance of
form as life-kindling penetration quickening life in the
medium of matter. Form is the active principle; whereas
matter is passive. It is analogous to the interplay of
purusha (the active) and prakriti (passive) in the Indian
spiritual worldview or the complementarity between yin
and yang in Taoism, where yang is the active principle.
Similar is the Hellenic view that creativity results from an
integration of the Apollonian (Apollo-the god of light) and
the Dionysian (Dionysus- the god of darkness); again, the
interplay of the active and the passive principles.
Irrespective of differing terminologies, the common core

in these patterns is a relationship between contraries.
(They are contraries only so long as they are apart from
each other.) From what we have seen so far, we can
identify relationship as the core of life, and its shaping
principles of transformation and freedom.
Freedom is thus a capacity mediated through

relationship. So, it makes sense that love is the
essence of freedom. Fullness of love casts our fear (1
Jn.4:18). Fear signals the decline of freedom and the
erosion of wholeness. All fears are born of dis-
relationships. To be not in the right relationship is to fear
the object -person, situation, agency- concerned. Fear,
like love, is a way of relating. It is a mode of relating that
deforms and degrades.
This is writ large in contemporary history. Even as love

Second, to me the primary concept is freedom. I insist
wanes, fear waxes and becomes the principle on which
on this because I deem freedom to be central to the
existence is erected. Consequently, everything is
vision of Jesus Christ. Jesus calls people to himself so
distorted. Neighbour seems an enemy; a talent, an insult;
that they may be free indeed (Jn.8: 36). Those who attain
a home, a prison, and the Savior, an enemy of God. In his
this freedom are transformed. So, St. Paul is to the point
classic work, Democracy in America, Alexis de
when he says, He who is in Christ Jesus is a new
Tocqueville observes that the irreverence to authority we
creation (2 Cor. 5:17). Being in Christ (Jn. 15:4) is the

have cultivated has enthroned fear in the public domain. Jesus gives us a valuable insight through the parable of
The antonym of reverence is not irreverence, but fear. the lamp. It needs to be lighted and placed on the
Fear, says Tocqueville, now exacts trophies greater than lampstand; not hidden under a bushel (Mtt. 5: 14-16).
what was accorded by reverence and love. Freedom Here, again, what is decisive is the manner of relating.
becomes a menace when vitiated by fear. How should the lamp relate to the world around? By
hiding itself under a bushel? Or, by being on a
This much we know: God-created state for humankind is lampstand? Even a lamp cannot be free, free to be itself,
founded on love. All man-made systems are driven by if it is not in a right relationship. Lamp that remains under
power. Power breeds fear. Adoption of power as the the bushel is a notional lamp, or a lamp that was.
shaping principle implies an implicit rejection of love.
Culture is a sphere of organized loveless-ness. This The transformation that the lost son in the parable needs
needs to be stated as bluntly as I have; for it is basic to is a restoration to his father (Lk15:11-32). Here too the
our argument. pivot is a relationship. Zacchaeus needed to be
reconciled to his fellow human beings (Lk.19:1-12). Till he
The biblical worldview is holistic. That is to say, when met with Jesus and re-located his being from Mammon to
constituent parts of an organism are separated from the God, he could not relate even to his own home! By the
whole, or each other, all parts suffer deformation. If a way, do not gloss over the silences of biblical texts! Why
stone is broken into ten pieces, they remain stones, do you think, we are told nothing about Zacchaeus
though each smaller in size. But if a limb is severed from home? It didnt exist for him. He was, vis--vis his home,
a body, both are deformed and their freedom imperiled. a lamp under a mountain of silver. Jesus enters the house
They become death-oriented. Spirituality is a redemptive to set the lamp on the lamp stand and to make it glow.
response to the death-orientation that distorts and Zacchaeus begins to have a home at home. We shall be
deforms the human. De-formation is the paradigmatic fooling ourselves if we assume that this is an extreme
human malady. It is also the seed of human freedom in case that does not commonly apply.
practice.
In Aristotelian thought, there are four aspects basic to the
St. Paul brings liberation and transformation together in exercise of freedom: the ability to distinguish between
that haunting passage in his letter to the Romans, where right and wrong, the character to choose the good in
he speaks of the paralysis of will in which the tyranny of preference over the evil, the strength of will to do the
the death-principle is at work in him (Romans 7: 14-8:1). good chosen and, finally, the existence of a society in
If we read this text side-by-side with 2 Corinthians 5: 17, which what is so chosen can be practiced without let or
we get a fuller view of his understanding of the liberative- hindrance. Virtue is, thus, recognized as the key to
transformative. The only counter-principle that can freedom. Only a good man can be happy and free.
liberate him from thralldom to this principle of death is
becoming a new creation through Christ. Virtue is a matter, in Aristotle, of practising the doctrine of
the mean that prescribes the avoidance of excess and
Being in Christ (Jn. 15:4) is a liberating-transforming defect; or extreme options in every situation. Vis-a-vis
relationship. It is the redeemer and transformer of all money, for example, the extremes are miserliness and
relationships. This is the point made poignantly through prodigality. The mean between them is liberality. One who
Jesus interaction with the woman of Samaria (Jn.4). She is liberal is a free agent of action in respect of money.
is a classic case study in the deformation of relationships.
She has had five husbands already. The present The Judeo-Christian tradition is a bit skeptical -or,
involvement -a quicksand, really, of a fragile live-in historically realistic, if you like- about putting the whole
arrangement- has no chance of growing into a load of liberty on the fragile shoulders of the individual. It
relationship. With each serial experiment her freedom to recognizes the flawed will that the individual is
be in relationship shrinks. She gets progressively handicapped with. This is the issue that Paul agonizes
deformed. Nothing will change, and the sordid drama will over in his letter to the Romans. He recognizes the right
repeat itself, so long as she is not liberated from her from the wrong. But that does not help him. He does the
spiritual incapacity for relating in the freedom of love. It evil he despises, and fails to do the right he wishes to do.
goes without saying that she also needs to find a man The problem is with his will, not with the inadequacy of
who is free to relate as two children of God. The his knowledge.
alternative is to be fixed in an unending thirst that kills in
the very process of being quenched. To see this miserable predicament in perspective we
must invoke the benchmark of pure freedom, with which
What, then, is freedom? The freedom that breaks open the biblical account begins. God says, Let there be and
the tomb of deformation and sets free the captives there is! (Genesis 1). (In Pauls case, he says, let there be
trapped in the dungeon of emptiness? light and there is, by his own admission, darkness!). To
put it in philosophic categories, there is perfect oneness

between will and desire in the case of God. What he are unwelcome and witnesses to truth -Stephen, a case
desires, he wills; and what he wills, he desires. in point- martyred. Given this logic, Jesus knew right at
the outset of his ministry that the shadow of death was
That is the essence of perfect freedom. Human freedom upon him. The Son of Man, he said, has come to die.
gets progressively reduced and paralyzed in proportion to (Lk.9:22)
the alienation of will from desire. The rupture between the
two in politics is slavery and in nature, death. The symbol The preceding discussion was aimed at attaining an
of light is used in the Bible as the objective correlative for approximate idea of what transformation involves and
perfect freedom: the freedom found in God. Jesus as the purports to. One way to understand the logic and scope
light of the world is an embodiment of pure freedom. Our of transformation is to see it as reconciliation;
exalted calling is to incarnate that freedom in this world, reconciliation of will and desire. In the transformed state -
which is organized on un-freedom. which, according to Paul, is attainable through Jesus and
only through him- the good willed, will also be the good
I cannot refrain from recalling Pharaoh in this context. He done. Human beings wont be crippled by the internal
is a classic case -which is the irony on which the book of schism between will and desire. They become, as Jesus
Exodus is structured- of unfreedom. He is a king, by title. said, the light!
But in himself he is a slave, whose will is so paralyzed
that he cannot stick to the decisions he takes; in this Greek philosophical vision called this state one of
instance, to let the Jews go free. This is not unlike our perfected self-mastery. The Bible names it the
own predicament, though there are differences in scale. transformed life. The change involved is so radical that it
Think of the new year resolutions we have made and is tantamount to becoming altogether a new creation.
how long we maintained them!
Jesus refers to this, in his conversation with Nicodemus
Or, consider that symbolic event placed so early in (Jn. 3) as being born again. The problem inherent in the
biblical history -the Tower of Babel. The intention is first birth -birth in flesh and blood- is that it is flawed in
laudable: to create a towering emblem of ethnic unity. the sense in which we have examined above. In being
The outcome? The engineers of human unity end up born again, the individual attains a reconciliation of will
scattered on the face of the earth. The Unity Project and desire. He becomes whole; instead of staying as an
belches confused disunity. Between the intention and assortment of parts, each working at cross-purposes with
the effect, writes T. S. Eliot, falls the shadow. That the rest.
shadow is cast from the paralyzed will of man, which is
a measure, as Marx would say, of his self-alienation. This brings about a change that cannot be explained by
cause and effect as ordinarily understood. Yet, even the
Now a word about God coming down and confusing the phenomenal world provides for a transcendence of
language of the builders of Babel. As Spinoza argued, it cause-effect determinism. It was to come to grips with
a familiar Hebraic pattern to attribute to God causes man this reality that Hegel evolved the idea of holism. When
cannot understand in the given context. Is God an enemy two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen combine
of human unity? Isnt disunity the outcome of the dis- to form a molecule of water, a change happens; but it is a
relationship within every member of the human species change to the order of transformation. The emergent
that infects all of human projects? We are, if anything, a potencies function on a different level and meet a
shade worse than the Jews in explaining situations in this different purpose. In water, the singularities and
fashion. If we succeed, it is because of our merit. If our potencies of hydrogen and oxygen are reconciled to
foolishness backfires on us, God, why have you done create an order of possibilities that not only quenches
this to me? thirst, but also keeps the world clean, nature bright, and
steam engines thundering away, shooting a tremor up
The Christological doctrine of transformation needs to be your spine.
considered against this background. Whereas Greek
thought attributed human affinity to evil to ignorance, the The doctrine of transformation faces two formidable
Bible sees it as issuing from a deep, humanly ineradicable hindrances today. We can do no more than list them.
flaw in human nature. So long as this flaw remains, our
species -individuals and collectivities alike- are incapable The first is modern scepticism. We, the inheritors of
of freedom. We covet and kill freedom at the same time. European Enlightenment -with its baggage of scientific-
Or, as St. Augustine says in City of God, we preach secular-materialism and the dialectical materialism- find it
peace and prepare for war simultaneously. hard to believe that changes of a transformative scope
can happen. We can accept a moving to B on the
Jesus came to set the captives free. He was opposed application of sufficient force; but we cannot reckon a
and killed for that very reason, by those who thought he shifting to another orbit beyond the width of the alphabet.
jeopardized their freedom, such as it was. So, prophets No one is at fault. The system of thought and imagination

we have created is too small to accommodate such and discount this possibility as belonging to old wives
possibilities. So, we feel insecure in the face of such tales. And to remain under the merciless determinism of
possibilities. material cause-and-effect, and stay entrapped in the
misery and paralysis it entails.
It is like the story in Aesops Fables. If the gallows is too
small for the convict, hang one small enough, instead. But that would be a perilous abuse of freedom. Freedom,
The height of the gallows cannot change. Our systems as redeemed by Jesus, becomes the freedom to choose
are too small for God. As Alexis de Tocqueville, the life, not death. As Moses tells the people he led for forty
foremost French political philosopher of the 19th century, years to within sight of the Promised Land, This day I
wrote with unmatched common sense, I am place before you the way of life and the way of death.
unacquainted with His (Gods) designs, but I shall not Choose life!
cease to believe in them because I cannot fathom them,
and I had rather mistrust my own capacity than His Let us resolve. How we use our God-given freedom shall
justice. be the shaping concern for us in 2018. Are we fit for
freedom? Is there a way other than Jesus to enduring
Scepticism about transformation issues from freedom? And does Jesus offer an easy way to freedom,
presumption of human omniscience. I know it not; bypassing the painful process of growing into life in all its
therefore, it exists not. fullness?
The second hindrance is Christian cultism that passes for I do not, customarily wish people on New Year eve. Not
charismatism, which endorses transformation but because I do not want everyone to have a great year, but
vulgarizes it. Transformation is turned into a magical because I know that nothing can happen to anyone
thing. You give your heart to Jesus Christ one day, and without ones own earnest longing and self-effacing
live happily ever after. There is no need to grow. No participation in the run-up to the desired blessing or
responsibility to handle. No struggle. You live the rest of breakthrough. Miracles sprout in the run-up. Thereafter
your life in a privileged existential incubator, sealed off the causation of the Kingdom takes over. It is pure logic
from the realities of the world; like Peter saying to Jesus all the way!
on the Mountain of Transfiguration, Lord, let us stay
here. In that sense I wish the diasporic FOUS fraternity a
blessed 2018. We enter into another year through the
No! Transformation is second birth. All births are an freedom immanent in time; or, so it seems. We lead a
inauguration of growth. To not grow after ones spiritual transformed life through the freedom granted by the Light
birth is even more pathetic than to stay a cretinized of the World: The Word become flesh.
midget since physical birth. When we commit our lives to
Jesus, we are brought to a new beginning, and not to a Rev. Dr. Valson Thampu, Trivandrum
finishing line! The teachings of Jesus are all about our Member, Editorial Board
growing up in spirit and in truth. It is about multiplying the
talents entrusted to us. It is about living fruitfully. It is http://www.issuu.com/diasporafocus
about abundant life, and not about cosmic indulgence! http://www.scribd.com/diasporafocus
In the first birth, earthly parents are the medium. In the Disclaimer: Diaspora FOCUS is a non-profit organization
second, Jesus takes their place. Our growth thereafter is registered in United States, originally formed in late
between him and us. But this growth has a reference to
Nineties in London for the Diaspora Marthomites. Now it
the world that God created out of love. Escapism -which
is an independent lay-movement of the Diaspora laity of
is a serious form of deformation- has no place in biblical the Syrian Christians; and as such Focus is not an official
spirituality, which is a mandate to transform persons and
publication of any denominations. It is an ecumenical
societies in partnership with Jesus Christ.
journal to focus attention more sharply on issues to help
churches and other faith communities to examine their
To Jesus, freedom is the seed of growth. That is why
transformation cannot bypass the problematics of own commitment to loving their neighbors and God,
freedom. Hence it is that we hyphenated the two words. justice, and peace Opinions expressed in any article or
They are as inseparable as light is from the fire that emits statements are of the individuals and are not to be
it, or fragrance from the flower that perfumes your deemed as an endorsement of the view expressed therein
garden. by Diaspora FOCUS. Thanks.
Well, we are approaching another year. Will 2018 be a Web Site: www.facebook.com/groups/mtfocus
year of transformation-liberation for us? Do we believe E-Mail: mtfocusgroup@gmail.com
that God can intervene vertically into time and transform
realities on its horizontal axis? We are free to disbelieve

SELF-TRANSFORMATION AND COMMUNION
Fr. Thomas Punnapadam, SDB, Bangalore
The story is told of a young doctor who was assigned to a to a set of dogmatic pronouncements; nor is it a human
ward for mental patients. He was totally committed to the achievement. It is becoming ever more deeply of the
care of patients and spared no efforts to assist them. One existential reality of the human person in relation to God
day one of them confessed that they too really loved him. and leading to unconditional trust in God. Salvation is
When asked the reason they chorused: you are just like never a reward for moral behaviour and performance of
one of us. rituals.
On the 500th anniversary of the ninety-five theses that As Luther reminded us, the primacy of grace, cannot be
sparked off the so-called reformation among the followers diluted. Religion primarily is not a system of beliefs but a
of Christ and the consequent birth of the protestant way of life, which primarily creates an attitude of
churches, all Christians are challenged to take another repentance, an acknowledgement that one needs to
step on the path of Christian unity for which Jesus Christ change. The very first demand of Jesus is, the time is
prayed at the Last Supper: Holy Father, keep in thy name, fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and
which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as believe in the gospel (Mk 1/15). It is noteworthy that in the
we are one (Jn 17/11b; also v 22). Martin Luther sought a first of his ninety-five theses Martin Luther emphasises
reformation of the church, an honest and fraternal this: When Our Lord and master, Jesus Christ said
academic disputation on the theses on indulgences and Repent, he called for the entire life of believers to be one
not a division among the followers of Jesus Christ. of repentance. So the supreme criterion of authentic
Christian life is the humble acknowledgement that
The council of Trent was indeed reformative and brought repentance and conversion are absolute necessities not
in many changes in Roman Catholic theology following just at the beginning of ones faith journey but every
Luthers line of thought. It was probably the prevalent moment of ones life.
circumstances of mutual hostility and antagonism that
brought about a definitive division. This spirit of hostility A little reflection brings home to us that today in the world
prevailed until a few decades ago. The year 2017 marks at large, including the religious domain; there is so much
the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the attention directed to the external, tangible doctrinal level
comprehensive dialogue between churches, particularly and not sufficient attention to the psychological and
Roman Catholics and Lutherans. The clarion call to lay spiritual domain. It is often forgotten that our external
aside prejudice and mistrust must be heeded to not only behaviours and actions are immensely coloured by our
by church authorities and acclaimed theological thinkers, mind set, often so very prejudiced, judgemental, and
but by every authentic follower of Jesus Christ. As Pope negative. So unless there is deep inner personal
John XXIII reminded us decades ago, the things that unite transformation in individuals, no change in externals can
us are greater than those that divide us. And as a joint even be dreamt of.
declaration of Lutherans and Catholics acknowledges,
Martin Luther is a witness to Jesus Christ. In the field of Christian ecumenism, it would not be an
exaggeration to aver that often there is an unconscious
The unity envisioned by Christ is essentially a unity of Pharisaism in many of us. Each one of us individually and
mind and heart and soul, a unity patterned on, and collectively lives on the premise that we are right and the
nourished by the unity of the Father and the Son. This others are wrong. More than genuine dialogue each one
unity is far more an inner reality than an external one, it is hopes for a conversion of the other. Unless each one is
a unity of hearts rather than of minds. It is a journey open to the need for change in oneself, there can be no
toward communion springing from the premise that there genuine dialogue. Often the prejudice, superiority
is far more that already unites us than what differentiates complex and even Pharisaism may be unconscious or too
the followers of Jesus Christ. This awareness is not deep-seated to be noticed. As a Roman Catholic I am
primarily an intellectual one as an emotional one, an aware that we use the term separated brethren to refer
individual and personal one rather than an institutional to other Christian denominations. The pharisaic
one. One can be graced with this enlightenment only to presumptions in the term are too evident to be ignored.
the extent one undertakes the personal inward journey of
self-transformation. We are ever more anxious about the pollution of our
environment, which will eventually destroy the earth. We
It is beyond doubt that it is faith that justifies, just as our are commendably conscious about cleanliness of the
father Abraham was justified because he believed (Rom body, necessary and praiseworthy no doubt.
4/3). Genuine and profound faith is not intellectual assent Nevertheless, unless the mind and soul are purified, no

one can ever hope to fully purify words and actions, individual daily self-transformation one experiences and
behaviours and institutions. Jesus himself warns us that, manifests in ones life-style. As wells and lakes, streams
not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what and rivers all contain water, so do all believers possess
comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.,. but what some dimension of ultimate truth.
comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this
defiles a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, For Jesus of the Gospels, the greatest sin is pharisaism.
murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. One of his strongest warnings is: Woe to you, scribes and
These are what defile a man (Mt 15/11, 18-20a). Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut the kingdom of
heaven against men; for you neither enter yourselves, nor
allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes
and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you traverse sea and land
to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a
proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as
yourselves (Mt 23/ 13,13).
The primary focus of change and transformation is

inevitable ones own individual self and the community
one joyfully belongs to. It cannot be denied that often
there is a holier-than-thou attitude in us individually and
collectively. If each one of us, as also our communities,
makes a daily, honest, persevering effort to be more and
more Christ-like, there will be far greater unity among all
the followers of Christ. As the common sense
knowledge assures us the closer one is to the centre, the
closer one is to the other. So the only way, the surest
way, the quickest way, to come closer to one another is
to come closer to Christ, become Christ-like through
inner self-liberating freedom from all prejudices and rash
judgements about the other individuals and communities.
As Pope Francis has enlightened us in his well-known
Apostolic Exhortation, Joy of the Gospel, the Church
does not grow by proselytising but by attracting new
members.
The profound purpose of genuine dialogue is not to

Mahatma Gandhi, the mystic politician and honoured as
change the others but simply to encounter the other to
the Father of the nation, is rightly acknowledged as one of
know and love the other. In a genuine encounter,
the greatest leaders in obtaining political independence
difference is recognised as a gift, not resisted as a threat.
for India. Unfortunately, his profound warning is far too
Authentic and fruitful dialogue implies facing the
often forgotten. He often reiterated that when the British
challenges of truth in genuine love. Speaking the truth in
rulers leave India Indians would win swathantra not
love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the
swaraj. Political freedom and democratic governance is
head, into Christ (Eph 4/15).
to be clearly distinguished from the inner freedom of all
that binds us from within, genuine self-rule, liberation This is the challenge of truth to humbly acknowledge that
from all that binds us within. none of us possesses the truth in its fullness. The
commitment to truth, satyagraha, is a life-long
The core of religion is not a set of intellectual concepts or
commitment. The desire for truth is inseparable from
formulations of dogma, but a basic attitude of profound
non-violence, absolute refusal to do any harm to another.
devotion to the divine and a consequent/resultant
Truth never precludes the very same love for oneself and
feeling of ineffable oneness with all human beings in and
for the other. This is precisely the virtue of charity, which
through the Supreme Being. Religious truth is not
accords genuine respect for a different formulation of
primarily theoretical in nature, pertaining to intellectual
truth and befriending others as co-pilgrims in the
assent but a lived, noble truth that transforms ones life
universal search for ultimate truth and cooperating with
and societal structures. Rather than focus on theoretical
them as partners in building up the Reign of God. This is
formulation of religious truths, we are invited to focus on
undoubtedly a constructive and proactive process.
channelling all these resources to fight the common
Divinity is diverse, but division is diabolical.
enemies of all religions like faith-crisis, value-crisis,
Satya in Indian spiritual understanding is not an
secularism, fundamentalism and consumerism. The
impersonal dogmatic formula but the ultimate ground of
authenticity of religion is evidenced by the depth of

existence, God, I-am-who-am. From this perspective the occasion of 500th anniversary, they affirm, that we are
there is a spark of satya in everyone and hence everyone freed by grace to move towards the communion to which
deserves this basic recognition and profound respect. God continually calls us. Indeed it is grace that frees us,
The core of human dignity is religious, in so far as every liberates us. It acknowledges that both Lutherans and
human being is bound to seek the truth and live by it. Catholics have wounded the visible unity of the Church
This sincere search is the greatest source of that theological differences were accompanied by
transformation and liberation. The sure path to prejudice and conflict, that religion was instrumentalised
transformation is first of all the liberation from all ones for political ends. Our common faith in Jesus and our
presumptions and prejudices. baptism demands a daily conversion. Everyone is invited
to pray for the healing of all wounds and listen to Gods
This life-long attitude of sincere search is the most call, to set aside all conflict and enter into ever-deeper
powerful safeguard against evils of intolerance, hostility, communion. Witnessing together to the Gospel of Christ
fear, suspicion or indifference to those who perceive truth means to stand together in service; to welcome
differently from us. No individual or community can claim strangers, defend the rights of the weak and oppressed;
to realize this absolute truth, since the grasp or to pray for a change of heart and mind that leads from
perspective of ultimate truth is always time-bound, mental conflict to communion of hearts.
space-constrained and culture-restricted. Every
individual and group is a votary of God totally committed
to seeking the absolute truth ever more profoundly. One
lives in the awareness that the best way to change the
other is to transform oneself.
The Khristbhakta Movement is indeed a bright star on the

horizon of Indian Spirituality today. Born in Varanasi, a
pilgrimage centre of Hindus, this movement attracts more
and more followers in the name of Christ the Sadguru
(universal teacher) and unites them in genuine fellowship
not only for worship but also for harmonious, non-
discriminatory living. The union of hearts is emphasized
more than a consensus of ideas and dogmas; belonging
rather than believing is the vision of this community.
Everyone is a seeker who accepts Yesubhagavan (Jesus May we never forget that the way we relate to one
Lord) as their absolute inspiration. another shapes our witness to the Gospel. Jesus prayed
to the Father that they may all be one . . . so that the
It is essentially a religio-cultural movement that empowers world may believe thou hast sent me (Jn 17/21). Living
and inspires people in their struggle against oppression Christs love in relationships, we open ourselves to the
and discrimination in society. Many seekers proclaim power of Gods love, which will affect the cosmic and
boldly the inner transformation they have experienced. human transformation assured us by God. Then I saw a
To all Christians this movement offers great hope. It is a new heaven and a new earth. . . Behold the dwelling of
new way of being Christian, not so much belonging to a God is with men . . . Behold I make all things new (Rev 21/
religion as living by the Gospel. It is a break-through in 1, 3; 5b). Everyone is invited to begin from a perspective
dialogical mission. of unity not from division and strengthen what is held in
common even though differences are more easily seen
Khristbhakta movement is indeed an inspiring and experienced. So, one lets oneself be continuously be
contemporary model of dialogue, achieved not merely as transformed by the encounter with the other and commits
an academic exercise but as a living example. The oneself to seek visible unity by rediscovering the Gospel
supreme goal is to know Christ as Gods universal love of Jesus Christ for our times and witnessing together to
and the source of all grace; profound awareness that we the mercy of God in the world. This genuine encounter in
are children of one Father urges us to live in ever greater utter openness is the ultimate service to truth we are
understanding of one another; all come to know one called to render. This service is impossible without deep
another, share what they have and be equally open to love in ones heart. In concrete, this love implies desire to
learn from one another. These Khristbhaktas prove by alleviate suffering in every form, to break all walls of
their lives that the heart of liberation is the liberation of the separation and discrimination. True liberation is achieved
heart. When hearts come closer to one another, minds by being the change one wants to see in the world. This
cannot remain distant. is the unique contribution of each one of us to the
building up of the Reign of God.
In the joint statement of Pope Francis and Bishop
Younan, President of the Lutheran World Federation, on Fr. Thomas Punnapadam, SDB.

Transformation and Liberation: What it Means and How to Achieve?
Dr. P. V. Cherian, Chicago
The word transformation became widely used since the very active. Caterpillars spin cocoons during their pupal
1960s and 1970s as a new wave of universal thought and stage by secreting a silk-like thread wrapping it around
awakening of the spirituality of human nature. However, their bodies in a figure-eight motion. It produces its own
the word became a synonym for changes in the corporate silk thread for the cocoon from the two glands located
world, the government agencies and in the new inside the insect. Inside the cocoon it undergoes dramatic
millennium to the everchanging transformation in changes, acquiring beautiful pigmentation, its antenna,
technology, industries and the daily changes of fashions, wings and legs and liberates itself free from the
style and beauty make over in the secular world. At the entanglement of the cocoon and flies away. Yes, the
present ageless wisdom-seeking era, people are running butterfly transformed from a larva through cocooning,
back and forth to gain true wisdom of transformation to gained its beauty and sought freedom, but how did it
liberate them from the entanglements of life. transform? God created butterflies to maintain a well -
balanced ecosystem. Nearly 90% of all plants needs
Learning more about the physical wellbeing is but one pollination and butterflies carry out that role along with
facet of present world culture attempting to reinvent the bees and other insects. They cannot remain in the
self. Some sit COM television programs are all about cocoon forever; they must transform to fulfill the purpose
make-overs, remodeling, looking good or even for which it is created. Does humanity have a designed
surgically altering ones appearance, all in the name of purpose to fulfill? We shall be able to fulfill our purpose in
some form of transformation. In all these attempts there is life only after a full transformation.
a hidden truth that suggests a personal dissatisfaction
and unhappiness in life. The present generation, Human transformation must first take place in our mind
irrespective of age is unhappy with themselves because by which our soul must be fully satisfied so that it does
they do not know who they are, despite religious not abscond in the open air when we die, but returns to
observance of all organized ceremonies. They are the Creator as the Scripture teaches, For then the dust
unhappy because they are unsure of their true identity will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God
and the purpose of human life. who gave it (Eccl. 12:7). If we know this eternal truth, all
our aim must be to transform our soul, which would make
Every human being struggles with the questions who am total change in our body, mind and spirit for a whole
I, why I am here on earth, and what is the purpose of change of personality.
ones life. Many are adrift in the culture without knowing
what true transformation is from a biblical perspective. Those of us who are of Indian origin perhaps very well
Being a biologist and a medical scientist with some know that the Sanskrit word Moksha variously known as
knowledge in the biblical theology, the analogy for vimoksha, vimukti, mukti, a term Hindu philosophy refers
transformation that I can use is the biological to liberty and freedom. In its theological and
metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly eschatological sense, it means freedom from samsara,
that flies away from its cocoon, to fulfill its purpose in the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
ecosphere for which it was created. Every butterfly Psychologically moksha means freedom from ignorance,
hatches as a larva, crawls around on the leaves and self-realization and self-knowledge. Every major religion,
blades of bushes and trees, eating through its way. Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam
teaches the ultimate freedom or liberation of the soul
when a person dies. Hinduism believes the soul merges
with Brahman, the absolute God, the eternal truth, who
does not change, yet is the cause of all changes. The
usage of the term nirvana is more common in Buddhism
than the widely held view of view of moksha in Hinduism.
In Christian theology transformation means a renewed life

from the life hitherto that reflects a new character,
attitude, behavior and a change in total personality that
more reflects the likeness of Christ. A transformed person
will no longer want to conform to the pattern of the world,
but show visible changes by the renewing of the mind in
thoughts, actions and faith (Rom. 12:2). A transformed
However, they enter a stage called pupa during which it
person should be able to prove that his actions and
may appear dormant, but genetically and physiologically
behaviors are good and acceptable to God and fellow

brethren. Transformation must liberate us to see that God Transformed life not only liberates us free from the passions
has only good, pleasing and perfect plans for us, and we of the world but also shall strive not to grieve the Holy Spirit
humble ourselves to accept the will of God, abide with Gods so as to depart from us. Therefore, David sincerely prayed,
plan for us, no matter what it might be. Our plans and Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit
expectations in any sphere of life may collide with Gods from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant
plan for us but accepting Gods will shall liberate us from the me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:11,12). It is not
constraints of our minds, and our soul becomes free from enough to say we are transformed but is very important to
bondage. know how we are to live our transformed lives. We must
have steadfast faith that must exhibit visible virtues in life
Transformation helps us to put off the old self which along with good deeds. Apostle James asked, What good it
exhibited our former character and manner of living, and put is if we claim to have faith but has no deeds; can such faith
on a renewed newness created after the likeness of God in save him (James 2:14). Apostle Peter has instructed us
true righteousness and holiness. The mysterious doctrine of what these virtues are, and given us the recipe for obtaining
Christian theology is that if we live according to the world of the eternal life for those who are transformed and wanting to
sinful nature we do not gain eternal life, but we die with the liberate them from the abhorrence of this world (2 Peter 1:2-
physical death. But if we live by the Spirit, we put to death 11).
our old self, misdeeds and deceitful nature and we live
beyond the physical death and live eternally. Thus, a grave is Since the latter half of the twentieth century people have
not the end of our lives, just as three nails and a sealed been running to and from in search of knowledge to satisfy
grave could not hold Jesus. This is the truth behind Christian the soul and liberate it. Prophet Amos foresaw this trend in
doctrine of eternal life with God. Different religions explain eighth century BC and warned that People will stagger from
this in various ways, but God planned a redemptive process sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for
for us long before the foundation of the earth. That process the word of the LORD, but they will not find it (Amos 8:12).
is through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Christ is the Son of People are staggering and reeling from west to east, north to
God and by accepting him we become brothers and coheirs south or in any direction they think knowledge is available.
with Christ, our brother (Rom.8: 17). This is how we become The truth of the matter is, in the clamor and clatter of life
the children of God (Rom. 8:13-14). they havent found the true knowledge of transformation
from the cocoons of our life.
How did a caterpillar become a butterfly? Inside the cocoon
it transformed everything in its genes the Creator designed In a culture that provides satisfaction through self-glory and
for the particular species of that butterfly. God has put into entertainment many people try to be stars only to find that
our genome every aspect for the betterment of life in this their stardom is temporary. But God teaches that we can be
world, both physical and spiritual by transformation, and shining like eternal stars forever by being wise to be
thus to fulfill our purpose in life. Each of us has a transformed to do his will and lead many to righteousness.
responsibility to our generation. Prophet Daniel was told to seal the book of knowledge until
the time of the end when many shall run to and fro, and
knowledge shall increase (Dan. 12: 3-4). We are living at the
time of increased knowledge in everything except the true
knowledge about God. But a time is coming soon when they
will seek the eternal God. Are we transformed to lead others
to God?
Being professing Christians, the questions we must ask are:

Am I transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ?
Am I leading a holy life consistent with Christs teachings?
Am I fully liberated from the cocoons of my life to do the will
of God? Have I discerned my purpose in life? Am I a new
person because Christ lives me? May the Lord help us to
answer in the affirmative!
The power to grow in the grace of God is not easy nor it
comes from within us, but from God through grace and
power of Lord Jesus Christ. We humans simply do not have Editors Note: Plammoottil V.
the resources to be truly godly, yet God allows those who Cherian, M. Div., PhD. Buffalo Grove,
are transformed to participate in his divine nature in order to Illinois 60089 USA. Dr. Cherian is
the Former Associate Secretary of
keep us from falling to sin and worldly life. When we are truly
the Diocese of North America &
transformed, God by His Holy Spirit empowers us with an
Europe. Currently he is a member of
aversion to worldly sins and a likeness to his own moral
the Chicago Mar Thoma Church,
goodness. (See John 3:6; 14:17-23; 2 Cor. 5:21 and 1 Pet. USA.
1:22,23).

Evolution as Grounding for Hospitality: Interfaith Interrogations
Rev. Baiju Markose, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
like to argue that, Darwins work has theological
[Hu] man is not only evolved, [s]he is evolving. - intentions. There is always a space for hospitality within
Theodosius Dobzhansky the theory that Darwin proposes. Here I would like to
explore some theological themes in connection with the
We are living in a world of hostility; the militant spirit of Darwins evolution theory.
reactionary movements, exclusion, separation, fear and
anxiety etc. are at all time high levels today. The Tree of Life: Argument on Common Origin
disconnect between the self and other has elicited a
culture of fear and produced gated communities. An Darwins concept of the Tree of Life2 is a well-
inevitable violence of exclusion within the human constructed model of biological evolution. He speaks
existence is being taken for granted. In this context, it is about the effects of natural selection on the descendants
the responsibility of the faith communities to search for of a common ancestor. The model explains how the
meaningful paradigms and practices of hospitality. Our populations of various species change and branch off
world today needs practices of hospitality instead of through the process called Transmutation. Over a period
hostility. How science and religion can contribute or of time populations vary from a common ancestor,
promote practices of hospitality? This paper is a humble creating diversity. The changing climatic conditions also
attempt to revisit the theory of biological evolution as the have a role in the difference among populations. This
basis for opening up new vistas of inter-faith relations and theory affirms that all living species share a common
to encourage scientific and religious dialogue in a broader ancestor, and that this common origin has some
context. theological implications. Gayle Woloschack, comments:
There is a unity that exists in creation that is a direct
Evolution: A Theological Re-visit result of the common evolution of all of life on earth within
the confines of our common yet varied environment.3 The
Charles Darwins classic work, The Origin of Species by interconnectedness of all forms of life is a profound
means of Natural Selection was published in 1859. theological theme. Woloschack continues: life on earth
Today, it is one of the most captivating works of all shares the same elements (Carbon, nitrogen, trace
historical, philosophical and scientific research. Darwins metals), the same processes (cell division, replication and
theory of evolution scientifically explains the process, and repair of DNA, transcription of RNA, Translation of
the logical sequencing of life. It also explains the proteins), even similar genetic code. These shared
existence of various forms of biological life. As a scientific processes are sufficiently complex to make any two living
theory and meta-narrative, it answers several important organisms more similar to each other than anything non-
questions like the reasons for bio-diversity. It also living in the universe . . . Thus, mankind and every other
discusses the similarities and differences among various species share in unity as they evolved into diversity. Both
species; and how biological life survives? So the theory of unity and diversity of life have profound theological
evolution tries to answer the most fundamental questions significance that is missed if we do not incorporate the
about life that Religion and Theology engage. However, it theory of biological evolution into contemplation of
is very interesting to note that Darwin begins the book Creation.4
The Origin of Species by referring to a theological task,
in the form of a quote from Whewells (from Bridge Water So here we see how this theory affirms the unity in
Treatise). He quotes: but with regard to the material diversity, and suggests some profound theological points.
world, we can at least go so far as this we can perceive After Darwin, the idea of Tree of life was analyzed by
that events are brought about not by insulated several other scientists; however, the idea of common
interpositions of Divine power, exerted in each particular origin remains the center of most scientific viewpoints.
case, but by the establishment of general laws.1 But it can be perceived as the unfolding of life itself. A
believer can comprehend it as the unfolding of Gods
So one can assume that Darwin is putting beliefs about plan.
the material world in a dialogical frame shared with
beliefs about God. This is evident in the reference about Continuing Creation
God and Gods relationship with this world. So I would l
1 2
Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Ibid., 87.
3
Selection or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle Gayle E. Woloschak, The Compatibility of the Principles of
for Life and the Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex Biological Evolution with Eastern Orthodoxy, St Vladimirs
(New York: Random House, 1936), 2. Theological Quarterly 55, no. 2 (January 1, 2011): 213.
4
Ibid.

In the Origin of Species, Darwin tries to keep the Then I send Myself forth
possibility of mutations and modifications in creation. For protection of the good
According to Darwinians Theory, all species have been And for the destruction of evil doers,
modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and To make a firm footing for the right
co adaption5 through natural means and not through I come into being in age after age.7
separate creation. He discards the possibility of an
independent creation of new species, as nature continues Here the word used for righteousness is Dharma,
the creation process. This is a theologically pregnant which means the order/rhythm of the universe.
subject, since co-creation with the universe is a well- According to Gita, Gods descent happens when the
affirmed idea in all the eastern religious traditions. order of the universe (course of life) is at stake. And this
happens throughout the ages, as needed, for
Evolution and Religious Compatibilities protection of the good. The Avatara doctrine is well
explained in Bhagavata Purana with the concept of
Having discussed some of the Theological implications of Dasavatara (means ten incarnations of God). This
Biological Evolution, I would like to explore the concept also has an uncanny parallel with the theory of
Theological compatibility of eastern religious traditions Biological Evolution. Biological evolution is defined as
namely, Hinduism, Eastern Christianity and Buddhism. descent with modification.8 This descent with
The main objective here is to explore the compatibilities modification is well illustrated through Dasavatara
and sensibilities of Eastern Religious Traditions by concept. The ten Avataras are namely, Matsya, Koorma,
entering into an understanding with biological evolution Varaha, Narasimha,Vamana, Parsurama, Rama, Balarama,
(and thus with modern science), in order to create a Krishna, and Kalki.9 These Dasavataras (ten incarnations
broader platform for interfaith engagement. For this I will of Vishnu), in sequential order, demonstrate evolution
be exploring the commonalities that shared by these starting from the aquatic animal to humans. The
religious traditions with the biological evolution from a sequence is as follows;
cultural perspective.
1. Matsya (fish)- origin of life in water
Hinduism 2. Koorma(Tortoise)- Progression of life from water to
land
Generally, some consonance between modern science 3.Varaha(Wild Boar)- life in its Animal form
and Hindu tradition can be found. Scholars like 4. Narasimha(Man-Lion)- Half human, half animal form
Varadaraja observe that the Hindu concepts on reality 5.Vamana (Dwarf)- Progression from half humanness to
anticipate6 modern scientific knowledge. Vedas depicts fullness but incomplete
the creator of the universe as Prajapati (Lord of the 6. Parasurama( Human with axe)- representative of stone
people). And, according to Vedas, this creator made three age human
primordial gods: Agni (fire), Vayu (air) and Surya (Sun). 7.Rama ( Human with a bow and arrow)-fully human,
Then he made the sky and water. The prerequisites for responsible form of life)
the origin of life! In this Vedic imagery, one can easily 8.Balarama(Human with a Plough)-Development of
establish the presence of sun, air and water for the origin Agriculture
of life. Another mysterious parallel between evolution and 9. Krishna (Person of Intelligence, and Love)
Hindu thought can be traced in the doctrine of Dasavatara 10.Kalki (Destroyer/ Redeemer so that the evolution could
(ten incarnations). take place again)
Theory of Evolution and Dasavatara Doctrine The Biological evolution by natural selection and causal
explanation of change, are mythologically explained in
Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna, the secret of Avatara. this sequential order of Avataras. Since the sequential
For whenever of the right order has similarities with the tree of life, proposed by
A languishing appears, son of Bharata, Darwin: it is easy to connect the Hindu view of reality with
A rising up of unright,
7
Franklin Edgerton, The Bhagavad Gita: Translated and
Interpreted by Franklin Edgerton (Cambridge: Harvard
5
Darwin, The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection University Press, 1944), 23.
8
or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life Woloschak, The Compatibility of the Principles of Biological
and the Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, 66. Evolution with Eastern Orthodoxy, 209.
9
Bhagavata Purana 1:3. Refer DASAVATAR - TEN
6
Varadaraja V Raman, Traditional Hinduism and Modern AVATARS OF LORD VISHNU | Sri Srimad Bhagavatam
Science, in Bdidging Science and Religion, 1St Edition Katha, accessed May 8, 2015,
(London: SCM Press, 2009), 186. http://srisrimadbhagavatamkatha.blogspot.com/2012/11/dasavat
ar-ten-avatars-of-lord-vishnu.html.

the theory of evolution. Despite both coming from Theistic Evolution
different systems of thought and developed in different
historical contexts; there are several criticisms and Theistic Evolution is the belief that God was and is the
reactions regarding the commonalities between the Hindu cause of biological variations and God drives evolution
doctrine of Dasavatara and evolution. According to towards purposeful ends. Paulose Mar Greogorios,
Varadaraja: the avatara stories reflect not only biological, explains the idea of theistic evolution in the eastern
but also cultural evolution. Humans have been evolving Christian tradition, He says: the creative energy of God
from wielders of brute force, symbolized by axe, to appears to have taken a gradually ascending path, with
proponents of moral principles, and ultimately to agents humanity emerging at the last stage. Nature making the
of deeper truths about the world . . . I have come to see ascent, as though by steps . . . from the smallest to the
the mythologies of bygone days much meaning in the things more perfect. But although humankind appeared at
context of both biological and cultural evolution.10 the top of the ladder, it is not totally unrelated to or
independent of the rest of the created world.14
Jonathan B. Edelmann argues that the two different
systems can be re-interpreted in the light of each other According to Greogorios, humanity shares the
for new understandings of reality.11 Meera Nanda reminds fundamental nature of all creation. But at the same time it
us that reductionism may happen by the selective represents a unique element in Gods creative process. It
interpretation of the Hindu thoughts.12 Yet, we cannot is the unique vocation of humanity. Mar Greogorios,
bypass the startling parallel between the Hindu view of draws inspiration from the writings of St. Gregory, the
reality and Biological evolution. Thus, another fourth century Church father. And he attributes some
demonstration of the compatibility of Hinduism with notions of evolutionary theory in the theology of St.
modern scientific developments. Gregory. Mar Greogorios, rephrases the core theological
theme of eastern Christianity as: life ascended gradually
Eastern Christianity from plants to animals to humanity and that human nature
incorporates the vegetative, the animal, and the
The terrain of science and religious dialogue has been rational.15
dominated by western Christianity. However recently,
Eastern Christian traditions have gained renewed [C]Theosis/ Deification
importance in these conversations. The work, Science
and Eastern Orthodox Church, by Buxhoeveden and Theosis or deification is the one of the major affirmations
Woloschack is a very good example of this new focus. of eastern Christianity. The concept of Theosis, is all
The churches of eastern and western traditions differ from about personal evolution. It is considered to be a gift from
each other in their theological emphasis. Buxahoeveden, God in eastern Christian tradition. Georgios I.
sums it up when he says: these differences are reflected Mantzaridis, quotes Maximus the confessor: We undergo
in the areas such as anthropology, salvation and deification, and do not create it, for it is supernatural.16 In
creation.13 And these areas have the potential to a Liturgical song of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of
transform religio-science interactions too. Now, I also Malabar, this deification process is clearly mentioned.
would like to focus on the Eastern Christian traditions The spiritual evolution of the image and likeness of God is
practiced specifically in South India. The eastern Christian affirmed. It is depicted as a journey from animal likeness
traditions follow similar worship traditions and liturgies. to Christ likeness. Let us remember those who exhorted
These traditions share commonalities with the eastern us, when we were animal like. They guided us in the
orthodox traditions (like Russian Orthodox Church). While journey to become Christ like. And let us follow their
there are no theologies formulated as creeds or doctrines, footsteps in the journey to the completion.17 The spiritual
the liturgy is considered as doctrinal in these churches. evolution affirmed here shares similarities with the
biological evolution.
10
Raman, Traditional Hinduism and Modern Science, 189.
11 14
Jonathan B. Edelmann, Hindu Theology and Biology: The Paulos Mar Greogorios, The Human Presence: Ecological
Bhagavata Purana and Contemporary Theory (Oxford Spirituality and the Age of the Spirit (New York: Amity House,
Theology and Religion Monographs, 2012), 61. 1987), 63.
12 15
Zainal Abidin. Bagir, Science and Religion in a Post Ibid.
16
Colonial World: Interfaith Perspectives, vol. 8, Science and Georgios I. Mantzaridis, The Deification of Man
Theology Series; (Adelaide, S. Aust.: ATF Press, 2005), 28. (Crestwood:St.Vladimir Seminary Press,1984),61.
13 17
Daniel Buxhoeveden and Gayle Woloschak, Science and the Selected Hymns and Order of Worship, 53rd ed. (Tiruvalla:
Eastern Orthodox Church (Farnham, Surrey, England; Mar Thoma Sabha Publication Board, 2012), 92.
Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2011), xi.

These elements of Eastern Christianity are the best intention. But the intent was to trace the religious
resources to re-imagine the theory of evolution as a resources in India, which are compatible with science.
common ground to meet together. Generally, the eastern religious traditions are overlooked
Buddhism as non-compatible with science, but the reverse is
actually true. Capra comments: There is a harmony
The central point of Evolution theory is the continuing between the spirit of eastern wisdom and western
dimension of the evolution process. According to the science. The modern Physics goes far beyond
Evolutionary Biologist, Theodosius Dobzhansky this point technology, that the way or Tao- of physics can be a path
is strangely over looked. He says: Man is not only with heart, a way to spiritual knowledge and self-
evolved, he is evolving. This is a source of hope in the realization.22 It is evident that the eastern religious
abyss of despair.18 And this dimension of evolution is a traditions are not only compatible with modern scientific
very important theme in Buddhist philosophical thought. research, but also complementary to each other.
The Bodhisattva ideal of Mahayana Buddhism is one of
the important Buddhist doctrines. A bodhisattva is the Evolution as a Paradigm of Hospitality:
highly evolved human being on the way to becoming a
Buddha, who is not seeking enlightenment for himself I Think in the Indian context, where we have a strong
alone, but has vowed to help all other beings achieve disconnect between Religion and Science, these types of
Buddhahood before he enters into nirvana.19 It is religious resources (that we mentioned earlier) can be
considered as the culmination of this Buddhist thought used positively rather than rejecting them as something
has reached in Avatamsaka school. The school is based pejorative. These resources can act as a catalyst to
on the Avatamsaka sutra. Capra connects Avatamaka scientific and religious dialogue. The theory of Biological
sutra and modern physics and says: the central theme evolution can be used as a common platform. In the past,
of the Avatamsaka is the unity and interrelation of all the evolution process has been interpreted as hostile
things and events; a conception which is not only the very territory by both scientists and theologians. However, it is
essence of the Eastern world view, but also one of the the time to re-visit the evolution theory, from a hospitality
basic elements of the world view emerging from modern perspective. Recently I read about an interfaith initiative
physics.20 launched by Global Negotiation Project at Harvard
University, which seeks to build a route of cultural tourism
The Avatamsaka sutra tells about various stages in the following the footsteps of Abraham. The project is known
path of awakening. The path begins with Bodhicitta, who as Abrahamic path.23 It helps to develop a greater
wishes to liberate all the conscious beings. Then the understanding among Judaism, Islam and Christianity,
aspiring Bodhicitta becomes engaging Bodhicitta upon claiming the common heritage and meeting each other in
actual commitment to the Bodhicitta vows. With these the Abrahamic footsteps. While the project has had some
steps, the practitioner becomes a Bodhisattva.21 The significant impact and many positive responses, it also
whole process of evolution undergoes through ten stages has its limitations. For example, it doesnt propose a
(Bhumis). Each stage mark advancement in the process common ground for everybody; and it is confined within
of spiritual evolution. The course of the process from the the religious trio of Judaism, Christianity and Islam,
lowest to the complex follows the similar sequential order specifically excluding Hinduism and Buddhism. For a
that we have noticed in Hindu and Eastern Christian broader vision of interfaith relations, I propose biological
thought. So it is evident that Buddhist tradition also evolution as a common meeting place for interfaith
shares the evolutionist paradigm. relations.
We have been reflecting upon the religious compatibilities Practicing Hospitality: Some Suggestions
of Eastern religious traditions with biological evolution.
The arguments are not neither polemical nor apologetic in The practice of hospitality is grounded in the idea of
common origin and shared lives as proposed by
18
Theodosius Dobzhansky, Mankind Evolving: The Evolution Biological Evolution. Since Evolution is a logical
of the Human Species. (New Haven: Yale University Press, grounding, it can open up a new platform where
1967), 346. everybody can come together including atheists, theists,
19
Fritjof Capra, The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the scientists, priests, philosophers, teachers, students and
Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism
(Berkeley: Shambhala Publications, 1975), 98.
20 22
Ibid., 99. Capra, The Tao of Physics, 25.
21
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The
23
Complete Buddhist Path to Enlightenment, 2nd Rev and Reset Andrew Shepherd, The Gift of the Other: Levinas, Derrida,
ed. edition (Ulverston; Glen Spey, N.Y: Tharpa Publications, and a Theology of Hospitality (Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick
1995), 535. Publications, 2014), 251.

so on. This practice should initiate interfaith and creation. Local Parishes/neighborhoods should be re-
interdisciplinary engagements, as well as practices for a established as eco-friendly communities that initiate
better world. Some of the practical suggestions are sustainable practices.
provided in the following sections of this paper.
Science as Interfaith Practice
Hermeneutics beyond Literalism
Science and Technology can also be re-established as
Religious scriptures should be re-read from a hospitality interfaith practices in the Indian context. The
perspective rather than literal interpretation. More implementation of technological innovations for the
specifically, the creation narratives should be interpreted common good at the local level without considering
in a way that is compatible with science. The recent religious divisions and differences can foster inter-faith
comments made by Pope Francis regarding the creation relationships within the community.
story and evolution can be viewed as a positive sign for
such an undertaking. The Pope stated: evolution in Conclusion
nature is not opposed to creation, because evolution
presupposes the creation of beings that evolve.24 The A theological review of the theory of Biological Evolution
interpretation of the creation story in the book of Genesis can shed new light on the trajectory of science and
by Sergius Bulgakov is also important, when he says: the religious interaction. This theory affirms a common origin
sequence of days in the creation story (Genesis 1) refers for all forms of life, and serves as a common ground for
to a gradual evolutionary actualization of all forms of differences and diversity. The eastern religious traditions
life.25 have immense resources; through which they can claim
compatibility with the theory of evolution. The core of
Interdisciplinary Pedagogy/kerygma Hindu, Eastern Christian, and Buddhist philosophical
There is a need to develop an interdisciplinary pedagogy thoughts are all in line with the evolution theory. These
for teaching the religious narratives on creation. For types of religious resources should be affirmed positively
example: a revision of the catechism curriculum with an not polemically or apologetically, and from a hospitality
interdisciplinary perspective so that science and religion perspective. This new perspective of viewing biological
dialogue can be promoted. evolution can have many positive consequences in
community life. In the Indian context, the hospitality
Eco-sensitive Community perspective can promote meaningful interfaith relations
The idea of the Common Origin of life and its unity also and science and religion dialogue in a very practical
has profound ecological implications. Woloschock says way. I believe authentic scientific expression should be
with strong conviction that unity helps humanity to see complimented by moral and religious resources. In the
the relationship of all creatures, indeed our relationship same way an authentic religious experience should be
with the earth itself. The diversity of creation helps enriched by scientific research and truths. The time has
humanity the need for all creatures, all of life, all niches come for religion and science to hear each other, and
and environments to support each other and our planet. heal each other!
With both of these concepts come a profound ecological Bibliography
consciousness and a view of humans as priests of Bagir, Zainal Abidin. Science and Religion in a Post Colonial
creation.26 World: Interfaith Perspectives. Vol. 8. Science and Theology
Series; Adelaide, S. Aust.: ATF Press, 2005.
The recent ecological problems in India27remind us to re- Bulgakov, Sergius. The Bride of the Lamb. Grand Rapids,
assert this unity and the interconnectedness of all Michigan: W.B. Eerdmans, 2002.
Buxhoeveden, Daniel, and Gayle Woloschak. Science and the
24
Pope Francis: Evolution ... Is Not Inconsistent with the Eastern Orthodox Church. Farnham, Surrey, England;
Notion of Creation, Religion News Service, accessed May 10, Burlington, Vt: Ashgate, 2011.
2015, http://www.religionnews.com/2014/10/27/pope-francis- Capra, Fritjof. The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the
evolution-inconsistent-notion-creation/. Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism.
Berkeley: Shambhala Publications, 1975.
25
Sergius Bulgakov, The Bride of the Lamb (Grand Rapids, Darwin, Charles. The Origin of Species by Means of Natural
Michigan: W.B. Eerdmans, 2002), 173. Selection or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle
26
Woloschak, The Compatibility of the Principles of for Life and the Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to
Biological Evolution with Eastern Orthodoxy, 213. Sex. New York: Random House, 1936.
Dobzhansky, Theodosius. Mankind Evolving: The Evolution of
27
For example, the unethical /improper use of endosulfan in the Human Species. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1967.
the cashew fields in Kasargod, has caused severe health
problems among the people over there. Keralas Endosulfan http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/nation/kerala-s-
Tragedy, OPEN Magazine, accessed May 8, 2015, endosulfan-tragedy.

Edelmann, Jonathan B. Hindu Theology and Biology: The Pearls of Wisdom
Bhagavata Purana and Contemporary Theory. Oxford
Theology and Religion Monographs, 2012.
Edgerton, Franklin. The Bhagavad Gita:Translated and [Somebody once asked a Christian friend, I cant
Interpreted by Franklin Edgerton. Cambridge: Harvard understand you Christians because India is the
University Press, 1944. home of many religions that it is an exceedingly
Gregorios, Paulos Mar. The Human Presence: Ecological religious country. Why then do you introduce yet
Spirituality and the Age of the Spirit. New York: Amity House, another religion and add to the confusion? Surely,
1987. India has enough religions.
Gyatso, Geshe Kelsang. Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The
Complete Buddhist Path to Enlightenment. 2nd Rev and Reset
ed. edition. Ulverston; Glen Spey, N.Y: Tharpa Publications, The Christian friend answered, Friend, Im not
1995. interested in *religion*, but Im deeply interested in
Mantzaridis, Georgios I. The Deification of Man. the Gospel. I would not walk across the streets for
Crestwood:St.Vladimir Seminary Press,1984. *religion*, but Im willing to go around the world for
Raman, Varadaraja V. Traditional Hinduism and Modern the sake of the Gospel. There is a difference
Science. In Bdidging Science and Religion, 1St Edition., 185 between the two.
95. London: SCM Press, 2009.
Shepherd, Andrew. The Gift of the Other: Levinas, Derrida, and
Religion is man-made; the Gospel is God given,
a Theology of Hospitality. Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick
Publications, 2014.
Woloschak, Gayle E. Beauty and Unity in Creation: The Religion is what man does for God; the Gospel is what
Evolution of Life. Minneapolis, Minn: Light & Life Pub, 1996. God has done for man,
Woloschak, Gayle E. The Compatibility of the Principles of
Biological Evolution with Eastern Orthodoxy. St Vladimirs Religion is mans search for God; the Gospel is Gods
Theological Quarterly 55, no. 2 (January 1, 2011): 20931. search for man,
Online Resourses
DASAVATAR - TEN AVATARS OF LORD VISHNU | Sri Religion is man trying to climb the ladder of his own self-
Srimad Bhagavatam Katha. Accessed May 8, 2015. righteousness, with the hope of meeting God at the
http://srisrimadbhagavatamkatha.blogspot.com/2012/11/dasavat topmost rung; the Gospel is God coming down the ladder
ar-ten-avatars-of-lord-vishnu.html. of the incarnation of Jesus Christ and meeting us as
Keralas Endosulfan Tragedy. OPEN Magazine. Accessed sinners at the lowest rung (forming the steps of a ladder),
May 8, 2015.
http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/nation/kerala-s- Religion is good views; the Gospel is good news.
endosulfan-tragedy.
Pope Francis: Evolution ... Is Not Inconsistent with the Notion Religion is good advice; the Gospel is glorious
of Creation. Religion News Service. Accessed May 10, 2015. announcement.
http://www.religionnews.com/2014/10/27/pope-francis-
evolution-inconsistent-notion-creation/.
Religion takes a man leaves him as he is; the Gospel
Document
takes a man as he is and makes him what he ought to
Selected Hymns and Order of Worship. 53rd ed. Tiruvalla: Mar
Thoma Sabha Publication Board, 2012. be.
*Religion* ends in an outer reformation; the Gospel

ends in an inner transformation.
Religion white washes; the Gospel washes white.
Religion often becomes a farce; the Gospel is always

a force, the power of God unto salvation to everyone
who believes.
There are many religions, but only one Gospel.]
Editorial Note: Fr. Thomas Punnapadom, a Catholic

priest and theologian, sent the following quotation for us
to meditate over this advent time. It is worth spending
time on this short reflection on religion and the impact of
the Gospel in our lives.

FROM PRESERVATION TO FULFILMENT
Rev. Dr. Valson Thampu, Trivandrum
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the true, purpose of tradition. Tradition was a living thing. To
Prophets; I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfil that extent, it was open to change. Not any kind of
them -St. Matthew 5:17 change; but change necessary for its own fulfillment.
Jesus makes an important distinction here. Clearly, it is There are three things, relevant, to our theme we know
not enough to be zealous about preserving ones already. First, nothing is in a statement of fulfillment at
tradition. As philosophers and social scientists have told the given time. Second, what stops transcending itself is
us many times over, it is simply impossible to preserve. death. Third, what approaches fulfillment is transfigured;
Or, preservation, in respect of what is dynamic and vital, which is why the episode of Transfiguration is there in
is an impractical and unspiritual approach. Only the Gospel. There is a direct spiritual link between the
mummies are preserved as they are. Mountain of Transfiguration and Calvary, which still
echoes with the words, It is fulfilled. Jesus clothes
Lets see why. Change is of the essence of nature and became radiant at Transfiguration. After that clothes are
life. Nothing remains the same. We cannot step into the superfluous. Thats why the Body on the Cross is not
same river twice because it is, insofar as it flows, perceived by us as naked.
changing continually. We ourselves are not the same
from day to day. Scientists tell us that once in six months What did Jesus mean by saying that he came not to
nearly all cells in our body -apparently numbering some abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them?
100 trillion! - are replaced. In that sense, each one of us Why would the Law and the Prophets be not fulfilled
is only six months old at any given point in time! through the Judaic religious establishment?
Now, imagine a religious tradition, committed inflexibly Thats simple. The only concern the custodians of this
to orthodoxy that remains the same over centuries. The great tradition had was to preserve and to protect. They
identity of anything, including traditions and individuals, were too blind; spiritually callous, to see the
is contextual. That is easy to understand, if you consider contradiction inherent in this outlook. This needs to be
for a moment a person living alone in an island. He has understood clearly, as it continues even today to be a
no identity. Thats because identity is a collaborative widespread aberration. The outlook of preservation
construct between you and your species. Or, imagine stems from ownership mentality. To own a spiritual
your becoming a space person, orbiting the earth or any tradition, it has to be reduced to a lifeless and static
other planet lifelong. Your identity will change at once. object. You keep your jewels in lockers. You dont keep
Now you are a space man, not a human being who your children there, do you? It is as simple as that.
belongs to the species Homo Sapiens. Or, consider Children need, and have the potential for, fulfillment;
another possibility. You became a sleeping beauty, slept jewels dont. The worst form of atheism is degrading the
for two hundred years, and woke up in a different world. living faith into a dead object, shrouded and embalmed
You cannot be you, then. You were you, two hundred in orthodoxy.
years ago; but now you are anachronistic, which you
were not when you slipped into sleep two centuries ago. Now, let us see how Jesus went about fulfilling the Law
You were preserved exactly as you were, but you have and the Prophets. The first thing to note is that Jesus
ceased to be you! This illustrates the paradox at the core had profound respect for the Law and the Prophets. But,
of a living faith. to him, they did not constitute orthodoxy. They were
livewire realities impacting the world. Most people, even
According to Jesus, therefore, there is a need for a while praying to God, think of God as pretty distant and
paradigm shift. To be spiritual at all, we need to shift ancient! That was not how it was with Jesus. Recall,
from preservation to fulfilment. Preservation is a static once again, Transfiguration. Why was Jesus in the
concept. Our idea of tradition is, alas, static and company of Moses and Elijah, both separated by
petrified. It does not have to be; but, sadly, it is. It leaves centuries? To Jesus, Moses and Elijah were
no margin for fulfillment. But that was not the original, or contemporaneous with him; they had no relevance as

relics of the past. This outlook is the key to the outlook different from abandoning. The latter implies a full stop,
of fulfillment. In contrast, preservation is rooted in the and the former a beginning. So, he conjoined a mandate
past. with the gift of life: seek is fullness (Mt. 5:48, 7:7, Jn.
10:10). Jesus came to lead all people into life in all its
fullness. Fulfillment of life is Gods spiritual agenda. It is
by this yardstick that we need to measure religions,
religious establishments and denominations.
I am aware that this could sound heretical! My only

comfort is that this is purely biblical. It issues an un-
adulterated from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
What was the main hindrance or limitation in the path of

the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets?
There were two main issues here. First, the Jews -

misunderstanding what it meant to be a chosen people-
appropriated the Law and the Prophets as their exclusive
The proof that we value a living thing is that we do all we
religious property. This was a blatant contradiction of
can to ensure that it is developed to the utmost and
the prophetic truth that they were called to be a light
fulfilled. A spiritually responsible husband, for example,
unto the nations (Isaiah 49:6). The Law and the Prophets
will not treat his wife as an object, or feel insecure on
were the oil in the lamp of their spiritual calling and
account of her empowerment. He will be mindful of his
witness. Most importantly, they were to shine for the
duty to minister to her need for fulfillment. That is the
sake of humankind as a whole. Jesus affirmed the same
essence and energy of love. How do we love our
truth in St. Matthew 5: 13-16. We are the salt of the
children? By freezing them in time and holding them
earth, the light of the world! Our resource for functioning
back from the world? Or, by doing our best to ensure
as such is Jesus who is the light of the world (Jn. 9:5)
that they sprout wings and fly towards the fulfillment of
and not light for Christians alone.
the promise in them? Jesus said to his disciples: Go!
The world out there, with its multiple challenges, We do no better than the Jews of Isaiahs time. Perhaps
responsibilities and opportunities, is the theatre of our we are a shade worse. We think that Jesus is a tribal
growth. The stereotypical mission compound is, in hurricane lamp, meant only for believers and
comparison, a hide-out. denominations. What we are to do with that lamp, is a
question rarely asked.
If we are convinced of the spiritual importance of the
purpose of Jesus mission, as under consideration here, Be clear about this one thing: so long as we think that
surely we would want to know: how did Jesus go about the Gospel of Jesus Christ is property of believers and
the task of fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. denominations, we will not take a single step forward
towards fulfilling the Gospel.
This ministry has a two-fold dimension: positive and
negative. The positive part is the revelation of the true Secondly, Jesus removed the baggage of territoriality
scope of the spiritual tradition inaugurated by God and ethnicity from the Law and the Prophets and made
through the Law and the Prophets. This made him the spiritual tradition they unveiled universal. This meant
proclaim the Kingdom of God. The seemingly negative insisting on the changes it took to do so. The Kingdom
task - which is also essentially positive - was to remove of God, we often forget, can have no walls or
the limitations and hindrances on the path of this boundaries. Jesus came, as St. Paul says, to dismantle
spiritual tradition, as it was institutionalized and the walls of division. We repeat these words largely
preserved. To preserve is to impose man-made because we do not care to understand their practical
limitations and conditions. application and liberating power.
Personally, I am convinced that it is wrong to present Surely, the paradigm of fulfillment is at work in
God as preserver of life. God is the giver of life. Giving is transforming a regional faith monopolized by an ethnic

group -the Jews- into a universal spiritual heritage into speak in tongues! As a result, no one knows what is
which all are welcome without the mediation of being discussed. How is our idea of speaking in tongues
middlemen. Building on this Peter emphasized the different from this? Is there no limit to the despicable
priesthood of all believers. Our denounced the clergy of mockery and dishonesty we practice in the name of
his times as whited sepulchers. Sepulchers may be Jesus, who is the truth? (Jn. 14:6)
venues for embalmed preservation, but certainly not for
fulfilment. Why, do you think, Jesus had the donkey tied to a tree,
as a prelude to his Passion and Crucifixion set free? That
Then, as now, the most formidable stumbling block to too is a parable. The donkey in Bethany symbolizes the
fulfilling the faith is the clergy. Out of good intentions, predicament we have willingly embraced. The tree offers
they become experts in preservation. Hardly anyone shade, no doubt. Occasionally, provide fruits too. It is
realizes the subtle sarcasm Jesus embedded in the easy and safe, besides, to go round and round the tree.
parable of the Good Samaritan. Why couldnt the priest But there is no scope for fulfillment in such a condition.
respond to the misery of the wounded, bleeding man? Jesus came to set the captives free (Lk. 4: 18). In the
The clue lies in the attire of the priest. It is so designed, Kingdom of God, the last must be the first. (Mt. 20: 16).
as scholars point out, as to prevent the priest from doing So, the stupendous mission for the liberation of
any manual work. The Samaritan was a worker. He was humankind begins with setting a tied donkey free, so
not bound within a comprehensive and cumbersome that a beast of burden too may march to the City of God!
uniform. But the spiritual mission Jesus entrusts to us is
not confined to the scope of a maintenance department. The lamentable thing is that preservation as the
operating principle effects a pathetic reduction in the
Imagine, for a moment, what our plight would have been scope of our understanding and actions. To the preserve
if Jesus, instead of fulfilling the Law and the Prophets the donkey only two things are necessary: provide
had merely preserved it. We would have been Gentiles - fodder and ward off predatory animals. What else?
aliens and strangers to the way of life. That is a measure
of the gravity of the theme we address here. Herein The High Priest and his religious vigilantes were experts
comes the sting in the tail. How can we be more than in preservation. We may denounce the cow vigilantes of
aliens and strangers to the way of Jesus, as long as we our times, without wondering how different our religious
continue to remain stuck, body and soul, to the outlook is from theirs. Cow vigilantes will kill beef eaters;
preservation of our many traditions, and not the but will not burden themselves with looking after the
fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets? Hence it is that welfare of cows. This is an accurate illustration of the
Jesus says- limitations in the preservation alone approach. It was to
preserve their religion that the Jews killed the King of
Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord will enter the Life. It was for the same reason that they divided the
kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my world into two unequal halves: the Jews and Gentiles! It
Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, was very piously that they excluded the Gentiles from
Lord did we not prophesy in your name, and in your the sanctuary of Gods love and mercy. And built huge
name, drive out demons and perform many miracles? dividing walls and kept relentless vigil. All that they
Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Away from achieved was becoming killers in the name of the God of
me, you evil doers. (St. Matthew 7: 21-23). love and compassion.
This serious, straightforward stuff! In my three decades We have to decide if we want to be Jews or Christians.
of serving the Christian community, I havent come In doing so, it would be helpful to keep in mind the
across more than a handful of people who see a scope distinction that Jesus has mercifully provided to us; the
for the biblical faith beyond mouthing, Lord, Lord. In reason why we examine it here. Those who think that
many pockets, it is a lot worse. They speak in tongues! religion is all about preservation -preservation of God,
The best you can do when you cannot speak sense in a traditions, and vested interests- are potential killers. Well,
single tongue is to speak in several tongues. If you watch thats what the Bible says; and I have no reason to
news hour programmes on Indian TV channels, you will believe otherwise. Wasnt it to preserve his own interests
understand its logic at once. What do party spokesmen that Cain killed Abel? And Herod sought to eliminate the
do when they have to defend the indefensible? They too new born babe? And Caiaphas, the High Priest, had

Jesus killed to preserve his God from the harm?
The Altar Trio - Gazing at the
Recently Swami Agnivesh, the founder president of
Bonded Labour Liberation Front and social reformer was
Altar in a Cathedral:
Rev. Dr. M. J. Joseph, Kottayam
my host for a week. He came to discuss the relevant
spiritual responses to the emerging situation in our
country. I had, earlier, got him to come as the chief
guest of the youth conference of the Church of South
India, Madhya Kerala Diocese, on the bishops own
request. Agnivesh has addressed several Christian
conferences with me, including a seminar on inter-faith
dialogue in the World Council of Churches in Geneva.
Because of his cooperation with me, and willingness to
stand up for the interests of the Christian community in
the face of injustice, he was accused of having been
converted to Christianly by me!
I thought it desirable to provide my Christian brethren in

Trivandrum an opportunity to interact with him informally.
Invitations were sent out. A day before the meeting,
which happened to be a Sunday, the priest in charge of
A wooden Cross heavily guarded and decorated by 12
my congregation, made an express announcement that lighted candles.
members of the congregation should not expose Candlethe symbol of lightplaced far away from the
themselves to those who do not receive communion. pulpit and the pew
They are not to meet such people, even if the meeting The light knows no caste or creed, being a religionless
takes place in the house a member of the symbol.
congregation. The candle burns and illumines the cross for what it
should stand for
The congregation was very obedient. None did. I met the It gives itself by burning as a symbol of kenosis.
priest a few days later and asked him why he did so?
This is what he said- I have a duty to protect my sheep I asked myself:
and as long as I am in charge I will do it. I know how to
do it. No one needs to teach me. I quote this instance Was Jesus crucified on the cross, decorated with lighted
only to prove that my reflections, based entirely and candles?
scrupulously on the Bible, are not mere speculations. Where are the two thieves on either side of the cross?
There is a hard and harsh reality that needs to be Jesus was crucified outside the gate
addressed. I conclude by quoting St. Paul-It is for Where are the wall and its gate?
freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and Who has demolished the wall and the gate?
do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of
slavery (Gal. 51). The flowers kept at the side of the cross carry a message
of their own
From the Prophets to Jesus, the message simple and the They lead the worshippers to the abode of beauty and
same- Set my people free. Years ago, I happened, by sheer truth in a plural world
chance, to address a Pentecostal meeting in Kuwait. The It speaks to the worshippers with a plea:
pastor in charge consented to the pentecostally unthinkable Live as the aroma of the Christ!
- a priest from any other denomination preaching to his Sing praise to the Lord of Creation!
congregation- because the recommendations were too
important to be defied without serious loss of personal In the Post-Truth world, the altar beckons the
income. I shared the message. Late in the night that day, I worshippers to move outside the gate
got a phone call. Heres what the caller said- Sir, I am a And erect the cross along with the thieves on the right
recent convert from Hinduism. After listening to you, I and the left,
realized that I was no more than an animal tied in a cattle- Being decorated with flowers and illumined by the
shed. All of us are kept in darkness. Is this true only of lighted candles.
Pentecostal outfits? Well, your guess is as good as mine. What is truth? It is now socially constructed to serve
those in power.

Crisis: Reconciliation, Transformation, and Liberation
Dr. Zac Varghese, London
We are living through the biggest crisis and challenges picture as microdots and mini strokes contributing to the
since the two Great Wars, industrial, political, problems that we are facing in our communities,
sociological, economic turbulences of the last century. churches and parishes. Now to many people, the
Great religions of the world provided some confidence to influence of the church is minimal; to some of them the
take on these challenges to some extent, but the tragedy church is the problem than being a solution with its
today is that religions themselves are the cause of the exclusiveness, and patronising escapist attitudes by
most of the modern conflicts. In addition, the interests in looking for a heaven up there. Sri Aurobindo29, the
religions are also fading. The 9/11 destruction of the Indian Mystic, wrote: A yoga which requires me to give
World Trade Centre in New York, Iraqi invasion, and up the world is not for me; a solitary salvation leaving the
religiously motivated wars and revolutions in the Middle world to its fate was felt almost distasteful. We need to
East, Africa, and other parts of the world have learn that faith, hope and love are essential requirements
destabilised the world in many directions. Their weapons for the survival of whole mankind. It is in the human
of mass destruction are not conventional and it is not community that we live, work and have our being in
always located in specific geographic territories and its Christ. It is for this communitarian, interconnected and
guerrilla tactics are difficult to predict and eradicate. interdependent life that Christ came to the world. He lived
in an inclusive community of sinners, widows, orphans,
tax collectors, and outcasts representing the whole mix
of humanity. The crises that I mentioned at the beginning
provide us a choice between chaos and community. A
Godless world will be returned to chaos, God created
order and rhythm of communal living. If we were to
challenge and tackle crises of our age we need to rebuild
communities under the grace of God. It may sound
simple, but we use the word community for a whole host
of lose associations and in the process it has lost its real
meaning and impact.
Scott Peck30 in his book, The different Drum talks about

communities in great detail and he says, We apply it
People who are attracted to these atrocities could even [Community] to almost any collection of individuals a
be our neighbours or ordinary people whom we meet in town, a church, a synagogue, a fraternal organisation, an
high streets or shopping centres. Even the social media apartment complex, a professional association
has become a weapon for mass destruction by cluttering regardless of how poorly those individuals communicate
and deforming minds and personalities of impressionable with each other. It is a false use of the word. He further
people. When we look back, we see how the Church had quotes from a speech John Winthrop, the first governor of
faced some of these challenges and survived including Massachusetts Bay Colony, to give us the characteristics
the excesses of crusades and dogmatic imperialism of of a true community for he said, We must delight in each
the Church. When we celebrate the 500th anniversary of other, make others conditions our own, rejoice together,
Luthers Reformation in Europe and its impact on the mourn together, labour and suffer together, always having
world around we should be thinking of factors which are before our eyes our community as members of the same
preventing the Church to make effective responses to body. This is how the early Christian community lived as
ongoing challenges. As Christians, we have an described in the Acts of the Apostles; a Christian
undeniable faith that God never abandons His people understanding of the community and its fellowship
because He is our God and we are His people. By this I (koinonia) embraces the above experiences. It is where
mean the whole mankind, not just Christians or selected God and His people are drawn together in intimate
groups. In this covenantal relationship, we have a God- communion (1 Cor. 1: 9; 1 John 1: 3).
given purpose and responsibility to be custodians of this
world and its inhabitants. It is in this wider context we
should look at the urgency of reconciliation, change,
transformation, and liberation. 29
Sri Aurobindo, Satperm, ISBN 81-85137- 060- 9, Printed at
Tech Prints, Mysore, India, 2003, page 41.
30
Of course, the above sketch is on a big canvas with M. Scott Peck, The Different Drum, Arrow Books, ISBN 0 09
board strokes, but all of us are there represented in that 978030 5, 1990, page 26 &59.


The greatest need of our time is to face these crises and condition too. We are no better than them in many
build true communities where we can see the face of God instances.
in the day to day affairs of mankind; if we do not accept
this option of creating true communities we only will have A true Christian community is something more than the
chaos. When Jacob and Esau met to reconcile their sum of the members in its electoral role and the
differences after twenty years of separation Jacob said to demarcation of its parish boundaries. This something
Esau, For seeing your face is like seeing the face of more defines the character of the community as I
God (Gen. 33: 10). Archbishop William Temple had a mentioned earlier on. Our humility and generosity of heart
vision about an ideal Church and he said, The Church is in developing an I- Thou relationship with the other is an
the only club (organisation) that exists for its non- aspect of this something more. Instead of keeping the
members. However, the institutional nature of the other person out we must walk the extra mile needed with
Church prevents meaningful encounter and engagement the other person to bring him in, as we see in the
with a wider human community. The strict organisational Emmaus road encounter of two disciples and Jesus (Luke
boundaries of the Church prevent freedom of expression 24: 13- 33). We see an ideal community in our
for the good of whole humanity. This prevents its understanding of the Trinity.
members to develop a longing for justice and a hunger for
true and intimate relationship with the creator and all the Scott Peck says exclusivity is the greatest enemy to
humanity without prejudices of one sort or the other, as community and it appears in two forms: excluding others
the sons and daughters of God. Jesus has given us the and excluding oneself. Excluding others is easy to
privilege to address God as our Father in Lords Prayer understand, but if ever one is faced with a situation to say
and bring the heaven on earth for establishing the quietly to oneself that this parish or church is not for me
kingdom values in prayer: Let Thy will be done of earth because of certain decisions or remarks, and then one is
as it is in heaven. inadvertently becoming a part of the process of
destroying that community. A community is a group that
has learned to transcend its differences. We need
repentance and humility to go through a transformational
process to reach this stage in our spiritual journey. This is
often a very heavy cross to carry, but God in His
unconditional love would help us to obtain that
transformational change in our life to enjoy liberation.
Under that circumstance, alienation will be transformed to
reconciliation, appreciation, and joy.
It takes a great deal of self-examination, compromise,

and prayer to a resolve a conflict, causing tension in a
community. The health of the community very much
depend on resolving the issue by understanding the other
and putting oneself in the other persons place. This
The Church has become a closed system with would help in creating a safe place in our community life
boundaries, restrictions, articles of faith, clauses of so that a person can find freedom in being oneself
exclusions and inclusions, codes of behaviour, etc. In without the need to wear a mask in order to hide
effect, we have a captive Church were we are restricted in insincerity or hypocrisy. Such a community is a heavenly
expressing the freedom in Christ. Bishop John Robinson, sanctuary for caring for each other without any inhibition.
the author of Honest to God, wrote that it is the bad This is the thinness of spirituality and innocence. In such
theology which has prevented the modern man being a community we feel the freedom to express thoughts on
addressed by the word of God. The restrictive practices our faces, and others would be able to read our thoughts.
of the Church are operated through the power structures This is indeed an experience of heaven according to
of clericalism, parochialism, and denominationalism. Swedenborg31. In an ideal community one should be able
These influences and power struggles are destroying the to respect each others contributions and accept each
authentic nature of the Church. Parish boundaries and others faults and limitations.
loyalties restrict its members from expressing solidarity to
a build a wider inclusive community. It is often easy to In Christian communities we often come across tension
read Matthew chapter 23 without a guilty conscience and with traditional hierarchical pattern of leadership. In a true
think of Pharisees, Scribes, and the Temple hierarchies as community, everyone knows their role, and in fact
hypocrites, as Jesus described them, who clean outside
of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and
self-indulgence. But when rightly understood, Jesus 31 Swedenborg, Heaven and Hell, Swedenborg Foundation,
outburst and anger may strike close to our present ISBN 978-0-87785-476-0; 2016

everyone is a leader in carrying out the responsibility St. Paul gives us further advice for our age: Do not let
entrusted to him or her. A total decentralisation of you be burdened again by the yoke of Slavery. Christ
authority is characteristic of such a model community, has freed us by paying a very heavy price and let us
where we would see the meaning of the royal priesthood reflect on this and identify slave traders of our age who
of the laity in practice. This is indeed the freedom in curtail our freedom in Christ. Now we are allowing
Christ that St. Paul prescribed in his letter to the ourselves to be salves by our inertia, indifferences, and
Galatians (Galatians 5: 1- 12). Such a community is passivity. Paul, a staunch Pharisee, knew what it was to
indeed the meeting point of heaven and earth. I often use religion to exclude and coerce others. Then he
wonder whether we have hidden equivalents of discovered the astounding good news of freedom and
circumcision in our churches for excluding people from unity in Christ.
fellowship and community living. Where do you put
gender, colour, caste, class, ethnicity, and such other St. Paul further suggests in the Romans12 that it is
difference in excluding people from Christian fellowships? entirely possible for a local church to think, act and live
These restrictive practices prevent the flow of Gods according to the pattern that he outlines as a result of the
amazing grace into our lives. The answers to these transformation in Christ: humble, considerate, joyful,
questions are at the heart of the epistle to the Galatians. prayerful, passionate, righteous, hospitable, peaceful,
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, forgiving, and the rest. Let us move through
nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ transformation to transfiguration under the divine grace
Jesus (Gal. 3:28). so that the world will see us, literally, in a new light: for
the same light that showed the glory of Christ on the
Mount of Transfiguration will show the glory of Christ in
our lives and in our parishes, and the promise of the glory
of Christ for the whole world.
Letter to the Galatians is a necessary corrective measure

to those who impose religious rules and regulations to
imprison people and take away Gods gift of freedom and
unity from the people. If a new community is to be found
Christians must be liberated from every restrictive attitude
and structure which threatens to hold them prisoner.
What we need is a Church of the people and not Church
for the people. The former Bishop of Durham, Tom
Wright32, in his book The Day the Revolution Began
says: Theology, after all, was made for the Church and
not Church for the theology. He is asking us to replace
the popular vision of the prescribed Christian hope of
going to heaven with the biblical vision of a new heaven
and new earth. He argues that Jesus death on the cross
is for restoring human beings with a vocation to play an
important role in Gods redeeming purposes for the
world. It is about replacing a work contract of doing
seemingly good things as an investment and insurance
policy to go to heaven with a covenant of vocation to
St. Pauls quote above is based on his personal establish kingdom values on earth through community
experience of transformation and liberation when he building, which is indeed the essence of radical
encountered the question from Jesus: Saul, Saul why do Christianity. Let us become freedom fighters for Christ
you persecute me? This Damascus road encounter with with a longing for justice, a hunger for relationship, a
Jesus was the turning point in his life; he was transformed quest for spirituality and delight in the truth33. This would
as Paul, an Apostle of Christ to Gentiles. Paul talks about allow us to enjoy our freedom in Christ by realising that
his freedom in Christ because of this transformation the God who loves is here with us. In this partnership we
(Galatians 5: 1-15). The source of true freedom lies in begin to recognise miracles as they occur in our lives.
seeking the truth; Jesus said: Then you will know the
truth and the truth will set you free (John 8: 32). We 32 Tom Wright, The Day the Revolution Began, SPCK, ISBN
further read Jesus declaration: I am the way, and the
978-0-281- 06145-7; 2016
truth and the life (John 14: 6). Leading the life in the way 33 Tom Wright, Simply Christian, SPCK, ISBN 978-0-281-
of Christ is the only way for liberation.
05481-7; 2006,


MINISTERING TO THE TRANSGENDER PERSONS
Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa & Rev. Dr. M. J. Joseph, Kottayam
[It is indeed proper that the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian the Bussan Assembly of the WCC (2013), affirms, the kairos
Church has initiated a project to honour the Birth of the Church has come before us to affirm life for all in a
Centenary of The Most Revd Dr. Philipose Mar pilgrimage towards justice and peace. This is the call of the
Chrysostom Valiya Metropolitan by establishing a Spirit to cross religious and social boundaries in search of
Rehabilitation Centre for the welfare of the Transgender mature manhood in Christ. The transgender project of the
persons. The Metropolitan of the Church, The Most Revd Mar Thoma Church is a pioneering effort with spiritual and
Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma, is giving leadership, and he is social goals. It is nothing but rekindling the divine truth
assisted by the Diocesan Episcopa, Rt. Rev. Dr. bequeathed to the Church. The initiative is to discover new
area of mission by focusing on mission possibilities in the
Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, and the office bearers of
truth of Christ. It is pertinent that we need to heed to the
the Church. It is commendable that during the first year
words of Marcus Barth: whoever considers those table
itself (2017-2018), the Church has budgeted Rupees One companions of Jesus too bad, too base, too little and too far
Crore to be raised and spent for this project to catch its removed from salvation, does not know Jesus as he really is
momentum in a phased manner.] The Being of the Church in the world enables her to go,to
teach and to heal as the conscience of the human
In this brief article, an attempt is made to look at the community(Vatican II). There are several daunting
problems and the possibilities of the Transgender from a challenges and hopes in each era of Christian mission.
theological perspective. The term, transgender is an
umbrella term. It may include people who are not God who acts in history
exclusively masculine or feminine (people who are gender
queer. e.g. bi-gender, pangender, or agender). Their The incarnation of Jesus is to be understood as the
gender identity is different from the sex assigned to them involvement of God in human affairs. The Holy Bible
at birth. The word and its modern definition came into use particularly the Exodus Story speaks of Gods act of
only in the late 20th century, although people who would redemption in the world particularly through the story of
fit under this definition have existed in every culture Israelites. This is a Christian paradigm. The Christian
irrespective of their religious affiliation throughout the understanding of God is one that tells us the story of
redemption of the suffering humanity for a better future. In an
recorded history. The transgender community is
act of liberation, there are three component elements to be
incredibly diverse Owing to the social stigma associated
recognized: God, people and the leader. In Exodus 3:7&8 we
with their identity; they face a unique set of challenges read: I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt.
such as discrimination, unemployment, lack of I have heard them crying out and I am concerned about
educational facilities, homelessness, lack of medical care their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them The
and umpteen problems associated with marriage and three verbs, seen, heard and rescue are worth
adoption. In 1994, transgender were given voting rights in considering as they speak of the compassion of the Lord for
India, but ironically the task of issuing them voter identity redemption and restoration. This means that God has a
cards required them to declare their gender. The group is concern for the transformation and liberation of the least,
often deprived of inheritance and property rights. Many the last and the lost. As Church is the Eucharistic
of them feel that they are marginalized and end up in presence of the Kingdom of God in history, there is a
begging and sex work for their survival. Even though they tremendous responsibility before the Church to continue the
too enjoy the Fundamental rights of the Indian reconciling act of God in Christ. It must happen through the
Constitution articles 14,15,21 and 23, they are not ministry of the word (logos) and the ministry of service
effectively implemented. However we believe that the (diakonia) of reconciliation (2 Cor.5: 18-21.). Mission is thus
constitutional provision will not alone provide security to understood as participation in the reconciling ministry of
them. The spirituality of the people at different levels must Jesus. As co-workers with God (1Cor.3: 9) it carries a sense
be strengthened. It is indeed heartening to note that the of urgency and dignity. The prophetic and the pastoral role in
recently started Metro Service in Cochin have given jobs Christian ministry is a call to humankind to realize the Plan of
Salvation in Jesus Christ. The challenge is to build the city of
for a few of them with regular salary and other basic
God brick by brick as the eternal presence of the divine. The
human protection.
divine urge before us is to move in the Spirit of God pursuing
hope for justice and peace. The biblical phrase justification
As Church is called upon to minister to the weak and the
by faith is to be understood as Gods acceptance of us as
powerless, it is quite legitimate for the Church to become
the voice of the voiceless (Uppsala-1968) so as to break we are. In the story of the Samaritan woman and the
encounter of Jesus with Zacchaeus in the Gospels are
the conspiracy of silence in the society. The faithful has to
indeed truths for us to move in the right direction towards
remember again and again that Life through Death must
life in all its fullness for others. The other is no longer
happen in history for the establishment of just peace. As
outside the Church. But the ones who have been

marginalized and branded as useless. As Jesus suffered Mission and gender justice
outside the city gate (Heb.13: 12), every possible effort is
to be made to meet him outside the camp bearing abuse for Gender justice is basically an issue of human rights. It is a
him (Heb.13: 13). search for human equality. Every human right is to be
achieved through a constant struggle against the forces of
Mission in the Truth of Christ Death. In an age of universal deceit, telling the truth is a
revolutionary action (George Orwell). The Church is called
Gods gift of New Humanity in Christ is not the gift of the upon to say that its primary concern is to protest and protect
Church to the people of other faiths and ideologies. It is the others by following the Good shepherd, Jesus. Jesus said: I
manifestation of divine solidarity on earth. The Kingdom in came that they may have life and have it abundantly (Jn.10:
our midst creates a new consciousness and a new style of 10).As Christian Faith is a resistance movement against
action for the transformation of the world. The thread that fatalism (Faith and Order Commission Meeting, Bangalore-
passes through all the religions of the world is nothing but 1978), the mission of the Church is to search for new and
the thread of agape revealed in Christ on the cross. The radical mission paradigms. In such an effort, the Church has
mission of the Church is to strive with God for the fulfillment to present Christ as the Yes of God (2Cor.1: 19). If Jesus
of the prayer that Jesus taught us: Your kingdom come on Christ is the Yes of God, we need to raise legitimate
earth as it is in heaven. (St. Mat. 6: 10). The prayer has questions concerning human identity and dignity. It is worth
ecumenical and ecological dimensions. What happens on noting that the Catholic bishops at their synod in Rome in
earth creates joy in heaven (LK. 15: 10). The reference to October 2015 took an unprecedented step to welcome
God as our Father is an inclusive umbrella for us to LGBT and noted that they too have gifts and qualities to
search for the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of offer the Church. In Rom.15: 7 St. Paul writes: Welcome
humanity. In our care for the Transgender, there is no one another as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of
element of discrimination as human need is our sole aim. God.
Our care for others is the measure of our greatness. To
touch the bleeding points we need to have sensitiveness and Pope Francis has changed the entrenched attitudes of the
compassion. As St. Paul puts it in Gal.3: 28, there is neither Church on many issues by opening the doors for further
Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female in our discussion. The humble attempt of the Mar Thoma Church in
affirmation of the new humanity in Christ. For this, we need the area of Transgender rehabilitation will create a few
to seek the meaning of Grace over Law for the affirmation of ripples for the formation of new humanity in our wider
human rights and gender justice. For the establishment of an community. To find a provision in the parish budget of the
inclusive society, the Oikoumene of domination must give Mar Thoma Church is also a positive step towards our
way to the Oikoumene of solidarity. The vision of the Gospel commitment to a just cause. To be without some of the
as rooted in the Kingdom of God and manifested in the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ urges us to stand (Bertrand Russell). To offer quality of life for others, we need
against marginality and to seek for a movement from charity to cultivate the habit of caring for others welfare.
to justice. The parable of the labourers in the vineyard Remember, Anyone who is among the living has hoped. . .
(St.Mat.20:1-16) is a classic example to illustrate it. The (Eccl.9:4).The Church has to give heed to the words of Pope
Church is called upon to translate the Jubilee vision in the Benedict the XVI: In so many of our societies, side by side
Nazareth Sermon of Jesus (Lk.4:18-22) into social realities. with material prosperity, a spiritual desert is spreading, an
In the Magnificat (LK.1:51-54), the great redemptive power of interior emptiness, an unarmed fear and quiet sense of
God manifests itself for the sake of the sinned against. despair. In the name of Christ, the Faithful has to stand for a
The scattering of the proud (Lk.1:52) is a process in social reversal motif as we find in the song of Mary.
leveling. God is at work in history to set right what has gone
wrong in the human community (cf.Ps.146: 8). Conclusion
In Mark 2: 16-17, the opponents of Jesus levelled a criticism The members of the Church should empty themselves
against Jesus: Why does he eat with tax collectors and following the kenosis of Christ. It is the only medium to carry
sinners? And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, Those Gods amazing grace in word and deed. As the Aroma of
who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are Christ for the empowerment of the community, there is
sick; I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners. always a MISSION MANDATE for the Church. To search for
Mission in the truth of Christ is a radical search for the the human face of God in Jesus Christ is indeed the
defenseless and the unrecognized. It has been well said, that message of the Kingdom. God in your grace, transform the
a great city is one that handles its garbage and art equally world (WCC- theme Brazil) be the prayer on our lips. This
well. The measure of the presence of the Kingdom in our is a call to move from a religion based on creed, code and
midst is the measure of our caring for the least. It only cult to a religion of spirituality. What is needed today is to
facilitates the falling of the dews of Hermon on the mountain seek a secular (religionless) dimension of spirituality. The
of Zion (Ps. 133). The Church is called upon to create Church should affirm with one voice that the Transgender
refreshing spots in the world. The initiative of the Mar community has a role to play in enriching the vision of the
Thoma Church in this said area of ministering to the Church and of the community at large.
Transgender persons is only a sign of pilgrimage to the
mature manhood in Christ. O Son of man will these bones live (Ezekiel). Yes, Lord.

URSLEM YAATRA VIVARANAM: AN ALTERNATE READING: Part-1
Revd Dr. Valson Thampu, Trivandrum
[Saint Geevargese Mar Gregorios is popularly known as who met with the Saviour. This is our version of the
Parumala Thirumeni (Bishop of Parumala) and also known journey to Urslem; a journey by proxy. Those who have
as Kochu Thirumeni, (15 June 1848 2 November 1902. read this significant piece of spiritual literature will agree
He was a bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian that only such a reading is harmonious with Thirumenis
Church. In 1947, he was declared a saint by the then intention not only in writing this crisp and concise
Catholicos of the church, Baselios Geevarghese II. Later, account but also in desiring earnestly that it should reach
in 1987, he was declared a saint by the then Patriarch of the business and bosom of the members, at least, of the
Antioch, Ignatius Zakka I. He was recognised as a saint Malankara Orthodox Church.
by The Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church and Coptic
Orthodox Church. Editorial notes,] Well-meaning Malayalam literary geniuses, critics and
historians -from Thakazhi to Paul Manalil- stay focused
on the literary worth and chronological significance of
Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam. As a result, they treat this work
as a landmark in the development of prose and the genre
of travelogue in Malayalam. The more I read this work, the
more I am convinced that to approach it in this fashion is
to mistake the trees for the forest. It cannot help falling
short of doing justice to the spiritual genius of Urslem
Yaatra Vivaranam and, thereby, also to its saintly author.
The reading offered below is a timid and tentative attempt
to suggest -not advance in the full panoply of a rigorously
argued thesis- an alternative approach that, I believe, is
I know the saintly Parumala Thirumeni only through his
closer to the spirit of the work, which alone can honour its
account of the pilgrimage he undertook to Jerusalem in unique and ardent author.
1895. Of course, I have encountered many who hold him
in ardent, even if somewhat uninformed, reverence. None
Our very first task is to place Thirumeni appropriately in
of them left an authentic impression in me. Most of them
the typology of the Bible. Fortunately, this is a
struck me as showcasing this saintly soul as a comparatively easy task. Kochu Thirumeni stems from
denominational mascot. All the same, the intuition grew the spiritual stock of Abraham. The parallel between the
on me, as days went by, that Thirumeni was far greater
two nearly jumps at us! Consider just this one thing: does
than what he was made out to be. anyone think of Abraham as an erstwhile native of Ur of
the Chaldees? In the biblical account, God called Abram -
So, I decided to see Thirumeni through his written words,
as he was known then- and asked him to go to a land he
rather than via words spoken about him by others. It is had never seen before (Gen. 12: 1-2). In the course of
always safer to meet the man directly, in whichever way, obeying this divine call, Abram dies out of his old identity
than meet him through those who havent met him either. and becomes a new creation. His association with Ur
I began to read Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam (or, Journey to
disappears in history. He enters the Promised Land and
Jerusalem-An Account). My endeavour in what follows is turns it into his God-given homeland. Generations after
to engage with this unique work and use it as a window generations, down to this day, he has remained Abraham,
to glimpse its saintly author. This of course means that I the father of the faith; not, Abram, the Chaldean refugee.
read this work differently from the approach currently in
vogue. To me this work is not, primarily, a landmark in What are we to make, then, of Thakazhis surprise that
Malayalam literature. It is, instead, Thirumenis spiritual none of the followers of Parumala Thirumeni he met knew
memoir, or a significant chunk of his spiritual
where he was born? He had to tell them that Thirumeni
autobiography. So, to engage with Urslem Yaatra was born in Mulanthuruthy! This might seem, from a
Vivaranam is, willy-nilly, to undertake, if you like, a perspective extraneous to the biblical heritage, a
Parumala Thirumeni Yaatra. So, here is my Parumala regrettable case of factual illiteracy. We cannot fault
Thirumeni Yaatra Vivaranam. Thakazhi for not knowing that general knowledge of this
sort is almost superfluous in respect of Thirumeni.
A hundred and twenty-two years ago, Parumala Between the Geevarghese of Mulanthuruthy
Thirumeni - Sukumar Azhikode would say, see how the (affectionately called Kochu Ipeora in childhood), and the
name smiles through its second-syllabic alliteration- saint we know as Parumala Thirumeni, there is a radical
went to Jerusalem to encounter Jesus, the Risen Christ. discontinuity that is comprehended best through the
Today we visit Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam to meet the Saint insight of St. Paul- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is

a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the is a pilgrimage, a pilgrimage of immense significance for
new has come (2 Cor. 5: 17). Abram left Ur, entered humankind as a whole. That is why I am constrained to
Canaan and became Abraham. Geevarghese was called insist that Parumala Thirumenis Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam
out of Mulanthuruthy. He entered Parumala and claimed it is not, strictly speaking, travelogue as that genre is known
in faith. He became Parumala Thirumeni. The old passed and received. It should not be treated as though it is.
away. It is good and courteous to know where he was
born. But, it is not an imperative. So, lets ask, why would an extremely busy bishop, the
chief shepherd of a growing diocese, deem it worthwhile
The author of Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam is the Saint of to set apart the time he could hardly spare to write what
Parumala, not the Geevarghese of Mulanthuruthy. It may the world would call a travelogue? Clearly, it was not to
be important for the latter to be situated somewhere in gain for himself a literary crown that Thirumeni wrote
the stream of the unfolding literary consciousness of Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam. Parumala Thirumeni, a soul of
Malayalees; not for the former. It is because this crucial extreme austerity, had no use for praises or plumes. He
distinction is overlooked, that otherwise irreproachable held all worldly achievements to be fleeting and
efforts to appreciate Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam tend, as I inconsequential. By the time we finish reading this work, it
said, to mistake the trees for the forest. becomes compellingly clear that Thirumeni envisaged it
as his witness and contribution to the church. It is
This is not to argue that Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam has no analogous to Pauls epistles; in particular, to his pastoral
literary merit, or that it has no significant bearing on the letters. It meant little to Parumala Thirumeni to be
genre of travelogue in Malayalam. I deny nothing. But I assigned a place of honour in the oeuvre of Malayalam
feel urged and obliged to insist that these are incidental, travelogue, or among the pioneers of Malayalam prose.
not central, to Thirumenis endeavour and intent. An So, I am not greatly persuaded, or benefitted, by the
instance from Jesus parables illustrates this distinction. A scholarly assessments and approbations of the merit of
mustard seed, says Jesus, sprouts, grows and, in course Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam as the first published travelogue
of time, becomes home to the birds of the air (Mt. 13: in Malayalam. The value this work has for me is
31-32). The seed sprouts in response to the law of life the irrespective of its literary standing or date of publication,
Creator encoded in it. though it is not hindered or diminished by either.
Admittedly, the birds of the air cannot make their nests, if Let me state my position upfront. The value I have for
the mustard seed does not sprout and flourish. But that Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam will remain, even if it were not to
happy outcome is incidental to its growth. The seed be the first or the hundredth of the travelogues in
sprouts in response to the logic of life; not as specific to Malayalam, and its contribution to the development to
birds need to build nests. Nests are valuable and Malayalam prose, negligible. It is my conviction that
wonderful things. We wish to take nothing away from efforts -however painstaking and well meant to secure a
their place in the larger scheme of things. But nests are literary niche for Parumala Thirumeni are somewhat
not the reason the seed sprouts; life is the reason. Birds misplaced. They could even be unwittingly unhelpful.
have a place in the great chain of being, ordained and Almost certainly, the saintly author would have genially
sustained by God. So, their needs too will be met; but brushed aside all attempts to clothe this work with literary
that is incidental to the seeds sprouting. Urslem Yaatra merit to the neglect of its spiritual significance. The
Vivaranam, likewise, may have had a catalytic impact on argument outlined below emerges from an intuitive
Malayalam prose and literature. Assuredly, it is a engagement with the spirit of Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam
significant milestone in the development of travelogues in and reverence for the spiritual genius of its author.
Malayalam. But that happy outcome is merely incidental
to the purpose with which the journey was undertaken; its If we are not to read and venerate Urslem Yaatra
account written and published. Vivaranam as a landmark literary contribution, how else
are we to approach it? What, indeed, is it? Where do we
The spiritual parallel between Abraham and Parumala place it and how do we measure its significance? From
Thirumeni does not end with the former reaching the land the very outset of the Yaatra it is clear that the holy land
he had not seen. Instead, it inaugurates another journey. existed in Thirumenis soul even before he set his face
At this stage, the idea of journey begins to be towards it. A travelers pleasure in visiting places of
transformed. It morphs into pilgrimage. Abrams journey, significance stems from encountering what is unknown
leaving behind what was till then his world, was situated and unfamiliar. In Thirumenis case, he was familiar with
in the mode of travel. But evolving through generations every bit of the relics and landmarks of this hagiological
and becoming a blessing on the land is far more than landscape in their scriptural and historical specificity.
mere geographic displacement! Abrahams trans- Though he emphasizes, at the close of the narrative, the
generational journey is not geographical, though it value of seeing -the superiority of seeing as compared to
necessarily involves geography. That journey is spiritual; it hearing - it was not so much to see the land haloed by

the birth, work and sacrificial death of his Master that Yes, Thirumeni had read and inwardly digested the layout
Parumala Thirumeni longed to visit Jerusalem. Even a of Jerusalem. To that extent, he did know Jerusalem. Its
casual reader will not fail to note that at no stage in this physical and historical layout was clear in his mind before
adventurous pilgrimage was Thirumeni driven by he boarded the ship. But that was mere knowledge.
curiosity. He was, instead, aglow with spiritual zeal! Knowledge may be adequate for worldly or literary
Indeed, zeal (erivu) is the word he uses time and again in purposes. In the spiritual orbit, knowledge per se is
the narrative. Thirumeni longed to commune with his inherently partial. Knowledge is comparable to the
Saviour. In this respect, he is reminiscent of the Psalmist- entrance to a temple. It is not enough that you see the
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants gate from a distance. You need to open it, enter in, and
for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. join the on-going worship. To see this in perspective, it
When can I go and meet with God? (Psalm 42: 1-2). helps to recall the concluding section of the book.
I quote this passage on purpose. Who can fail to be The inner tumult we experienced, the smarting sense of
struck by the connection the Psalmist establishes our sinfulness, the feeling of repentance that took hold of
between meeting with God and going? Going, for the us, and the reverence that welled up within us as we
Psalmist, is nothing, if it is not to meet with God. The prayed kneeling at the holy Sepulcher of our Lord, far
pilgrim who went to Jerusalem in 1895 can be compared exceeded everything we had ever known before. All
only to the deer that pants after streams of water. What through the narrative Thirumeni puts the emphasis, not so
the cargo ship carried to Port Said was a soul panting for much on the value of seeing in its cognitive scope, but on
the living God as revealed in Jesus Christ, his Son. his thirst to meet with the Lord. Spiritual intimacy, unlike
Jerusalem was significant only as the matrix of that factual knowledge, craves for wholeness and oneness.
meeting. (Biblically speaking, wholeness is possible only through
oneness; oneness with Jesus. Cf. Jn. 15:4) It involves a
The Bible is, in many ways, an anthology of journeys. It paradigm-shift from knowing about to knowing.
begins with God who comes into the Garden to have Going becomes, as a result, a spiritual experience.
fellowship with Adam and Eve. It reveals a God who calls Spirituality involves an eradication of distance, or
people out of their habitats, hideouts and comfort zones. alienation. (The alternative to going in this sense, in the
Journeys result when human beings respond obediently, biblical worldview, is hiding. Cf. Gen. 3:8) Spiritual
as Abram did, to that call. Profound purposes, bound by devotion longs for experiential intimacy and the
a well-defined logic, underlie such calls. They are instinct eradication of distance. This, after all, was the principle of
with Gods love for us. Our predicaments, in the given incarnation. The Word became flesh and dwelt in our
context, are inadequate to the goal of our attaining life in midst (Jn. 1: 14). It is a logical imperative that
all its fullness. It is for our sake, and for the good of our incarnation involves going (cf. Phil. 2: 5-8). Jesus came
fellow human beings, that God calls us out of where we to be with us. (Mt.1: 23; 28: 19-20). In this sense, the
stay stuck. title of Thirumenis book happens to be a trifle misleading.
This is not a journey to Jerusalem; at least in its familiar
This is why transformation is at the heart of biblical sense. It is an exercise that belongs to the order of his
spiritualty. To be transformed is to be set on course to the abiding in the Lord and the Lord abiding in him (Jn. 15:4).
fullness of our scope and stature as creatures made in Jerusalem becomes a hallowed context for this
the image and likeness of God. The thirst of every human experience of spiritual intimacy.
being is for fullness in this sense. We become burdened
and wearied (Mt. 11: 28) for which the fashionable word Incarnation is a hybrid of divine humility and human
today is depressed- for falling short of this fullness in our disability. Thirumeni makes it a point to underscore, at the
life. God calls us out of the partial and the perishable - conclusion of his narrative, that the need for pilgrimages
whatever is partial is perishable- into life in all its fullness. stems from human limitations. I quote below a passage
Abundant life is the anteroom to everlasting life. that dispels even residual doubts in this regard. After
pointing out -with reference to Jesus immortal
Parumala Thirumenis zeal is akin to the thirst of the conversation with a fallen Samaritan woman (Jn.4) - that
Psalmist. Thirst, physical as well as spiritual, betokens the God, being Spirit, can be, in principle, communed with
forfeiture of fullness. We experience thirst when the and worshipped anywhere, he writes- Even so, my travel
volume of blood circulating in the body becomes less to Jerusalem convinces me that, given how sinful and
than the volume that should circulate. Thirst stems from weak we are in faith, knowing by seeing is far more
the shortfall in blood between the volume of circulation beneficial than knowing by hearing alone, in fortifying our
and the circulating volume. Only a soul alive enough to faith and deepening our devotion. (Italics added.)
realize its spiritual thirst will experience the zeal that
seized the Psalmist and Parumala Thirumeni. Seen in this light Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam is an elaborate
and incarnate invitation to the community of faith to do all

it can to grow in faith towards maturity and fruitfulness. It We will distort the spiritual core of the remarkable work we
is appropriate, in this connection, to remember that are trying to unpack, if we over-emphasize seeing in its
sending out was the strategy Jesus used to facilitate the familiar, empirical sense as the shaping logic of its genesis
spiritual growth of his disciples. It is this heritage of sent- or genius. The seeing that its author commends to his
ness that the Kerala Christian community in particular readers is seeing-as-going. It is, even more, seeing-as-going
needs to regain. The irony in this context should not be driven by the intent to abide in (Jn. 15: 4). We will miss
lost sight of. In material terms, Kerala thrives today - Thirumenis core message, if we stay mesmerized with a
especially its precariously prosperous money order literary reading of this book, which could get stuck at the
semantics of seeing in the paradigm of travelogues.
economy- because of the sent-ness of Keralites
Ironically, we have to go beyond Thirumenis stated
towards the Middle East and North America! Migrant
emphasis on the value of seeing in order to see the
workers from other states subsist on this economy of
quintessential worth of Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam, and
sent-ness, thanks to their own sent-ness! But, this very recognize the spiritual paradigm of seeing on which it is
material buoyancy of Malayalees, or their sent-ness, predicated.
suppresses their spiritual sent-ness. Of course, more
people go to the Holy Land now than during Thirumenis It is Parumala Saints meekness that prevents him from
time. They go and come back like the items of luggage stating upfront that his is no ordinary seeing. What a person
that accompany them. sees does not depend so much on where he goes, but who
he is and why he goes. There is a world of difference
The defining thing is not, therefore, that we go to between how a tourist, a scholar, or a theologian sees
Jerusalem. It is, as Thirumeni would insist, to address the Jerusalem and how a saint-in-the-making sees, in
reality of the littleness of faith in which we languish Thirumenis words, its spiritual treasures. The book urges
today and to do all we can to be delivered of the its readers, and the community of faith, to develop the
existential paralysis those issues from it. If a trip to the discipline of seeing with eyes sanctified by devotion. This is
Holy Land is needed to shore up our sagging faith, rush as important in our familiar situations and sites, as it is in
there right away! If loving your neighbour is the tonic that destinations of pilgrimage. This is Thirumenis insight and it
our anaemic faith needs, reach out today! If going to is central to Urslem Yaatra Vivaranam.
Jerusalem is no more than tourism for us, Thirumeni too
It is doubtful if either the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church,
would avow, there are alternate, better, and more
or the Kerala Christian community as a whole, has taken this
convenient destinations available.
insight, this spiritual schooling, onboard. It is often the case
that our eagerness to celebrate the memory of a saint is not
This is no idle speculation; for that was indeed the view of matched by a willingness to heed the message he offers for
St. Gregory of Nyssa -the distinguished scholar, our edification, enrichment and empowerment. More than a
philosopher and theologian of 4th century AD, who went century after the publication of this work (1895), in
back quite disappointed from his Jerusalem visit, in stark circumstances so vastly different from Thirumenis, his
contrast to the glowing, radiant enthusiasm of Parumala emphasis on seeing in the sense in which we have tried to
Thirumeni. There are places in Cappadocia, St. Gregory understand it here has acquired a resonance that he could
wrote, far saintlier than Jerusalem! I quote St. Gregorys not have foreseen. (This too is a mark of a persons
words to emphasize that the person, not the place, is godliness. His example, insights and teachings grow, not
primary. It is not the person per se; but the spiritual fade, in significance with the passage of time.) Unlike
vitality of the person whose heart pants for God. Thirumeni, we are living in the age of visual media, the era of
the seen. Our problem today is not that we have to take
It is necessary to insist on this distinction. Surely, hazardous pains to supplement what we hear with what
Thirumeni was aware of Jesus note of caution for needs to be seen. Our problem is that we have eyes that see
Thomas, the skeptical Apostle: Have you believed not what is already revealed, and ears that hear not what is
because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have already spoken.
not seen and yet have believed (Jn. 20: 29). Jesus, in
Ironically, even today, the crucial issue is that we still need to
this context, was not belittling the usefulness of seeing.
see as Thirumeni did! Thanks to the visual media, we can
Even at the beginning of his public ministry, Jesus was
see Jerusalem without stirring out of our living rooms. The
aware of the value of seeing. He said to the Baptists
problem is that we are ill prepared to be in Jerusalem, the
disciples, who were curious about him, Come and see. City of God, and to meet with the eternal King of the City.
(Jn. 1:39) Jesus, in the passage quoted above, merely That is why it helps to keep in mind the example of a great
cautions Thomas of the spiritual hindrance immanent in scholar and philosopher like St. Gregory of Nyssa in this
proof seeking. Faith cannot be preceded by proof. Faith context. Even at risk of incurring blasphemy, I would borrow
generates experiences, which, then, serve as proof. the words of Jesus and say, Verily, verily I say unto you;
Inward assurance, not material proof, is akin to faith. unless your vision exceeds the vision of the scholars of this
Proof can only be a by-product of, not a pre-condition world, you shall, in no wise, enter into Jerusalem, the City of
for, faith. God.

More Than a Rock
David Brand, All Saints Harrow Weald, North London
when the Romans finally lost patience with acts of rebellion
Not being a cleric I am in no position to preach to and destroyed the city in AD70 and this would not be the
anybody, however if I can leave you with a challenging only time in its history. In order to retain their identity in this
thought that lasts as long as it takes to reach the car park multinational society the Jews kept very much to themselves
or the lych gate33 I shall be more than satisfied. by applying their strict mosaic laws to keep out foreigners
whom they called Gentiles.
I would like you to imagine a beautiful sandy beach, possibly
Fistral beach in Cornwall or Rhossili beach in Wales where As a consequence the Jews insisted that anybody wanting
the sea rolls in, breaks and sweeps up the beach. The kind to join this new Christian Church comprising mainly of Jews
of beach where children play dare and inevitably end up with had to become Jewish and this meant being circumcised.
wet shoes as reputably the seventh wave is larger than its This policy suited the Pharisees as they hoped to bury this
peers. You will probably notice that these waves throw up new religion inside the Jewish faith as just another sect and
small pebbles onto the sand and then greedily suck them hopefully gradually erase it. Paul was committed to keeping
back into the sea as it recedes. It is by this action that the the door open to all those wishing to join this fledgling
pebbles are ground flat by the abrasive action of the sand Christian Church and initially Peter welcomed the Gentiles,
and sea and on a calm day holidaymakers amuse he would socialise and even eat with them. However under
themselves by skipping or bouncing them over calm water pressure from the judaising group he changed his mind and
with a low trajectory throw. refused to eat with the Gentiles on the grounds that he
would endanger his position with the Jerusalem Church.
I would like you to remember this image as we go back in
time to the moment when Jesus proclaimed that Peter would Before the Council of Jerusalem in AD 48/50 Paul had stood
be the rock on which his church would be built, anyone up in the presence of the entire church and openly criticised
hearing this for the first time could be forgiven in thinking him for his inconsistency by pointing out to him that if he
that surely this must be a mistake, Peter was definitely a was willing to eat with the Gentiles, why should he compel
leader in his fishing community, you get the impression of a them to become Jews? So here we have Peter feeling like
big bluff man who tended to talk or act first and think later. that small stone being rolled up the beach by Paul and
We have examples of this in his attempt to walk on water; dragged back into the sea by the Judeans. However Pauls
then losing his faith and sinking, of being told Get behind comments like that large seventh wave pushed the small
me, Satan! by Jesus, falling asleep in the garden of stone so far up the beach no wave could ever drag it back
Gethsemane when specifically asked to stay awake and was again and at the AD 48/50 Council of Jerusalem Peter
most likely responsible for cutting off the ear belonging to accepted the Councils vote that Gentiles should be exempt
the servant to the High Priest. from all requirements of Jewish Law except for those
applying to their immoral practises or upon comity with the
Although forewarned by Jesus he denied him three times Jewish believers.
during the night and also fled leaving him to die on the cross
in the company of the three Marys and John. More a pebble At this point, as Jesus had ordained that small stone
than a rock, however if we were to judge Peter at this stage became Peter the Rock and that decision made by Peter is
we would be reflecting on our own humanity by the reason why we are here today in this church.
underestimating the power and wisdom of God, because That now leaves the sand from the beach. Peter may be a
three momentous events take place: the resurrection of rock but it has to be as Jesus pointed out on a solid
Jesus, the presence of the Holy Spirit and later the foundation and you are that sand, when mixed with faith,
appearance of Paul. Peter now shamed and forgiven love and devotion becomes a permanent foundation for our
becomes the natural leader of the disciples. He has been church that will ensure its continued survival to be handed
strengthened and inspired by the Holy Spirit but hardly a down to others for centuries to come. Thank you for listening
rock on which to build a Church and there is worse to come. to me.
Israel over the centuries had been part of a huge Editors Note: David Brand is an
battleground involving Egyptians, Persians, Assyrians, elder and a Lay Reader of the All
Romans, Medes, Babylonians and Macedonians and as a Saints Harrow Weald where Sinai
consequence Jerusalem became a multinational city and its MTC conducts worship services. He
very existence depended on the diplomatic skills of Herod is a retired electronic engineer. This
the Great. When he was succeeded by Herod Antipas is a sermon given at the early
Jerusalem learned dearly the cost of poor statesmanship morning Sunday Eucharist.
33 A roofed gateway to a churchyard used originally as a
resting place for a bier before burial. You can see one of
these gates at All Saints Harrow Weald.

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1

Pearls of Wisdom, Fr. Thomas

Cover Photo: Transformation and Liberation

From Preservation to Fulfillment, Rev. Dr.

Editorial, Transformation and Liberation, Rev.

Crisis: Reconciliation, Transformation and

Self Transformation and Communion, Fr.

Ministering to the Transgender Persons, Rt.

Evolution as for Grounding Hospitality-

Irrespective of differing terminologies, the common core

Freedom is thus a capacity mediated through

This is writ large in contemporary history. Even as love

The primary focus of change and transformation is

The profound purpose of genuine dialogue is not to

The Khristbhakta Movement is indeed a bright star on the

In Christian theology transformation means a renewed life

Being professing Christians, the questions we must ask are:

*Religion* ends in an outer reformation; the Gospel

Religion white washes; the Gospel washes white.

Religion often becomes a farce; the Gospel is always

There are many religions, but only one Gospel.]

Editorial Note: Fr. Thomas Punnapadom, a Catholic

I am aware that this could sound heretical! My only

What was the main hindrance or limitation in the path of

There were two main issues here. First, the Jews -

I thought it desirable to provide my Christian brethren in

Scott Peck30 in his book, The different Drum talks about

It takes a great deal of self-examination, compromise,

Letter to the Galatians is a necessary corrective measure

33 A roofed gateway to a churchyard used originally as a

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