Christian Barriers to Jesus: Conversations and Questions from the Indian Context - Softcover

Pennington, Paul J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0878085459 ISBN 13: 9780878085453

Publisher: William Carey Library, 2017

Synopsis

"Hindus often have a high view of Jesus, but they struggle with traditions and customs around Christianity and church. Christian Barriers to Jesus uniquely challenges readers to examine nine barrier-producing Christian traditions from three perspectives:* Concerns Hindus commonly raise about the traditions
* Assumptions Christians may hold about the traditions
* Teachings of Jesus and Scripture that often question the Christian traditions that confuse, offend, and alienate Hindus from Jesus.
This book suggests that we are not asking deep enough questions about what is essential for following Jesus and what is non-essential human invention. If we truly care about Jesus, we must honestly address where those non-essential traditions unnecessarily alienate millions of people from him."

About this title

From the Author:

This book started out as informal conversations with some Christians and Hindus in India about some often confusing, sometimes alienating traditions that Christians practice. Out of those early conversations arose an ongoing discussion about common Christian assumptions that often separate families, alienate communities, and sometimes unnecessarily create conflict and tension.
As the book developed, and as I discussed its findings and challenges in broader circles, my readers and hearers indicated that I have asked deep questions that those who claim to follow Jesus must address in numerous contexts.
Ultimately, Christian Barriers to Jesus demonstrates that we are not asking deep enough questions about what Jesus and Scripture teaches and what is human cultural invention in the way Christians and churches often pursue their faith and religion. When we honestly ask those deeper questions we find surprising answers in Scripture that open up the door for greater respect, understanding, and friendship between those who follow Jesus and those who belong to different faith traditions and socio-religious communities.
Based on the example of Jesus, I often tell my friends, Christian and Hindu alike, that if Jesus were living in India today, he would want to be primarily known as a "friend of Hindus," not as a condemning, judgmental "enemy." This book challenges us to realign ourselves to the teaching of our Master in Scripture, rather than unquestioningly follow the human traditions that drive too many expressions of Christianity.
Along the way, we will also explore the growing phenomenon of incarnational believers, those who follow Jesus, but remain within their own socio-religious community to do so. This concept has challenged and threatened many Christians. The perspectives in this book, though, have been recognized by Christians and Yesu bhaktas alike as presenting ground-breaking, scripturally sound explanations as to why the incarnational choice is more faithful to Jesus and Scripture than some Christians have been willing to admit.
So get a copy and explore nine of the common Christian Barriers to Jesus. Then join the growing global conversation.

From the Back Cover:

"Expect some shaking and refining of your biblical worldview as you read this book."H.L. Richard, author of Following Jesus in the Hindu Context and Hinduism.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Carey Library
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0878085459
• ISBN 13: 9780878085453
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304