Indian Secularism and Religious Freedom: Mapping the Cross-Pressures

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Aruthuckal Varughese John (Dean of Faculty, Dean of Faculty, South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies)

Indian Secularism and Religious Freedom

Mapping the Cross-Pressures

Aruthuckal Varughese John (Dean of Faculty, Dean of Faculty, South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies)

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English

Oxford University Press
29 May 2025

Theology; Religious life & practice; Religious institutions & organisations; Political ideologies; Political structure & processes

Series: Religion and Democracy

The book intricately examines secularity in India, presenting it as a complex tapestry of social struggles which introduces assumptions not shared by traditional Hindu culture. These cross-pressures influence both societal and legal realms, affecting how secularism is implemented. The work suggests that these pressures originate from the doctrines that shape India's social fabric and culture. It investigates whether secularism inherently assumes specific theological or cultural doctrines, thus affecting its cultural manifestation. By focusing on the intersection of religious freedom with human rights and legislation, concerning the contentious issue of religious conversions, the book delves into these complexities. The Ghent school attempts to address these tensions by advocating for a Hindu interpretation of religious freedom. However, acknowledging the truth claims of all religious beliefs offers a better approach to mediating between the constitution and Hindu tradition. Additionally, it highlights how Christian converts have developed adaptive mechanisms that blend their faith with traditional Hindu culture. This synthesis of beliefs and practices, or hybrid lifestyles, may provide a potential path forward, reflecting a response to the experienced cross-pressures.

By: Aruthuckal Varughese John (Dean of Faculty Dean of Faculty South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm,
ISBN: 9780198935124
ISBN 10: 0198935129
Series: Religion and Democracy
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 29 May 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Varughese John is Professor and Dean of Faculty at the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS), Bengaluru. He received his PhD in Philosophy in 2006 in the area of Kierkegaard studies as a Junior Research Fellow of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research. He was awarded the Kierkegaard House Foundation Fellowship at the Howard & Edna Hong Kierkegaard Library (2010-2011), where he continues to serve on its International Advisory Board. He is an Associate with Oxford House Research, Oxford, and the author of Truth and Subjectivity, Faith and History: Kierkegaard's Insights for Christian Faith (2012).