The Theological Misappropriation of Christianity as a Civilizing Force

ABSTRACT

The theological misappropriation of Christianity as a civilizing force occurs when individuals convert to Christianity due to deception that ignores the faith-based aspect of Christianity. The history of Western education in India illustrates the hidden curriculum that Christian missionaries employed to disrupt the Indian educational system. This unnerving pedagogy points to the need for a postcolonial theoretical framework that relates the inescapable hybridity of religion and culture where Orientalism has the potential to occur. To press the ongoing urgency of this discussion, I convey how the history of British India connects to my lived-reality as an American Hindu. Overall, I point to hybridity as a lived paradox of ambiguous conflict that embraces interfaith relations. I offer implications for Christian missionaries today to foster authentic interfaith connections without engaging in colonizing ideologies.

Notes

Mandir is the term used by Hindus to describe a place for community worship.

A murti is an image, often in the form of a statue, which helps Hindus to maintain focus during prayer.

A sloka is a Hindu prayer.

For the purposes of this project, I will use the spelling “Madhusudana Datta” because that is the way Datta’s signature appears in his letters. Some scholars use the spelling “Dutt” to refer to this author. See Michael Madhusudan Datta: A sketch of his life and works. 1916. Madras: G.A. Natesan.

Religious worship for the souls of immediate family members who pass away, especially parents.

A pandit is a spiritual leader who performs pujas (religious worship services) in Hinduism.

Mother Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of Light and Prosperity.

I thank Father Davis for granting me the chance to share his correpsondence publicly.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sabrina D. MisirHiralall

Sabrina D MisirHiralall, EdD, is a Postcolonial Philosopher of Education and Kuchipudi Indian Classical Hindu Dancer. She is the current Regional Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Academy of Religion (MAR-AAR).