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Introduction to
Hinduism and Buddhism
AP/WM649
Fall 2017, Monday 2-5pm
Instructor: Dr. Kevin Xiyi Yao
Office Hours: TBA
Contact Information: E-mail: [email protected]; Tel: 978-646-4286
Course Website: Log into sakai.gcts.edu and click on the tab labeled
“AP/WM 649 HA-15”.
Course Description and Learning Objectives
With a shared origin, Hinduism and Buddhism are the belief systems of one of the
largest segments of the world population, and pose one of the major religious
challenges to Christianity in the past and future. This course is an introductory study
for students to understand the beliefs, practices and cultural impacts of these two
traditions. More specifically this course provides an opportunity for students to be
able:
First, to understand the beliefs and common practices of Hinduism and Buddhism;
Second, to assess their shaping influences on the worldview and the patterns of
culture and life of the peoples in Asia and other parts of the world;
Third, to discover and grasp essential differences between Hinduism/Buddhism and
Christian worldviews, and to evaluate the two traditions from the Christian
perspectives;
Fourth, to explore the Christian missiological approaches to the traditions and
mission strategy relevant in the Hindu and Buddhist contexts.
By doing so, students will formulate a Biblical approach to non-Christian religions or
theology of religion, and become aware of some key issues and ongoing debates about
evangelism among Hindu and Buddhist populations.
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Class Format is diverse and interactive. It includes lecture, discussion, presentation,
and possible field trip. Students’ participation is highly valued and encouraged.
Requirements
(Please hand in hard copies of all your papers. The first journal is exceptional.)
A. Two Integration Journals (35%): summarizing lectures, readings, and
personal reflections. It should be double-spaced, 8-10 pages for each.
Due Dates: The First Journal: 10/23 (submitted to Dr. Yao by email)
The Second Journal: 12/19
B. Research Project and Presentation (40%): each student should choose a
subject related to the topics of this course, and do research on it:
Each student should choose his or her own topic and methods, and must
submit one page project proposal specifying the topic and its
significances, goals and methods, and listing the primary sources. All
proposals need to be approved by the professor. Due Date: 10/02
The topics could be the introductions and explorations of any aspects of
Hinduism and Buddhism, or their interactions with Christianity. The
nature of the projects can be introductory, apologetic or evangelistic.
In Week 14 each student is required to present the results of
his or her studies to the whole class for 25 minutes in one class session,
including presentation and Q & A time. Each student can design the
format of his or her presentation, and employ any auditory / visual or
multi-media aids to articulate their points.
Each student should prepare and submit a file containing:
1. A 3-5 page, double-spaced introduction of the project topic, its
significances, and goals of the project
2. The materials of any kind, relevant to the topic, which support his
or her points
3. A five page, double-spaced conclusion summarizing the main
ideas and points of the project.
File Due Date: 12/19
OR
You can choose to write a term paper, instead of project. The topics
need to be pertinent to the contents of this course, and interesting to you and
relevant to your future ministry. Your topic should be approved by the
instructor.
Length: 15-20 pp, double-spaced, including footnotes and bibliography as
needed. You are also required to give a presentation.
Term Paper Topic Due Date: 10/02
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Term Paper Due Date: 12/19
C. Field Project (20%): During Week 7-9, each student is required to visit a
local Buddhist or Hindu temple or center, and write a report (6-8 pages, double
spaces). In this report, you should describe the institutions you visit, tell your
experience and impression, and reflect on Christian attitude and approach
toward that community. Due Date: 11/13
D. Reading of the Sources and Class Participation (5%) We will read
some key Hindu and Buddhist texts and discuss them in class. Students are
expected to participate actively.
Required Textbooks
Students are expected to read the required materials before each class session in
order to facilitate class discussions.
Ellinger, Herbert, Hinduism, London: SCM Press, 1995 (ISBN 0-334-02602-4).
Harvey, Peter, ed., Buddhism , London: Continuum, 2001 (ISBN 0-8264-5350-3).
Lim, David, Steve Spaulding, and Paul De Neui, eds., Sharing Jesus Effectively in the
Buddhist World, Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2005 (ISBN 0-87808-509-2).
Smith, Houston & Philip Novak, Buddhism, A Concise Introduction, New York:
HarperSanFrancisco, 2003 (ISBN: 0-06-073067-6)
Other Texts Included in Readings
Embree, Ainslie T., ed., Sources of Indian Tradition, Vol. One, “From the Beginning
to 1800,” New York: Columbia University Press, 1988
Fernando, Antony and Leonard Swidler, Buddhism Made Plain, An Introduction for
Christians and Jews, Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 1985 (ISBN
0-88344-198-5).
Fowler, Jeaneane, Hinduism, Beliefs and Practices, Portland, Oregon: Sussex
Academic Press, 1997 (ISBN 1-898723 60 5).
Frykenberg, Robert Eric, ed., Christians and Missionaries in India, Cross-cultural
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Communication since 1500, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003 (ISBN
0-8028-3956-8).
Howell, Richard, “The Hindu Missionary Movements and Christian Missions in
India,” in William D. Taylor, ed., Global Missiology for the 21st Century, The Iguassu
Dialogue , Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2000(ISBN0-8010-2259-2), 407-420.
Jacobs, Stephen, Hinduism Today, New York: Continuum, 2010 (ISBN: PB:
978-0-8264-3065-6)
Jacobs, Stephen, Hinduism Today, New York: Continuum, 2010 (ISBN: PB:
978-0-8264-3065-6)
Kraemer, Hendrik, The Christian Message in a Non-Christian World, Bangalore,
Centre for Contemporary Christianity, 2009
Lopez, Jr, Donald S., Asian Religions in Practice: An Introduction, Princeton
University Press, 1999, (ISBN: 0-691-00513-3)
Newbigin, Lesslie, "The Gospel and the Religions,” in Robert L. Gallagher and Paul
Hertig eds., Landmark Essays in Mission and World Christianity, Maryknoll, New
York: Orbis Books, 2009 (ISBN 978-1-57075-829-4), 149-159.
Richards, Glyn, ed., A Source-book of Modern Hinduism, Curzon Press, 1985
Strong, John S., The Experience of Buddhism, Sources and Interpretations, Belmont,
CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1995 (ISBN: 0-534-19164-9)
Tennent, Timothy, Christianity at the Religious Roundtable: Evangelicalism in
Conversation with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2002 (ISBN 0-8010-2602-4).
Thomas, M.M., “A Christ-centered Humanist Approach to Other Religions in the
Indian Pluralistic Context,” in Gavin D’Costa, ed. Christian Uniqueness Reconsidered,
the Myth of a Pluralistic Theology of Religions, Mayknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books,
1990(ISBN 0-88344-687-1), 49-62.
*Additional articles and chapters may be distributed to students.
Schedule, Topics and Required Readings
(Please pay attention to six weeks with expanded class hours)
Week 1 (09/11)-- Course overview:
Syllabus
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The Biblical view of religions and Christian approaches;
General introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism: Their common
historical past and relation; sketches of their historical developments;
their current challenges to the Church.
Readings:
Tennent, 9-27
Kraemer, ch. IV
Lopez, 9-11
Week 2 (09/18, 2-5:30pm)-- Hinduism I:
A brief history;
The basis of the Hindu worldview: the wheel of rebirth, Dharma,
Karma, Moksha, and Nirvana.
Readings:
Ellinger, ch.2. 6. 9
Jacobs, ch. 1.2
Fowler, ch.1.
Week 3 (09/25, 2-5:30pm)))- -Hinduism II:
The pantheon of the Hindu gods: Brahmann, Vishnu, Shiva;
The Hindu scriptures: Veda; The Hindu rites, festivals and social
system (the castes).
Modern development of the Hindu influence in the West;
Christian evaluation, reflections, challenges, and evangelism among
the Hindu population;
Contemporary controversy: Insider Movement
Readings:
Ellinger, ch. 3,4, 5
Jacobs, ch.3.5.6
Fowler, ch. 5.6.7.9.10
Kraemer, ch.V, “Hinduism.”
Thomas, M.M., 49-62.
Howell, 407-420.
Week 4 (10/02, 2-5:30pm) -- - Buddhism I:
The Buddha; the Buddhist worldview: the four noble truths I: The
human predicament
*The solutions: The four noble truths II: Karma, Rebirth
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Readings:
Harvey, 3-5, 64-94
Smith, ch 1-5
Strong, 87-103
Project or Term Paper Topic Due
Week 5 (10/09-13):- Reading Week:
Readings:
Tennent, Part 1
Frykenberg, ch.7
Week 6 (10/16) Hinduism III:
Guest Speaker: Dr. Bobby Bose
Week 7 (10/23) Field Project-No
First Journal Due (submitted to Dr. Yao by email)
Week 8 (10/30) Field Project-
Week 9(11/06) -- -Reading Week:
Readings:
Tennent, Part 2
Week 10 (11/13)-- -Buddhism II:
*Nirvana;
*Morality, wisdom, poverty, and celibacy
Readings:
Smith, ch. 6
Strong, 104-110, 111-126
Harvey, ch. 6,8
Field Visit Report Due
Week 11 (11/20, 2-5:30pm)-- -Buddhism III:
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Historical developments: Hinayana and Mahayaha; Cross-Cultural
Spread.
Buddhism as a world religion: The case of the East Asia
Popular forms of Buddhism;
The gods; Rites and festivals;
Readings:
Harvey, 5-28
Smith, ch 7-10
Harvey, ch.3,4.5.9
Week 12 (11/27, 2-5;30pm)-- -Buddhism IV:
The diversification of the Buddhist tradition in the world today;
Contemporary revivals and reforms.
Christian evaluation, reflections, challenges, and evangelism among
the Buddhist population;
The religious challenges to Christian evangelism in the 21st century;
Reflections on Christian responses.
Readings:
Smith, ch. 13-18
Richards, 79-89, 137-149, 154-167
Week 13 (12/04, 2-5:30pm)) Buddhism V:
*Christian evaluation, reflections, challenges, and evangelism among
the Buddhist population;
The religious challenges to Christian evangelism in the 21st century;
Reflections on Christian responses.
Readings:
Lim, ch.1,2
Newbigin, 149-159.
Week 14 (12/11) -- -Presentations
12/19: The Second Journal Due;
Term Project File or Term Paper Due
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*All topics and required readings are subject to change without notice.
Selected Bibliography
Studies of Hinduism:
Ashby, Philip H., Modern Trends in Hinduism, New York: Columbia University Press,
1974
Bowen, Paul, ed., Themes and Issues in Hinduism, London: Cassell, 1998.
Brown, Kerry, ed., The Essential Teachings of Hinduism, London: Rider, 1988.
Burnett, David, The Spirit of Hinduism: A Christian Perspective on Hindu Thought,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent: Monarch, 1992;
De Bary, Wm. T., ed. Sources of Indian Tradition, vol. I and II., New York:
Columbia University Press, 1958.
Demariaux, Jean-Christophe, How to Understand Hinduism, London: SCM Press,
1995.
Devanandan, Paul David, Resurgent Hinduism: Review of Modern Movements,
Bangalore: Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, 1959.
Ellinger, Herbert, Hinduism, London: SCM Press, 1995.
Fowler, Jeaneane, Hinduism, Beliefs and Practices, Portland, Oregon: Sussex
Academic Press, 1997.
Fuller, C.J., The Camphor Flame, Popular Hinduism and Society in India, Princeton
University Press, 1992.
Jacobs, Stephen, Hinduism Today, New York: Continuum, 2010.
Klostemaier, Klaus K., A Short Introduction to Hinduism, Oxford, England: Oneworld,
1998;
-------, A Survey of Hinduism, Albany, N.Y.: State University of New York Press,
1989
Llewellyn, J.E., ed., Defining Hinduism, A Reader, London: Equinox, 2005.
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Mann, Gurinder Singh, Paul David Numrich, and Raymond B. Williams, Buddhists,
Hindus, and Sikhs in America New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
Neufeldt, Ronald W., Karma & Rebirth, Post Classical Developments, Albany, N.Y.:
State University of New York Press, 1986.
Renou, Louis, ed, Hinduism, New York: Washington Square Press, 1972.
Rinehart, Robin, ed. Cotemporary Hinduism, Ritual, Culture, and Practice, Santa
Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2004.
Sarma, Deepak, Hinduism: A Reader, Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub, 2008.
Sen, K.M., Hinduism, New York: Penguin Books, 1976.
Sharma, Arvind., Classical Hindu Thought: An Introduction, Oxford University Press,
2001;
Sharpe, Eric J., Thinking about Hinduism, London: Lutterworth Educational, 1971.
Zaehner, R.C., Hinduism, Oxford University Press, ?
----------, Hindu Scriptures, New York: Dent, 1966.
Studies of Buddhism:
Conze, Edward, Buddhism, Its Essence and Development, London: Faber and Faber,
1963;
Corduan, Winfried, Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions ,
Downers Grove, ILL: InterVarsity Press, 1998.
Fernando, Antony and Leonard Swidler, Buddhism Made Plain, An Introduction for
Christians and Jews, Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 1985.
Harvey, Peter, ed., Buddhism , London: Continuum, 2001.
Inada, Kenneth K., and Nolan P. Jacobson, eds., Buddhism and American Thinkers,
Albany, N.Y.: State University of New York Press, 1984.
Klostemaier, Klaus K., Buddhism: A Short Introduction, Oxford: Oneworld, 1999.
Morreale, Don ed., The Complete Guide to Buddhist America, Boston, MA:
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Shambhala Pub., 1998.
Robinson, Richard H., Willard L. Johnson, and Thanissaro Bhikkhu, The Buddhist
Religions: A Historical Introduction, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning,
2005.
Schumann, H. Wolfgang, Buddhism: An Outline of its Teachings and Schools,
Wheaton, ILL: Theosophical Pub. House, 1974.
Thomas, Edward J., The History of Buddhist Thought, New York: Barnes & Noble,
1963.
Tsongkapa, The Principal Teaching of Buddhism, Howell, New Jersey: Classics of
Middle Asia, 1988.
Christians and Hindus / Buddhists:
Brown, Judith M., and Robert Eric Frykenberg, eds., Christians, Cultural Interactions,
and India’s Religious Traditions , Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002.
Burnett, David, The Spirit of Hinduism, A Christian Perspective on Hindu Thought,
Tunbridge Wells, Monarch, 1992.
Dharmanand, Premraj, Your Questions-Your Answers!: A Look at Questions
Commonly Posed by Hindus to Christians, Vol. 1, Dehradun: Premraj Dharmanand,
2003.
Dunne, Carrin, Buddha and Jesus: Conversations, Springfield, ILL: Templegate,
1975.
Dupuis, Jacques, Jesus Christ at the Encounter of World Religions, Maryknoll, N.Y.:
Orbis Books, 1991.
Fleming, Kenneth, Asian Christian Theologians in Dialogue with Buddhism, Oxford:
P. lang, 2002.
Forrester, Duncan B., Caste and Christianity, Attitudes and Policies on Caste of
Anglo-Saxon Protestant Missions in India, London: Curzon Press, 1980.
Frykenberg, Robert Eric, ed., Christians and Missionaries in India, Cross-cultural
Communication since 1500 , Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003.
Gidoomal, Ram and Margaret Wardell, Chapatis for Tea: Reaching your Hindu
Neighbour: A Practical Guide, Guildford, England: Highland Books, 1994.
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Gross, Rita M. and Terry C. Muck, eds., Buddhists Talk about Jesus, Christians Talk
about the Buddha, New York: Continuum, 2000.
Hattaway, Paul, Peoples of the Buddhist World: A Christian Prayer Diary, Carlisle:
Piquant, 2004.
Hogg, A.G., The Christian Message to the Hindu, London: S.C.M. Press, 1947.
Kraemer, Hendrik, The Christian Message in a Non-Christian World, Bangalore:
Centre for Contemporary Christianity, 2009;
Khung, Hans, Christianity and the World Religions: Paths of Dialogue with Islam,
Hinduism, and Buddhism, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1986.
Lim, David, Steve Spaulding, and Paul De Neui, eds., Sharing Jesus Effectively in the
Buddhist World, Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2005.
Lopez, Donald S. ed, A Modern Buddhist Bible: Essential Readings from East and
West , Boston: Beacon Press, 2002.
Pieris, Aloysius, Fire and Water: Basic Issues in Asian Buddhism and Christianity,
Marknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1996.
Pohlmann, Horst Georg, Encounters with Hinduism: A Contribution to Inter-religious
Dialogue, London: SCM Press, 1996.
Raj, Joshua, A Biblical Approach to Indian Traditions and Beliefs, Singapore,
Genesis, 2008.
Robinson, Bob, Christians Meetings Hindus, An Analysis and Theological Critique of
the Hindu-Christian Encounter in India, Regnum, 2004.
Robinson, John A.T., Truth is Two-Eyed, London: SCM Press, 1979.
Sharpe, Eric J. Faith Meets Faith, Some Christian Attitudes to Hinduism in the
Nineteenth & Twentieth Centuries, London: SCM Press, 1977.
Tennent, Timothy, Christianity at the Religious Roundtable: Evangelicalism in
Conversation with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2002.
-------, Building Christianity on Indian Foundations: The Legacy of Brahmabandhav
Upadhyay, Delhi: ISPCK, 2000.
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Thomas, M.M., “A Christ-centered Humanist Approach to Other Religions in the
Indian Pluralistic Context,” in Gavin D’Costa, ed. Christian Uniqueness Reconsidered,
the Myth of a Pluralistic Theology of Religions, Mayknoll, N.Y.: orbis Books, 1990,
pp49-62.
Tsering, Marku, Sharing Christ in the Tibetan Buddhist World, Upper Darby, PA:
InterServe, 1993.
Vroom, H.M., No Other Gods: Christian Belief in Dialogue with Buddhism, Hinduism,
and Islam, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996.
Yandell, Keith and Harold Netland, Buddhism: A Christian Exploration and Appraisal,
Downers grove, ILL: IVP Academic, 2009.
Zacharias, Ravi K., The Lotus and the Cross: Jesus Talks with Buddha, Sisters, Ore:
Multnomah Publishers, 2001.