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Naya Jeevan Recommended Reading

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Naya Jeevan Recommended Reading Books and Websites on South Asian Evangelism

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Books by Christians
Questioning Evangelism By Randy Newman The author, a Campus Crusade staff member, questions our typical approach to non-Christians Do we really know what questions they are asking? Do we know how to effectively use questions in our evangelism? Not written with Hindus in mind, but its principles are very pertinent. The Spirit of Hinduism By David Burnett A Christian look at Hinduism in the context of Indian history. An excellent combination of being detailed and yet readable for the novice. Bibliography, including websites, and interfaith discussion questions with every chapter. One of the few Christian-authored books I wouldnt be embarrassed to let a Hindu read. The Lotus and the Cross By Ravi Zacharias Jesus dialogs with Buddha. Fascinating, readable story line woven into a comparison between what Jesus offers and what Buddha offers. Buddhism and Hinduism overlap philosophically to a great extent. Missionary Conspiracy: Letters to a Post-Modern Hindu By Vishal Mangalwadi An effective rebuttal to Arun Shouries book Missionaries in India (see below), scholarly and philosophical. Avoids fighting fire with fire as a Christian should. 30 Days Hindu Prayer Focus Available from WorldChristian News and Book s Each day reveals a new group or theme on which to focus prayer within the Hindu world. A must for those who care about world evangelism, the booklet serves as an introduction to Hinduism as well. Understanding the Coconut Generation By Dr. Sam George The author, an Indian Christian living in US, examines cultural and generational challenges for the South Asian Americans born in America, as opposed to their parents, who immigrated from abroad. The American-born generation tends to be more culturally like the mainstream culture, while still appearing to be Asian on the surface. Thus the "brown-on-the-outside, white-on-the-inside" analogy of the coconut. Sharing your Faith with a Hindu By Madasamy Thirumalai One of the few books on popular Hindu evangelism you may find in your neighborhood Christian bookstore. Not always well organized and lacking in smooth transitions, the book nevertheless tackles a neglected topic. But the testimony of the author as a former Hindu is powerful. A Reasoned Look at Asian Religions By David L. Johnson Truly fair and thorough in evaluating the gist and bases of five Asian religions. The author shows why it is reasonable to evaluate and not just accept conflicting philosophies in the name of tolerance. The Christ of the Indian Road by E. Stanley Jones Lucknow Publishing House, 1998, pp 187, paperback, $6 A missionary of the Student Volunteer Movement, Jones presented Christ to high society Indians at the turn of the century, and gained quite a listening audience through his daring question and answer lecture format. Honor and Shame by Roland Muller. $5 download, http://www.rmuller.com/order.html. There are three kinds of cultures in the world: guilt/righteousness (western), fear/power (Africa), and honor/shame (Asia/Middle East). A fascinating treatise.

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Living Water and Indian Bowl: An Analysis of Christian Failings in Communicating Christ to Hindus, with Suggestions Toward Improvements by Dayanand Bharati ISPCK, 2001, pp 264, paperback, $10 For the more advanced evangelist, this book presents radical but compelling ideas on how to encourage Hindus to become "Khrist bhaktas" (Christ devotees) rather than merely westernized Christians in India. A Way of Life: Introducing Hinduism By Ram Gidoomal and Robin Thomson Hinduism is as difficult to pin down as a wave upon the sand, but these authors do an admirable job. Sometimes appears to bend over backward not to offend Hindus, but eventually comes to a reflection and the clear superiority of Christ. Lions, Princesses, Gurus: Reaching Your Sikh Neighbour by Ram Gidoomal and Margaret Wardell Highland Books, 1996, pp 224, paperback A winsome introduction to the Sikh religion of your turbaned neighbor, written for a British audience. Best feature is "Things to do" section at the end of every chapter, to get you out of your armchair and into the Sikh marketplace. The Confusion Called Conversion By Ebe Sunder Raj Deals with why Christians must proclaim their beliefs, a heated debate in India; intricately connected with the whole issue of caste. New Americans By George P. Alexander A seminary professor writes about the progress of Asian Indian immigrants in the US. Very helpful for Americans who would like to understand and relate to their new neighbors.

Books by Hindus
Hinduism for our Times by Arvind Sharma A Hindu writes to Hindus to interpret their beloved religion meaningfully in todays world, especially as Hinduism interacts with western cultures and religious values. Bhagavad-Gita translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood Barnes and Noble, 1995, pp 128, paperback, $4.95 In this most popular Hindu scripture, you will meet Arjuna, a warrior faced with the daunting task of fighting his own relatives in battle; and Krishna, his charioteer and teacher, who explains to Arjuna why he must fight. Surprisingly light and easy reading in a mixture of prose and verse, the Gita ("Song of the Lord") provides the justification for the caste system, and propounds devotion to Krishna as the supreme worship. Missionaries in India by Arun Shourie ASA Publications, 1994, pp305, paperback, $10 A must read for those who want to know what Hindus think of Christianity. This book will make you hopping mad, because of its distortions and prejudices. But it will also fill you with a desire to refute the lies with the truth. Gora by Rabindranath Tagore Sahitya Akademi, 1998, pp 497, hardback, $12 This brilliant novel spells out tensions in the transition of Hinduism to the modern globalized world. A right wing Hindu spars with a Brahma Samajist (reformed Hindu, very much under the influence of Christ), with Christianity never far in the background yet never a living option. Why it is not an option is obvious as the interactions and dialogs develop, and makes this novel essential reading for Christians involved with Hindus. The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi Navajivan, 2001, pp 420, paperback Gandhi is no longer a living person but remains a powerful symbol in India. His struggles with Christianity are a major part of this striking autobiography, and his problems echo those of many Hindus today. Essential reading for Christians who want to understand Hinduism and Indias struggle for independence. Culture Shock: India by Gitanjali Kolanad Graphic Arts Center, Revised 2001, pp 304, paperback, $10 A lighthearted, fair, practical guide to Indian culture, especially for those who will live in or visit that country. Written by an Indian married to a European, who understands both sides. Holy Nit-Nem with Jap-ji translated by Rajinder Singh Vidhyarthi Premier Printers, 1986, pp279 (English portion 113) The "Great Prayer" of Guru Nanak, this is the foremost portion of the Sikh scriptures. Written by their first guru in the 15th century, this book resembles psalms and proverbs. The reader will be surprised to find tantalizing questions posed by Guru Nanak which can be properly answered through Jesus Christ. Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga by Swami Vivek ananda A famous Hindu philosopher of last century expounds two beautiful and popular Hindu paths to God: one of works and one of devotion. Beautiful? Yes, as beautiful as unicorns and just as imaginary. Neither can philosophies save. Christ the Yogi: A Hindu Reflection on the Gospel of John by Ravi Ravindra

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This work represents a common Hindu understanding of Christ as an ideal concept which Jesus the man fulfills. Conveniently ignores or explains away anything in the Gospel which might portray Jesus as the unique Son of God.

Books about Reaching Muslims

Muslims, Christians, and Jesus By Carl Medearis The author tells how he engages Muslims in fresh, non-threatening ways that diffuse tensions and pique interest in Christ. The Crescent through the Eyes of the Cross By Dr. Nabeel Jabbour After reading this book, I thought it should have been titled, The Cross through the Eyes of the Crescent, because I came away with an appreciation for the difficulties Muslims have in understanding and being attracted to the Gospel as it is typically presented by Christians. A powerful appeal to reexamine cherished assumptions and to make sense to your audience. The Camel By Kevin Greeson Presents a simple but biblical and powerful tool and method for sharing Christ with Muslims that is as applicable with personal evangelism as it is with church planting in villages in the Muslim world.

Websites
www.nayajeevan.org Reaching South Asian immigrants in North America primarily with culture shock and spiritual needs www.nayajeevan.org/resources A Christian-only website with strategies, articles, and resources on South Asian ministry www.yeshusamaj.org Creating bridges from Hindu concepts to the gospel www.rethinkingforum.com, rethinkingforum@comcast.net Rethinking ways of reaching Hindus with the gospel www.multilingual-southasian.com Website full of low-priced materials of all sorts for reaching Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims. Music, books, tracts, and links to other websites. www.karma2grace.org Hindu-Christian dialog www.hvk.org A Hindu website for Christians to see what theyre up against in the spiritual battle www.christianaggression.org Similar to above, but includes North America www.interfaithshaadi.org A Hindu website exposing the risks of interfaith marriages www.indianchristiansunited.org Based in Northern California, a coalition of Indian Christians promoting prayer for India www.mahalife.com Evangelistic website mainly aimed at Indians www.aradhnamusic.com Christian music group that plays Indian worship songs, live concerts for outreaches, CDs available www.sitaronline.org Learn about the Hindu world www.southasianconnection.com To inspire South Asian youth for missions www.opendoors.iienetwork.org Information on international students in the US www.wclbooks.com Choose Hindu Ministry, India button for material related to India and reaching Hindus Comments
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Bruce - Thank You! Cathy and team, thanks so much for all the hard work represented here. God bless all you are doing - Bruce G
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