Following Jesus in the Hindu Context: The Intriguing Implications of N.V. Tilak's Life and Thought

by H. L. Richard

Narayan Vaman Tilak was raised in western India in a Brahmin family as a Hindu of the highest caste. He was an ardent nationalist and gifted poet. Baptized in 1895, he remained one of the most highly placed Hindu leaders to turn to faith in Jesus Christ. This book tells Tilak's story as a pioneer in Protestant mission history.

Genres: Hinduism

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book, but in fairness, that's probably because I thought it was going to be something else. I thought it would be about a Hindu, including bhakti (devotional worship) to Jesus as part of his/her Hinduism. Instead, it was really a short biography of N.V. Tilek, a Hindu by birth who converted to Christianity. That's a different thing altogether. However, in the end, I appreciated that Tilek critiqued Christian missionaries in India for being dismissive of Hinduism's scriptures and traditions. He believed that the best way to convert Hindus to Christianity was to keep an appreciation for Hindu scriptures, and to hold on to many (most?) Hindu traditions -- all while becoming a Christian. I'm glad that I read this bio, though I still want to read about a Hindu who includes Jesus bhakti in their own Hinduism!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is highly recommended for the person who has had or will have serious encounters with educated Hindus who are knowledgeable of the great Hindu religious traditions and who practice them. N.V. Tilak's life is an example of the struggle to contextualize one's life in Christ in the Hindu setting.

Those who have not experienced cross-cultural life and ministry, or who have not had serious engagement with Hindus in India, might not have the capacity to appreciate or benefit from this book.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is terrible. Don't be misled: it's not about missiology, strategies, or even anecdotes pertinent to reaching Hindus for Christ. It's a vague, poorly written pseudo biography about Tilak, who lived over 100 years ago. It's pure rubbish.