December 28, 2016 – January 11, 2017 A program of the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary
A Program of the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary
December 28, 2016 – January 11, 2017
Join us for a spirit-filled trip to historic and beautiful spaces to study multiple forms of Christianity in South India. We will seek to explore questions: What can we learn about Christianity from such a context? How can the encounter with Indian Christian communities enrich and complicate our own Christian self-understanding?
India presents a particularly interesting place to study Christianity today, for several reasons:
v Christianity in this area likely dates back to the first century, so its roots are nearly as ancient as Christianity itself v Though it is an ancient tradition, Christianity in India has always been a tiny minority religion, ever negotiating its position with neighbor traditions such as Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism v India is rapidly changing, with economic and political tensions intersecting with religious identities in multiple and conflicting ways v The Indian Christian community today largely consists of people who are marginalized economically, politically, and socially
City Descriptions Bangalore: This almost 500-year old city is the epicenter of India’s booming high-tech and aerospace industries. Bangalore is home to several well-known churches and Christian organizations and institutions, including United Theological College, one of Asia’s leading theological schools. The city is 3,000 feet above sea level, leading to a fairly pleasant climate in all seasons. Tirupati: The mid-size city is home to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which is “the second richest and most visited religious centre (of any faith) in the world” (Wikipedia). The famed temple is believed to have been constructed over several centuries, starting in 300 AD.
Hyderabad: Established in 1591, Hyderabad offers a fine mix of centuries-old monuments and major tech centers such as Google, Microsoft and Facebook. The city’s culture is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. Hyderabad is home to large Muslim and Hindu communities, in addition to a small but vibrant Christian community, and is known for pro-active interfaith dialogues. Cochin: Also known as “Kochi,” was the oldest European colony in India and was a major trade center from the 14th century. The city, often described as the queen of the Arabian sea, has a long coastline and a large Christian population (roughly 35%).
Vellore: Home to Christian Medical College and Hospital, one of the reputed educational institutions in India that was founded by American missionaries in 1900.
Trip Leaders Martha Moore-Keish is Associate Professor of Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary. She has been interested in religions of India since her undergraduate studies, has lived and studied in both West Bengal and Bangalore. She earned the MDiv at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, and the PhD at Emory University. Her interests include Reformed, liturgical, ecumenical, and feminist theologies, and she is increasingly engaged also in comparative theological work.
Raj Nadella is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary. He grew up in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh and attended United Theological College in Bangalore before coming to the U.S. for a masters’ degree at the Graduate Theological Union and the PhD at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. Dr. Nadella’s research and teaching interests include Postcolonial readings of the New Testament, especially the parables of Jesus. Additionally, his research focuses on New Testament perspectives on the issues of economic justice and their ethical and theological implications for the church and society today.
Program Fees $3800 program fee includes round trip airfare from Atlanta, housing meals and expenses in India. Participants are expected to purchase their own travel insurance and submit proof of insurance before air tickets can be purchased. Participants will need a current passport (valid for at least 6 months for entry into India) and Tourist visa for India. Participants will bring their own clothing, toiletries, and other sundry gear. Those confirmed for the trip will receive a list of required, recommended and optional gear, a detailed itinerary, required reading, required travel and medical documents and other trip details.
Requirements for Participation v Good physical condition and ability to participate fully in an intensive travel experience abroad. v Cultural curiosity and flexibility with regard to travel schedule v Preference will be given to those who have never traveled to India before v Payment of transportation costs to and from Atlanta
Deadlines and Essential Information
August 15, 2016
Completed application
Accepted participants notified
September 1
September 15
$2000 participant registration fee and signed agreement due
October 15
$1800 balance due
October 15
Copy of visa and travel insurance due
Registration can be cancelled by October 1, minus a processing fee of $100 and any airline cancellation fees.
Upon registration and submission of deposit, each participant will receive the following:
Required travel documents, including medical forms, to complete and return as soon as possible and not later than October 15.
Packing lists, including
v v v
Required personal items to bring Recommended personal items to bring Optional items to bring
Course itinerary and reading list
Each participant must schedule their own travel to and from Atlanta and provide a copy of their travel itinerary to the trip leaders.
Register now. https://app.certain.com/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x2351650b89b Questions about the trip? Contact Raj Nadella at NadellaR@ctsnet.edu Questions about the program or reading? Contact Martha Moore-Keish at Moore-KeishM@ctsnet.edu Questions about registration? Contact the Center for Lifelong Learning at LifelongLearning@ctsnet.edu