Title: Should I Care?
Coverage: Contemporary Concerns for Indian Christians
Editor: Cherian Thomas
Published by ISPCK, Delhi (2007)
Price: Rs. 125/-
Summary of the Book
A statement attributed to the American poet, Oliver Wendell Holmes - "Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good", has often been used in describing Christians and the church. In fact, much of the debate in the church in the last century was about the extent of the church's involvement in - evangelism or social action. The debate though has led to a majority of the church now adopt a view of mission as being "holistic" and concerned with the entire person, not just "saving a soul". Evangelism and social action are no more pitted against each other - but seen as primary activities of the church that go hand in hand. Against this backdrop the authors have tried to hold a mirror to the present Indian society and explore some of the issues – Economic (work, globalisation, materialism & consumerism and migration & brain drain), Political (nationalism, politics and minority rights) and Sociological (sexuality, HIV - the new age epidemic, Dalit Christians, dirt & squalor and caring for immigrants), that impact us daily. Many of these are matters of grave concern as they affect the well being of our society. The book seeks to look at some of these concerns Biblically and suggest ways to respond to these concerns and for meaningful involvement. It is our hope that by the reading of this book many would be stirred to think about, deliberate further and act on their concerns.
No involvement is too small or too insignificant in God's sight. The challenge is to find creative and yet practical ways for the entire body of Christ to be involved in meaningful service to our needy society.
Details of the authors
- Shantanu Dutta (3 chapters) a doctor by training and a development professional, New Delhi.
- Jamila Koshy (3 chapters), a psychiatrist, and Cherian Thomas (3 chapters), a company executive, based in New Delhi.
- Daiva Varam (1 chapter) is a pen name of a young husband, father and teacher.
- Dr. Bonnie Miriam Jacob (1chapter), research consultant with EFICOR, New Delhi.
- Ratnaker Bhengra (1 chapter), a lawyer and human rights activist based at Ranchi.
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