The Meeting of Opposites?: Hindus and Christians in the West

Can there be a spiritually rich engagement between Hindus and Christians? In India there is a long history of interaction between them. In this helpful book, Andrew Wingate shares something of that from his direct experience of living in Tamil Nadu. But the growing economic power of India and of the Indian diaspora throughout the world, reveal how little written material is available about Hindus and Christians as they encounter each other outside India. The Meeting of Opposites? is founded upon experience and research, as well as recent meetings with Hindus, especially in the UK, the United States, and Sweden. The author gives many examples of dialogue and focuses on theological, spiritual, and missiological questions. "A much-needed analytical update on contemporary Hindu-Christian dialogue. Andrew's diligent fieldwork is enriched by his commitment and personal experience as one of the foremost scholars engaged in this conversation." --Anantanand Rambachan, Professor of Religion, St. Olaf College, Minnesota "Andrew Wingate has the most startling ability to meet people where they are with loving curiosity. Able to celebrate the gifts they bring, he then manages to discern ways in which those gifts can be shared in greater service to the wider community--be they Hindu or Christian, Muslim or Sikh. This book is a culmination of Andrew's celebration of the life of the Holy Spirit he sees in everyone around him, particularly his beloved Hindu community for whom he has become, for some, honorary Christian guru, Andrewji." --The Reverend Bonnie Evans-Hills, Diocesan Interfaith Adviser, St Albans, and Inter Faith Theological Advisory Group, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland "Hindu-Christian relations are an important part of our mutual flourishing in the UK, which Andrew has championed for many years. In this wide-reaching book, he draws on his unparalleled experience to inspire and challenge Christians and Hindus to continue that work." --Richard Atkinson, OBE, Bishop of Bedford and Co-Chair, Hindu-Christian Forum Andrew Wingate is Canon Theologian of Leicester Cathedral, about to be the final resting place of the bones of King Richard III. Until recently, he was a Chaplain to the Queen. In 2009, he was awarded the OBE for his work in interfaith relations.