Inclusive Christ and Broken People: Towards a Dalit Christology in the Light of the Early Church Faith Confession

Foreword It is not important to accept the views expressed in a book as there might be agreements and disagreements. However, considering seriously the concerns of the author is very significant. This book Inclusive Christ and Broken People is an attempt of Rev. Josfin Raj to examine the dalit Christology in the light of early church's confession. He tries to bring the dalit theological materials to our attention to argue that present dalit Christology is very rigid and exclusive. He feels that the dalit Christology holds a rejectionist approach in relation to the other communities. He opposes this standpoint and tries to develop an inclusive dalit Christology, which he feels more adequate and acceptable in relation suiting to early Christian understanding.

It is important to note that there are reactionary elements in dalit theology which are the result of centuries long suffering and oppression they had undergone. This may not mean the total rejection and annihilation of other communities. But the annihilation of caste and its pollutive elements are essential factors.

This book draws our attention to a vast amount of dalit theological resources which enable the readers to have some in-depth understanding of the dalit roots and their condition. It is, of course, a valuable contribution to dalit theology.

Introduction This book brings you a new perspective to look at Christ in one's dalit situation. don't What is dalit situation? Perhaps, normal and immediate answer would be wretched face of the caste system. Let's ponder deep into dalit life situation you see another blessed side of being a dalit? Dalits who are privileged to be in the margins and resist the process of marginalization with all their efforts. I feel, the dalit experience is also similar with the broken experience of the first century early Christian community. The etymological meaning of the word 'dalit' represents "Brokenness" and "Wholeness", which gives us new way to look Jesus from an 'inclusive' term and people as 'broken' ones. By definition, dalit is an 'inclusive' term, which is able to accommodate 'all' those who experience the condition of brokenness and strive for wholeness.

**Contents and Sample Pages**