Discerning Liberative Motifs in Religions (A Socio-Ecological Study)

The world today is reeling under the forces of communalism, fundamentalism, ecological crisis, suppression and oppression because of gender, caste and creed. In all these, in one way or the other, religion because of its strong emotional appeal has often been manipulated and utilized by selfish individuals to further their egocentric endeavours. In this situation, the most feasible solution seems to be appreciating the liberative motifs that are present and found in religious traditions and thereby creating unity of these liberative strands.

This book endeavours to bring out the richness and beauty of diversity of faith through a study of liberative elements found in some of the major religious traditions, so that we may be able to in some way appreciate what is good and true in other faith traditions. When we learn to understand diversity as a gift of God that is to be enjoyed and not a threat to identity or faith, only then shall we be able to lead happier, peaceful, harmonious lives.

An ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church of India, Cachar Hill Tribes Synod, Rev. Lalchawiliana Varte graduated from Haflong Govt. College under Assam University. He obtained his B.D. (2006) and M.Th. (2014) degrees from Aizawl Theological College, Mizoram, under the Senate of Serampore College (University). He has served for several years as a Pastor under the Cachar Hill Tribes Synod in Haflong and Phai pastorates within Dima Hasao District of Assam. Currently, he is on deputation at Aizawl Theological College, Mizoram as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Religions since 2018. He has authored 2 books and co-edited 1 book.

Religion, a potent unifying force as well as an intoxicating divisive agent, at the same time, has often been exploited by nefarious agents to fulfill their selfish needs. However, it must be reiterated that religion itself is not an agent of oppression or exploitation. It is simply an agent, an instrument in the hands of despicable individuals and systems. Therefore, the need of the hour is to discern the liberative elements that are present in all religious traditions of the world. Religion alone might not be enough to address all the various socio-economic, political and ecological problems plaguing the world. However, religion because of its strong emotional appeal has the potentiality to change worldviews, perspectives and mindsets. Therefore, religion has the power to enable individuals to be agents of change and transformation in society.

Theological education, especially the study of religions can have a great impact on worldviews and perceptions. It can facilitate students to appreciate the positive elements and teachings prevailing in other religious traditions. However, this does not indicate that students of religion are generally pluralistic or syncretistic. The study of religions can help students to be critical of their own faith traditions in order to strengthen and edify their own faith and traditions more and more. Thereby, they can be enabled to synthesize liberative elements present in religions in order to bring about sociological and ecological transformation.

Therefore, this humble work which is a collection of some of my articles and seminar papers endeavours to bring out the richness and beauty in diversity of life through a study of liberative elements found in some of the major religious traditions. It is my fervent hope that through this modest work we may be able to in some way appreciate what is good and true in other faith traditions. When we learn to appreciate and comprehend the liberative elements present in other faith traditions, then we will be able to understand diversity as a gift of God that is to be enjoyed and not a threat to identity or faith, only then shall we be able to lead happier, peaceful, harmonious lives.

In the midst of Covid-19 Pandemic and rapid rise in number of positive cases, the Lockdown order from the National and State authorities followed by sit at home period has been fruitfully utilized by the author of this book, Rev. Lalchawiliana Varte. While the pens and computers of many authors are locked down, the hands of this author have been constantly working to bring to us the necessity of focusing on religion in general and several religious traditions in particular, supplying us with liberative lessons through the selected topics. The book opens our eyes in order to see the value of having various faith traditions as they deal with the needs of humankind in their respective ways and perspectives.

In a world plagued by fundamentalism, communalism, ecological crisis, oppression and suppression, religion has proved to be a strong catalyst that has been maneuvered and exploited by certain sections of society to fulfill their self-centered purposes. However, every religion has the prospect to be liberative and has the influence to bring about transformation in the society. In order for this to become a reality, followers of every religious tradition must realize the liberative motifs present in religious traditions. What this book strives to achieve is to make the readers discern the liberative strands that are present in some major religions and thereby appreciate the diversity of life and faith. This does not entail a giving up of one's own faith tradition. Appreciation does not necessarily lead to conformation, rather appreciation leads to respect and understanding. Therefore, a realization and appreciation of the liberative motifs in religious traditions other than one's own tradition can lead to transformation of one's mindset and worldviews while still holding on to the traditions that one holds so dear.

I wish each and every reader of different sides to get insightful knowledge contained in this volume as it would give them great academic profit as well as spiritual enrichment. I want to express my joyful appreciation to this young theologian who has become a prolific writer in the field of Religions due to his untiring efforts.

**Contents and Sample Pages**