257. India, Europe & Biblical Revolution | Vishal Mangalwadi

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May 30, 2022

Vishal Mangalwadi, a social reformer and author known for his work on the Bible's impact on civilizations, dives into India's history and the Bible's pivotal role in shaping it. He discusses how missionaries influenced education and social structures, analyzing the caste system and moral dilemmas like infanticide. Mangalwadi highlights the Bible's revolutionary effects on concepts of equality and individual rights, challenging cultural relativism while advocating for conscience and ethical governance. It's a thought-provoking journey through spirituality and societal transformation.

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ANECDOTE

Conversion Experience

Vishal Mangalwadi, as a teen, struggled with compulsive lying and shoplifting.
He found that turning to Christianity resolved these issues, unlike his own willpower efforts.

INSIGHT

The Sixth Man

The Enlightenment's pursuit of absolute truth had failed, philosophers acknowledging their inability to attain it.
Mangalwadi questioned if a 'sixth man', possessing true sight, could reveal the nature of reality.

INSIGHT

Truth in Biblical Texts

Jordan Peterson notes the difficulty of interpreting biblical texts as expressions of dominant groups or power structures.
He suggests an alternative: an attempt to express fundamental ethical truths.

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Wycliffe's Bible

The First Complete English Vernacular Version

John Purvey

John Wyclif

Nicholas of Hereford

Wycliffe's Bible, produced in the late 14th century, marked a significant milestone in making Scripture accessible to the common people in their native language. The translation was initially completed by Wycliffe and Nicholas of Hereford, with John Purvey later refining it for better readability. This work laid the groundwork for future English Bible translations and influenced the Protestant Reformation.

Books of Kings and Chronicles

Historical Narratives of Israel and Judah

Ezra (attributed for Chronicles)

Jeremiah (attributed for Kings)

The books of Kings and Chronicles provide historical narratives of Israel and Judah, covering the period from King David to the Babylonian exile. They include stories of various kings, their reigns, and interactions with prophets. The books of Kings focus on both Israel and Judah, while Chronicles emphasizes Judah and the Davidic dynasty.

Observations on the State of Society among the Asiatic Subjects of Great Britain

Particularly with Respect to Morals; and on the Means of Improving It

Charles Grant

Written in 1792 and first published in 1797, this book is a critique of Hindu society and morals, advocating for the spread of Christianity in British India. Charles Grant, a prominent figure in the East India Company, presents his views on the need for moral reform through evangelization.

Luther's Works

Martin Luther

Luther's Works is a vast collection of Martin Luther's writings, including sermons, treatises, and theological discussions. The series covers a wide range of topics, from biblical interpretation to polemical works against various theological adversaries. It provides insight into Luther's central doctrines, such as justification by faith and his critiques of medieval Catholic practices.

Let There Be India

A historical and contemporary research on the pioneering contribution of Christian mission and Bible translators in making India a modern nation

Not specified

This book explores how Christian missions and Bible translators have played a pivotal role in transforming Indian languages, literature, linguistics, education, printing, journalism, and culture, thereby contributing to the making of modern India. It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of these missionaries in uniting a geographically divided India and empowering oral learners with literary languages.

Tyndale Bible

The First English Bible Translated from Hebrew and Greek

William Tyndale

The Tyndale Bible, translated by William Tyndale between 1522 and 1535, was a groundbreaking work that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church by making the Bible accessible to the common people in their own language. It was the first English Bible to utilize the printing press and was influential in shaping later translations, including the King James Version.

A practical view of the prevailing religious system of professed Christians

William Wilberforce

In 'A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians', William Wilberforce critiques the superficial understanding of Christianity among the higher classes in British society, contrasting it with what he argues constitutes 'real Christianity'. The book emphasizes the need for a genuine practice of religion, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and a deeper understanding of Christian principles.

When the New Age gets old

Looking for a Greater Spirituality

Vishal Mangalwadi

In 'When the New Age Gets Old', Vishal Mangalwadi critiques the New Age movement and seeks a more profound spirituality. The book delves into the limitations of New Age philosophies and offers a Christian perspective as a more fulfilling alternative. Mangalwadi's work received positive reviews for its thoughtful analysis of contemporary spiritual trends.

India, the grand experiment

Vishal Mangalwadi

An enquiry into the obligations of Christians, to use means for the conversion of the heathens

William Carey

Published in 1792, this influential pamphlet by William Carey argues that Christ's Great Commission is binding on all Christians, not just the apostles. It outlines a theological justification for missionary activity, provides a history of missionary efforts, and addresses practical considerations for spreading the Gospel. The work became a cornerstone of the modern Protestant missionary movement.

This Book Changed Everything

Vishal Mangalwadi

Museum of the Bible Books

From Plato to NATO

David Gress

The world of gurus

Vishal Mangalwadi

Letter Concerning Toleration

John Locke

In 'A Letter Concerning Toleration,' John Locke argues that the government should not interfere in matters of religion and that church and state should be separate entities. Written in 1685 while Locke was in exile in Holland, the letter was published in 1689 in both English and Latin. Locke advocates for religious toleration, suggesting that persecution and punishment cannot secure consent to a state religion and that it is in the best interest of the state to allow people to worship as they please. However, he does not extend this toleration to Catholics, atheists, or other groups that he believed could pose a threat to the state. The letter was influential during a time of significant religious persecution and contributed to the broader discourse on religious freedom and the role of the state in religious matters[2][5][6].

The Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith

Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.

The Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

null

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Westminster Confession

Westminster Assembly (1643-1652).

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a systematic exposition of Calvinist theology, influenced by Puritan and covenant theology. It includes doctrines common to most of Christianity, such as the Trinity and Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, as well as specific Protestant doctrines like *sola scriptura* and *sola fide*. The confession was drawn up between 1643 and 1649 by the Westminster Assembly, which was called by the English Parliament to reform the Church of England. It consists of 33 chapters and 186 paragraphs, covering topics such as Scripture, God, man and sin, Christ and salvation, and the Christian life. The document has been influential in defining the belief and practice of Presbyterian churches and has been adopted by various other Christian denominations.

Areopagitica

A Speech of Mr. John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicenc'd Printing, to the Parliament of England

John Milton

Published in 1644, 'Areopagitica' is a prose polemic that defends the freedom of speech and expression. Milton argues against the Licensing Order of 1643, which required government approval for all published books. He contends that censorship is a tool of tyranny, ineffective in eradicating heresy or falsehood, and instead fuels curiosity and strengthens the desire for forbidden knowledge. Milton emphasizes the importance of open discourse and the pursuit of truth, using historical, philosophical, and practical arguments to support his stance. He also advocates for self-discipline among authors, urging them to ensure their works are morally responsible. Despite its immediate failure to repeal the licensing order, 'Areopagitica' has had a lasting influence on the literature of human rights and freedom of expression[1][2][4].

Old Testament

Various Authors

The Old Testament is composed of several distinct sections: the Pentateuch (the first five books), the Historical Books, the Wisdom Books, and the Prophetic Books. It includes accounts of creation, the early history of humanity, the covenant between God and the Israelites, and the history of the Israelites from their conquest of Canaan to their exile in Babylon. The books were written over several centuries and include various genres such as history, poetry, wisdom literature, and prophecy[1][2][3].

The book that made your world

Vishal Mangalwadi