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Introduction to

Hinduism and Buddhism

AP/WM649

Fall 2017, Monday 2-5pm

Instructor: Dr. Kevin Xiyi Yao

Office Hours: TBA

Contact Information: E-mail: xyao@gordonconwell.edu; Tel: 978-646-4286

Course Website: Log into sakai.gcts.edu and click on the tab labeled

“AP/WM 649 HA-15”.

Course Description and Learning Objectives

With a shared origin, Hinduism and Buddhism are the belief systems of one of the

largest segments of the world population, and pose one of the major religious

challenges to Christianity in the past and future. This course is an introductory study

for students to understand the beliefs, practices and cultural impacts of these two

traditions. More specifically this course provides an opportunity for students to be

able:

First, to understand the beliefs and common practices of Hinduism and Buddhism;

Second, to assess their shaping influences on the worldview and the patterns of

culture and life of the peoples in Asia and other parts of the world;

Third, to discover and grasp essential differences between Hinduism/Buddhism and

Christian worldviews, and to evaluate the two traditions from the Christian

perspectives;

Fourth, to explore the Christian missiological approaches to the traditions and

mission strategy relevant in the Hindu and Buddhist contexts.

By doing so, students will formulate a Biblical approach to non-Christian religions or

theology of religion, and become aware of some key issues and ongoing debates about

evangelism among Hindu and Buddhist populations.

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Class Format is diverse and interactive. It includes lecture, discussion, presentation,

and possible field trip. Students’ participation is highly valued and encouraged.

Requirements

(Please hand in hard copies of all your papers. The first journal is exceptional.)

A. Two Integration Journals (35%): summarizing lectures, readings, and

personal reflections. It should be double-spaced, 8-10 pages for each.

Due Dates: The First Journal: 10/23 (submitted to Dr. Yao by email)

The Second Journal: 12/19

B. Research Project and Presentation (40%): each student should choose a

subject related to the topics of this course, and do research on it:

Each student should choose his or her own topic and methods, and must

submit one page project proposal specifying the topic and its

significances, goals and methods, and listing the primary sources. All

proposals need to be approved by the professor. Due Date: 10/02

The topics could be the introductions and explorations of any aspects of

Hinduism and Buddhism, or their interactions with Christianity. The

nature of the projects can be introductory, apologetic or evangelistic.

In Week 14 each student is required to present the results of

his or her studies to the whole class for 25 minutes in one class session,

including presentation and Q & A time. Each student can design the

format of his or her presentation, and employ any auditory / visual or

multi-media aids to articulate their points.

Each student should prepare and submit a file containing:

1. A 3-5 page, double-spaced introduction of the project topic, its

significances, and goals of the project

2. The materials of any kind, relevant to the topic, which support his

or her points

3. A five page, double-spaced conclusion summarizing the main

ideas and points of the project.

File Due Date: 12/19

OR

You can choose to write a term paper, instead of project. The topics

need to be pertinent to the contents of this course, and interesting to you and

relevant to your future ministry. Your topic should be approved by the

instructor.

Length: 15-20 pp, double-spaced, including footnotes and bibliography as

needed. You are also required to give a presentation.

Term Paper Topic Due Date: 10/02

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Term Paper Due Date: 12/19

C. Field Project (20%): During Week 7-9, each student is required to visit a

local Buddhist or Hindu temple or center, and write a report (6-8 pages, double

spaces). In this report, you should describe the institutions you visit, tell your

experience and impression, and reflect on Christian attitude and approach

toward that community. Due Date: 11/13

D. Reading of the Sources and Class Participation (5%) We will read

some key Hindu and Buddhist texts and discuss them in class. Students are

expected to participate actively.

Required Textbooks

Students are expected to read the required materials before each class session in

order to facilitate class discussions.

Ellinger, Herbert, Hinduism， London: SCM Press, 1995 (ISBN 0-334-02602-4).

Harvey, Peter, ed., Buddhism , London: Continuum, 2001 (ISBN 0-8264-5350-3).

Lim, David, Steve Spaulding, and Paul De Neui, eds., Sharing Jesus Effectively in the

Buddhist World, Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2005 (ISBN 0-87808-509-2).

Smith, Houston & Philip Novak, Buddhism, A Concise Introduction, New York:

HarperSanFrancisco, 2003 (ISBN: 0-06-073067-6)

Other Texts Included in Readings

Embree, Ainslie T., ed., Sources of Indian Tradition, Vol. One, “From the Beginning

to 1800,” New York: Columbia University Press, 1988

Fernando, Antony and Leonard Swidler, Buddhism Made Plain, An Introduction for

Christians and Jews, Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 1985 (ISBN

0-88344-198-5).

Fowler, Jeaneane, Hinduism, Beliefs and Practices, Portland, Oregon: Sussex

Academic Press, 1997 (ISBN 1-898723 60 5).

Frykenberg, Robert Eric, ed., Christians and Missionaries in India, Cross-cultural

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Communication since 1500, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003 (ISBN

0-8028-3956-8).

Howell, Richard, “The Hindu Missionary Movements and Christian Missions in

India,” in William D. Taylor, ed., Global Missiology for the 21st Century, The Iguassu

Dialogue , Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2000(ISBN0-8010-2259-2), 407-420.

Jacobs, Stephen, Hinduism Today, New York: Continuum, 2010 (ISBN: PB:

978-0-8264-3065-6)

Jacobs, Stephen, Hinduism Today, New York: Continuum, 2010 (ISBN: PB:

978-0-8264-3065-6)

Kraemer, Hendrik, The Christian Message in a Non-Christian World, Bangalore,

Centre for Contemporary Christianity, 2009

Lopez, Jr, Donald S., Asian Religions in Practice: An Introduction, Princeton

University Press, 1999, (ISBN: 0-691-00513-3)

Newbigin, Lesslie, "The Gospel and the Religions,” in Robert L. Gallagher and Paul

Hertig eds., Landmark Essays in Mission and World Christianity, Maryknoll, New

York: Orbis Books, 2009 (ISBN 978-1-57075-829-4), 149-159.

Richards, Glyn, ed., A Source-book of Modern Hinduism, Curzon Press, 1985

Strong, John S., The Experience of Buddhism, Sources and Interpretations, Belmont,

CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1995 (ISBN: 0-534-19164-9)

Tennent, Timothy, Christianity at the Religious Roundtable: Evangelicalism in

Conversation with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker

Academic, 2002 (ISBN 0-8010-2602-4).

Thomas, M.M., “A Christ-centered Humanist Approach to Other Religions in the

Indian Pluralistic Context,” in Gavin D’Costa, ed. Christian Uniqueness Reconsidered,

the Myth of a Pluralistic Theology of Religions, Mayknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books,

1990(ISBN 0-88344-687-1), 49-62.

*Additional articles and chapters may be distributed to students.

Schedule, Topics and Required Readings

(Please pay attention to six weeks with expanded class hours)

Week 1 (09/11)-- Course overview:

Syllabus

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The Biblical view of religions and Christian approaches;

General introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism: Their common

historical past and relation; sketches of their historical developments;

their current challenges to the Church.

Readings:

Tennent, 9-27

Kraemer, ch. IV

Lopez, 9-11

Week 2 (09/18, 2-5:30pm)-- Hinduism I:

A brief history;

The basis of the Hindu worldview: the wheel of rebirth, Dharma,

Karma, Moksha, and Nirvana.

Readings:

Ellinger, ch.2. 6. 9

Jacobs, ch. 1.2

Fowler, ch.1.

Week 3 (09/25, 2-5:30pm)))- -Hinduism II:

The pantheon of the Hindu gods: Brahmann, Vishnu, Shiva;

The Hindu scriptures: Veda; The Hindu rites, festivals and social

system (the castes).

Modern development of the Hindu influence in the West;

Christian evaluation, reflections, challenges, and evangelism among

the Hindu population;

Contemporary controversy: Insider Movement

Readings:

Ellinger, ch. 3,4, 5

Jacobs, ch.3.5.6

Fowler, ch. 5.6.7.9.10

Kraemer, ch.V, “Hinduism.”

Thomas, M.M., 49-62.

Howell, 407-420.

Week 4 (10/02, 2-5:30pm) -- - Buddhism I:

The Buddha; the Buddhist worldview: the four noble truths I: The

human predicament

*The solutions: The four noble truths II: Karma, Rebirth

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Readings:

Harvey, 3-5, 64-94

Smith, ch 1-5

Strong, 87-103

Project or Term Paper Topic Due

Week 5 (10/09-13):- Reading Week:

Readings:

Tennent, Part 1

Frykenberg, ch.7

Week 6 (10/16) Hinduism III:

Guest Speaker: Dr. Bobby Bose

Week 7 (10/23) Field Project-No

First Journal Due (submitted to Dr. Yao by email)

Week 8 (10/30) Field Project-

Week 9(11/06) -- -Reading Week:

Readings:

Tennent, Part 2

Week 10 (11/13)-- -Buddhism II:

*Nirvana;

*Morality, wisdom, poverty, and celibacy

Readings:

Smith, ch. 6

Strong, 104-110, 111-126

Harvey, ch. 6,8

Field Visit Report Due

Week 11 (11/20, 2-5:30pm)-- -Buddhism III:

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Historical developments: Hinayana and Mahayaha; Cross-Cultural

Spread.

Buddhism as a world religion: The case of the East Asia

Popular forms of Buddhism;

The gods; Rites and festivals;

Readings:

Harvey, 5-28

Smith, ch 7-10

Harvey, ch.3,4.5.9

Week 12 (11/27, 2-5;30pm)-- -Buddhism IV:

The diversification of the Buddhist tradition in the world today;

Contemporary revivals and reforms.

Christian evaluation, reflections, challenges, and evangelism among

the Buddhist population;

The religious challenges to Christian evangelism in the 21st century;

Reflections on Christian responses.

Readings:

Smith, ch. 13-18

Richards, 79-89, 137-149, 154-167

Week 13 (12/04, 2-5:30pm)) Buddhism V:

*Christian evaluation, reflections, challenges, and evangelism among

the Buddhist population;

The religious challenges to Christian evangelism in the 21st century;

Reflections on Christian responses.

Readings:

Lim, ch.1,2

Newbigin, 149-159.

Week 14 (12/11) -- -Presentations

12/19: The Second Journal Due;

Term Project File or Term Paper Due

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*All topics and required readings are subject to change without notice.

Selected Bibliography

Studies of Hinduism:

Ashby, Philip H., Modern Trends in Hinduism, New York: Columbia University Press,

1974

Bowen, Paul, ed., Themes and Issues in Hinduism, London: Cassell, 1998.

Brown, Kerry, ed., The Essential Teachings of Hinduism, London: Rider, 1988.

Burnett, David, The Spirit of Hinduism: A Christian Perspective on Hindu Thought,

Tunbridge Wells, Kent: Monarch, 1992;

De Bary, Wm. T., ed. Sources of Indian Tradition, vol. I and II., New York:

Columbia University Press, 1958.

Demariaux, Jean-Christophe, How to Understand Hinduism, London: SCM Press,

1995.

Devanandan, Paul David, Resurgent Hinduism: Review of Modern Movements,

Bangalore: Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, 1959.

Ellinger, Herbert, Hinduism, London: SCM Press, 1995.

Fowler, Jeaneane, Hinduism, Beliefs and Practices, Portland, Oregon: Sussex

Academic Press, 1997.

Fuller, C.J., The Camphor Flame, Popular Hinduism and Society in India, Princeton

University Press, 1992.

Jacobs, Stephen, Hinduism Today, New York: Continuum, 2010.

Klostemaier, Klaus K., A Short Introduction to Hinduism, Oxford, England: Oneworld,

1998;

-------， A Survey of Hinduism, Albany, N.Y.: State University of New York Press,

1989

Llewellyn, J.E., ed., Defining Hinduism, A Reader, London: Equinox, 2005.

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Mann, Gurinder Singh, Paul David Numrich, and Raymond B. Williams, Buddhists,

Hindus, and Sikhs in America New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.

Neufeldt, Ronald W., Karma & Rebirth, Post Classical Developments, Albany, N.Y.:

State University of New York Press, 1986.

Renou, Louis, ed, Hinduism, New York: Washington Square Press, 1972.

Rinehart, Robin, ed. Cotemporary Hinduism, Ritual, Culture, and Practice, Santa

Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2004.

Sarma, Deepak, Hinduism: A Reader, Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub, 2008.

Sen, K.M., Hinduism, New York: Penguin Books, 1976.

Sharma, Arvind., Classical Hindu Thought: An Introduction, Oxford University Press,

2001;

Sharpe, Eric J., Thinking about Hinduism, London: Lutterworth Educational, 1971.

Zaehner, R.C., Hinduism, Oxford University Press, ?

----------, Hindu Scriptures, New York: Dent, 1966.

Studies of Buddhism:

Conze, Edward, Buddhism, Its Essence and Development, London: Faber and Faber,

1963;

Corduan, Winfried, Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions ,

Downers Grove, ILL: InterVarsity Press, 1998.

Fernando, Antony and Leonard Swidler, Buddhism Made Plain, An Introduction for

Christians and Jews, Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 1985.

Harvey, Peter, ed., Buddhism , London: Continuum, 2001.

Inada, Kenneth K., and Nolan P. Jacobson, eds., Buddhism and American Thinkers,

Albany, N.Y.: State University of New York Press, 1984.

Klostemaier, Klaus K., Buddhism: A Short Introduction, Oxford: Oneworld, 1999.

Morreale, Don ed., The Complete Guide to Buddhist America, Boston, MA:

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Shambhala Pub., 1998.

Robinson, Richard H., Willard L. Johnson, and Thanissaro Bhikkhu, The Buddhist

Religions: A Historical Introduction, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning,

2005.

Schumann, H. Wolfgang, Buddhism: An Outline of its Teachings and Schools,

Wheaton, ILL: Theosophical Pub. House, 1974.

Thomas, Edward J., The History of Buddhist Thought, New York: Barnes & Noble,

1963.

Tsongkapa, The Principal Teaching of Buddhism, Howell, New Jersey: Classics of

Middle Asia, 1988.

Christians and Hindus / Buddhists:

Brown, Judith M., and Robert Eric Frykenberg, eds., Christians, Cultural Interactions,

and India’s Religious Traditions , Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002.

Burnett, David, The Spirit of Hinduism, A Christian Perspective on Hindu Thought,

Tunbridge Wells, Monarch, 1992.

Dharmanand, Premraj, Your Questions-Your Answers!: A Look at Questions

Commonly Posed by Hindus to Christians, Vol. 1, Dehradun: Premraj Dharmanand,

2003.

Dunne, Carrin, Buddha and Jesus: Conversations, Springfield, ILL: Templegate,

1975.

Dupuis, Jacques, Jesus Christ at the Encounter of World Religions, Maryknoll, N.Y.:

Orbis Books, 1991.

Fleming, Kenneth, Asian Christian Theologians in Dialogue with Buddhism, Oxford:

P. lang, 2002.

Forrester, Duncan B., Caste and Christianity, Attitudes and Policies on Caste of

Anglo-Saxon Protestant Missions in India, London: Curzon Press, 1980.

Frykenberg, Robert Eric, ed., Christians and Missionaries in India, Cross-cultural

Communication since 1500 , Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003.

Gidoomal, Ram and Margaret Wardell, Chapatis for Tea: Reaching your Hindu

Neighbour: A Practical Guide, Guildford, England: Highland Books, 1994.

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Gross, Rita M. and Terry C. Muck, eds., Buddhists Talk about Jesus, Christians Talk

about the Buddha, New York: Continuum, 2000.

Hattaway, Paul, Peoples of the Buddhist World: A Christian Prayer Diary, Carlisle:

Piquant, 2004.

Hogg, A.G., The Christian Message to the Hindu, London: S.C.M. Press, 1947.

Kraemer, Hendrik, The Christian Message in a Non-Christian World, Bangalore:

Centre for Contemporary Christianity, 2009;

Khung, Hans, Christianity and the World Religions: Paths of Dialogue with Islam,

Hinduism, and Buddhism, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1986.

Lim, David, Steve Spaulding, and Paul De Neui, eds., Sharing Jesus Effectively in the

Buddhist World, Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2005.

Lopez, Donald S. ed, A Modern Buddhist Bible: Essential Readings from East and

West , Boston: Beacon Press, 2002.

Pieris, Aloysius, Fire and Water: Basic Issues in Asian Buddhism and Christianity,

Marknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1996.

Pohlmann, Horst Georg, Encounters with Hinduism: A Contribution to Inter-religious

Dialogue, London: SCM Press, 1996.

Raj, Joshua, A Biblical Approach to Indian Traditions and Beliefs, Singapore,

Genesis, 2008.

Robinson, Bob, Christians Meetings Hindus, An Analysis and Theological Critique of

the Hindu-Christian Encounter in India, Regnum, 2004.

Robinson, John A.T., Truth is Two-Eyed, London: SCM Press, 1979.

Sharpe, Eric J. Faith Meets Faith, Some Christian Attitudes to Hinduism in the

Nineteenth & Twentieth Centuries, London: SCM Press, 1977.

Tennent, Timothy, Christianity at the Religious Roundtable: Evangelicalism in

Conversation with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam Grand Rapids, MI: Baker

Academic, 2002.

-------, Building Christianity on Indian Foundations: The Legacy of Brahmabandhav

Upadhyay, Delhi: ISPCK, 2000.

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Thomas, M.M., “A Christ-centered Humanist Approach to Other Religions in the

Indian Pluralistic Context,” in Gavin D’Costa, ed. Christian Uniqueness Reconsidered,

the Myth of a Pluralistic Theology of Religions, Mayknoll, N.Y.: orbis Books, 1990,

pp49-62.

Tsering, Marku, Sharing Christ in the Tibetan Buddhist World, Upper Darby, PA:

InterServe, 1993.

Vroom, H.M., No Other Gods: Christian Belief in Dialogue with Buddhism, Hinduism,

and Islam, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996.

Yandell, Keith and Harold Netland, Buddhism: A Christian Exploration and Appraisal,

Downers grove, ILL: IVP Academic, 2009.

Zacharias, Ravi K., The Lotus and the Cross: Jesus Talks with Buddha, Sisters, Ore:

Multnomah Publishers, 2001.