HINDU THEOLOGY FOUNDATIONS: THEMES, TEXTS, TRADITIONS (CEHR-4300)
(09/05/2023-12/15/2023)
Course Memo
This seminar explores foundational ideas, themes, directions, and frameworks in Hindu theology. Arguably, the Hindu tradition offers a highly diverse and open theological palette—with monotheism, monism, dualism, panpsychism, and panentheism all coexisting comfortably—due to agreement on categories of theology that cut across all boundaries including certain canonical texts and principal doctrines. Theology is variously expressed in the Hindu ethos—in ways that are systematic, philosophical, poetic, narrative, mystical, textual, visual, material, and embodied. Theology, in the Hindu world, is experienced & enacted through art, architecture, ritual, meditation, dance, drama, and pilgrimage. At the same time, every theological denomination has its own sacred texts, themes, and structures. Students will explore major theologies as well as the diverse conduits through which theology is understood, and transmitted. Particular attention is paid to constructive theological resources for justice, the moral life, and possibilities for theo-ethics and social theory. Students will have an opportunity to present a particular theme or overview of a theological school that is important for their academic project, or of particular research interest to them. PhD and ThD students are welcome, and the course is suitable for advanced MA, MDiv, and MTS students with an interest in theology in diverse religions. Seminar/Lecture format; assessment includes critical reflections, one interview, and research papers. [Auditors with Faculty Permission]