Gandhi and Truth: An Approach to the Theology of Religions

Gandhi and Truth: An Approach to the Theology of Religions addresses the long-felt need to have a sound basis for developing a theology of religions for harmonious co-existence of various religions. Set in the background of religious pluralism, the book examines the paradigm shift in the study of religions in detail like exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralism with individual exponents and their contributions from the historical point of view. It looks at the weaknesses of these models in the present day theology of religions and then identifies an alternative model in the Gandhian concept of Truth. The concept of Satya is brilliantly exposed in the book along with its relation to non-violence and Satyagraha. Truth applied to action as in politics, social realm, economics and education are discussed in support of the phenomenal importance of Truth in the life of Gandhi. It, then, examines the dimensions of Truth in the context of religious plurality and exposes the possibility of a satyo-centric theology of religions as the most viable position in understanding and explaining the plurality of religions. It is by truth-living, as outlined by the different religious founders, that everyone can live out their religious beliefs. The book, in its final analysis, concurs with Gandhi who believed that all religions have their rightful place in the world panorama of religious life and the all religions should be respected.