Following Jesus in the Hindu context

By Herbert L. Richard

Book Description

This compelling biography explores the remarkable spiritual journey of Narayan Vaman Tilak, a high-caste Brahmin poet who navigated the complex intersection between Hindu tradition and Christian faith in colonial India. Born into privilege as a member of the highest Hindu caste, Tilak possessed both intellectual gifts as a poet and deep nationalist convictions before his baptism in 1895.

Rather than abandoning his cultural heritage, Tilak pioneered innovative approaches to expressing biblical teachings through Hindu forms and traditions. His story reveals the tensions faced by those who seek to bridge different spiritual worlds, as he struggled to find his place within Western missionary structures while remaining true to his Indian identity.

After more than two decades in formal mission work, Tilak made a dramatic choice in 1917. He embraced sannyasa, the traditional fourth stage of Brahmin life devoted to renunciation, positioning himself as an apostle to his homeland. In this final phase, he gathered followers from diverse backgrounds, including both baptized Christians and those who remained unbaptized yet followed Jesus.

Herbert Richard presents Tilak's experiences as essential reading for anyone interested in how different religious traditions can inform and enrich one another. This narrative offers valuable insights into the challenges and possibilities that emerge when sincere seekers attempt to honor multiple spiritual influences while pursuing authentic faith. The book illuminates broader questions about religious identity, cultural adaptation, and the universal human search for meaning.