This research work brings out a cross-cultural hermeneutics. In Indian philosophy,
Sabda, Testimony, or Authority corresponds with Sruti, the Vedas, which is considered as a
valid source of knowledge (Pramana). In order to understand and interpret Sabda as an
independent source of valid knowledge the Mimamsa has deployed various principles that are
accepted by Sankara. These principles are used for an Indian understanding and
interpretation of the Bible whereby they serve as tools for Indian Biblical Hermeneutics.
Therefore, this research attempts to identify Sabda as a valid source of knowledge as it
is understood and interpreted by Mimamsa and Advaita Vedanta epistemology, and thereby
appropriate these understandings and interpretations as an authentic method of Biblical
hermeneutics in Indian context.
The first chapter deals with an overview of Pramanas, briefly discussing on Indian
epistemology, Pramanas in general, and finally focusing on six Pramanas in Indian
epistemology. The second chapter brings out a brief sketch on both Mimamsa and
Advaita-Vedanta systems and discusses in detail various emphasis and explanation on Sabda
Pramana as given by both Mimamsakas and Advaitins respectively. Hermeneutics is the focus
in the third chapter where Biblical hermeneutics, hermeneutic trend in India and the
principles of hermeneutics in Mimamsa and Advaita Vedanta epistemology are described. The
final chapter attempts to apply the Sabda Pramana Hermeneutical principles, which are
expounded by Mimamsa and Advaita Vedanta, to the Bible so that the Bible can be more
relevant and appealing in Indian context. It also highlights the inter-cultural-dialogical
hermeneutics, which is the combination of various methods, a part of which is
Mimamsa-Advaita Vedanta hermeneutics, as the viable Hermeneutical approach in Indian
scenario.
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
1. Pramanas in Indian Epistemology : An Overview
2. Sabda Pramana in Mimamsa-Advaita Vedanta Epistemology
3. Hermeneutical Principles of Bible and of Mimamsa-Advaita Vedanta
4. Sabda Pramana Hermeneutical Principles as Applied to the Bible in Indian Context
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Dr. Giri Krishnan is currently the Principal of Kerala Theological
Seminary (KTS), Kottarakara, Kerala. Being a member of the Assemblies of God (AG) church
in Kerala, he began his theological education at Bethel Bible College, Punalur, Kerala,
completed B.D. from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, and both M.Th. and D.Th. (Religion)
from North India Institute of Post-Graduate Theological Studies (NIIPGTS). He also hold
B.A. (History), M.A. (Philosophy) and M.A. (Sociology) degrees from the University of
Kerala. Having involved with the AG church in Pastoral ministry in Kerala and followed by
with Inter Collegiate Prayer Fellowship (ICPF) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat as Student
Counsellor, he engaged in teaching at Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College (MBCBC),
Shamshabad, Andhra Pradesh and at Gospel For Asia Biblical Seminary (GFABS), Tiruvalla,
Kerala. He served as an Associate Professor in the Theology Department of Serampore
College, Serampore and also at the North India Institute of Post-Graduate Theological
Studies - NIIPGTS (a joint programme of Serampore College and Bishop's College). He
cherishes his life with wife Elizabeth and son Amish.
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