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Truth and Social Reform
A consistent theme in Vishal's writing is the importance that the Bible must play in transforming not only individual lives, but also entire societies. The great challenge of every civilization and culture throughout world history has been to find a source of meaning, a ground from which it can act. Some societies have looked to many local and regional gods. Others have postulated that life's goal is to achieve oneness with the absolute nothingness that constitutes ultimate reality. Still others have looked to esoteric philosophic and religious mysteries. However, each of these has failed to provide the basis for a lasting and ascendant civilization. But the only civilization that has looked largely to the Bible for its inspiration, the West, has been able to conquer human cruelty, hopelessness and degradation with such success that it has become the envy of the rest of the world.
However, as the West has become complacent in its success, it has looked away from the Bible to philosophy, science, and the mystical arts to explain its unprecedented ascendancy in the world. As its biblical center has ceased to hold, it has begun to look ever more urgently outside of itself—to Indian, Chinese, and African religious traditions—to find the center of meaning and action that Westerners perceive to be lacking in their lives. As Vishal argues in the books you can read here, the secret for which the West is looking can be found in the book that catapulted the West to the forefront of world economics, politics, and culture. While many have looked to the New Age, to money, to consumption, and to helping other people (without knowing why it is important), Vishal has argued again and again throughout his corpus that only the Bible can provide the answers for which the West is looking.
However, as the West has become complacent in its success, it has looked away from the Bible to philosophy, science, and the mystical arts to explain its unprecedented ascendancy in the world. As its biblical center has ceased to hold, it has begun to look ever more urgently outside of itself—to Indian, Chinese, and African religious traditions—to find the center of meaning and action that Westerners perceive to be lacking in their lives. As Vishal argues in the books you can read here, the secret for which the West is looking can be found in the book that catapulted the West to the forefront of world economics, politics, and culture. While many have looked to the New Age, to money, to consumption, and to helping other people (without knowing why it is important), Vishal has argued again and again throughout his corpus that only the Bible can provide the answers for which the West is looking.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
59 people want to read
About the author
Vishal Mangalwadi
56 books124 followersVishal Mangalwadi (1949-) is an international lecturer, social reformer, cultural and political columnist, and author of thirteen books. Born and raised in India, he studied philosophy at universities, in Hindu ashrams, and at L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. In 1976 he turned down several job offers in the West to return to India where he and his wife, Ruth, founded a community to serve the rural poor. Vishal continued his involvement in community development serving at the headquarters of two national political parties, where he worked for the empowerment and liberation of peasants and the lower castes.
His first book, The World of Gurus, was published in 1977 by India's Vikas Publishing House, and serialized in India’s then-largest weekly, Sunday. It is still used as a text book in universities. It was Mangalwadi’s book on the New Age Movement and India: The Grand Experiment, that first brought his works to the attention of the American public. In demand worldwide, Vishal is a dynamic and engaging speaker who has lectured in 34 countries. He enjoys simplifying complex ideas and inspiring despairing hearts with hope.
His first book, The World of Gurus, was published in 1977 by India's Vikas Publishing House, and serialized in India’s then-largest weekly, Sunday. It is still used as a text book in universities. It was Mangalwadi’s book on the New Age Movement and India: The Grand Experiment, that first brought his works to the attention of the American public. In demand worldwide, Vishal is a dynamic and engaging speaker who has lectured in 34 countries. He enjoys simplifying complex ideas and inspiring despairing hearts with hope.
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April 9, 2021
This book is great. Mangalwadi explains how Christianity impacts social reform.
An especially good aspect of this book is that Mangalwadi sheds light on the Indian government's historic exploitation of the Indian farmer.
He accurately points out their consistent exploitative policies.
This struggle is ever relevant today as the Farmer's protest enters it's 5 month in Delhi.
Mind you, this book was written in the 80's.... HOW IS THIS STILL A PROBLEM!!!!!!
An especially good aspect of this book is that Mangalwadi sheds light on the Indian government's historic exploitation of the Indian farmer.
He accurately points out their consistent exploitative policies.
This struggle is ever relevant today as the Farmer's protest enters it's 5 month in Delhi.
Mind you, this book was written in the 80's.... HOW IS THIS STILL A PROBLEM!!!!!!
Displaying 1 of 1 review