The “Wisdom Writer”, Michael Amaladoss and His Thought

Enrico Beltramini

doi:10.3390/rel12060396

Abstract

This paper offers a synthetic introduction to Michael Amaladoss and his thought. Amaladoss is a member of the Society of Jesus and one of the finest Indian theologians; in the course of decades of engagement with themes such as interfaith dialogue, Indian theology, social justice, and secularism, he has greatly contributed to putting Asian theology on the map. In this study, I focus on Amaladoss, his theological style, his main intellectual concern, and his theological context. In a nutshell, Amaladoss’s main contribution to Indian theology is the very possibility of a true Indian Indian theology.

Highlights

His work is characteristic of a certain period in the development of Indian theology, a period marked by the independence of the country, the rise of an Indian liberal state, and the ambition of a new generation of Indian theologians to articulate a true Indian
Amaladoss has exercised—and still exercises—tremendous influence on the intellectual conversations within the Society of Jesus, the Indian theologians, and the Asian churches. Amaladoss has spent his career between theology and administration, serving in some of the most prestigious seats in India, Asia, and Rome
While Amaladoss does not identify himself with the typical theologian in search of systematic understanding, and prefers “looking for wisdom and a way of life and action”, there is no doubt that the central point of his work as a professional theologian is an Indian

Summary

Introduction

His work is characteristic of a certain period in the development of Indian theology, a period marked by the independence of the country, the rise of an Indian liberal state, and the ambition of a new generation of Indian theologians to articulate a true Indian. While it is too early to assess the impact of Amaladoss’s works on the Indian and the universal Church, a closer look at his life and thought offers a window into the internal dynamics at work within the exuberant and innovative circle of Indian theologians. A brief profile of Michael Amaladoss; second, a discussion of his theological styles and ideas; third, a look at the meaning and possibility of an indigenous Indian theology; fourth, Amaladoss’s place in the Indian theological landscape; and a summary of the impact on Indian theology of an incoming post-liberal vision of Indian secularism

Profile

An Indian Theologian

In Search of Indian Theology

Between Two Theological Streams

Towards Post-Liberalism?