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Theology is a Universal phenomenon, which can be developed by anyone, from any where to
explore relationships with God and fellow beings, in order to address any issue relating
to human rights and dignity. `Theology of Universality' is a power, a power for those who
have been politically oppressed economically exploited and socially discriminated since
ages in the past, to enable them to see a common ground for a common humanity. It is to
empower the powerless, to be united for a common cause irrespective of their caste/class,
colour, creed and religion.
The Book examines Theology of Universality from a Christian perspective in general,
with a special focus on John Wesley's Theology. It is an attempt to unfold his theological
convictions, which inspired him to develop his theological response to the Class
Distinctions in Society and the slave trade to particular during the Eighteenth Century.
Further, it unfolds Wesley's Theology in Indian context, to see how it can be put to
action to confront the evils like Status quo: Caste Discrimination in Social, Economic,
Political and Religious chains of Hinduism.
Therefore, Universal implications are drawn from Wesley's Theology of justice, love,
compassion, equality, human dignity and image of God to the Indian context. Thus the
Author presents a broad solution to have a common humanity so that everyone can live with
dignity. It is also a Universal torch that projects a light that will enshrine any
sensible person in India to be a positive voice to talk about God. It encourages them to
understand that human dignity is the right of all to the `Liberated HARI-JANAS'
transformed children of God in the modern Indian society.
Contents
The Book
The Author
Forward
Acknowledgements
Abstract
Preface
Abbreviations
Glossary
Prologue
1. Social and Economic History of Eighteenth Century England
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Social Context (Class)
1.3 The Nature of British Society
1.4 The Nature of British Economy
1.5 Political Life
1.6 Religious and Moral Life
1.7 Conclusion
2. The British Slave Trade : Historical Survey
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Class and Slavery : A Relationship
2.3 Slavery : An Historical Survey
2.4 Slavery : Interpretations
2.5 Slavery : British Slave Trade
2.6 Slavery : A Progressive Process--
2.7 Slavery : A Progressive Suffering
2.8 Slavery : A Progressive Arguments
2.9 Conclusion
3. John Wesley's Theology of Universality : A Response
3.1 Introduction
3.2 John Wesley : General Background
3.3 John Wesley : Theological Roots
3.4 John Wesley : A Theologian
3.5 John Wesley : Theological Basis
3.6 John Wesley : The Social Implications
3.7 Conclusion
4. Caste : An Historical Perspective
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The Caste System
4.3 Caste : Its Nature
4.4 Outcastes : Dalits
4.5 Dalits : Present Situation
4.6 Caste System : Reactions
4.7 Caste : Problem
4.8 Conclusion
5. Bonded Labour : An Inquiry
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Bonded Labour : Solution or Problem?
5.3 Bonded Labourer?
5.4 Bonded Labour : Interpretation
5.5 Bonded Labour : Development
5.6 Bonded Labour : Conditions
5.7 Bonded Labour : Causes
5.8 Bonded Labour : Categories
5.9 Bonded Labour : Struggle
5.10 Conclusion
6. Relevance of Wesley's Theology of Universality to Caste Distinctions and Bonded
Labour System
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Wesley's Response : Relevance
6.3 Wesley's Response : Conclusion
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index of Subjects
Index of Authors
Rev. Dr. Joseph Basappa Suray received his theological degrees: B.Theo
(1984), B.D (1985), M.Th (1993) from Senate of Serampore College, India. He gained a CLAIT
(1996) from Manchester, a Ph.D. degree (1998) from Manchester University, U.K.
He has an experience of Christian ministry both nationally and internationally.
Presently, he is teaching at The Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education,
Birmingham, UK. Also, he is the Founder and Chairman of `Cross Roads for Human
Development' Charity, both in India and UK.
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