Biblical Studies Inter Faculty Seminar

The annual inter-faculty seminar of the department of Biblical studies was held at the United Theological College Bangalore, yesterday. The theme for this year was “Biblical Response to Ecological Challenges”.  The participants were from the St.Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Dharmaram Vidyakshetram and the United Theological College.

Inaugural Session

The inter faculty seminar was held under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Dexter Maben, the acting chairperson of the Biblical Studies Department at the UTC. The postgraduate and doctoral students of UTC (Biblical Studies) helped in the conduct of the programme. Rev. Rengbi Rangthang  (D.Th III, NewTestament) was the coordinator for this seminar. The seminar began with praise and worship led by Mayang and team. Rev.Dr. Dexter Maben gave the introduction after which Rev.Dr. C.I.David Joy  welcomed the participants. The inaugural worship began with the lighting of the lamp by the heads of the institutions and the worship led by the doctoral students under the coordination of Ms. Sushana Pramanik. Rev.Dr. John Samuel Raj, the principal of UTC, gave the inaugural address based on Psalm.104:24-31. He challenged the participants to come out of the narrow anthropocentric approach to a wider hermeneutics, reading the Bible afresh in the light of the earth crisis. Since the Bible begins with the creation, it should be given paramount place in our theological and hermeneutical endeavours, he said.

Papers Presented

Six papers, three from Old Testament and three from New Testament, were presented in the seminar. Fr. Jomon Thomas (St. Peter’s) presented the first paper titled “Ecological Concerns in the Law Codes of Pentateuch”. The presenter pointed out the need to go back to the scripture to understand how ecological concerns were central to the Law codes in Pentateuch and to see the progression of thought with regard to the ecological concerns in these law codes, namely, covenant codes, deuteronomic codes and holiness code. Three constituent parts of the created world is emphasised in all these codes, such as land, vegetative world and animal world. Rev.Dr.John Samuel Raj, the principal of UTC, moderated this session and the response was given by Sr.Rekha Rose. The participants suggested the need for taking into consideration the Ancient West Asian context and the practical applicability of these things in the present scenario. There is a need to address the issue of power, theology of justice and re-reading of cross-breeding.

The second paper was on “Paul and Ecology” presented by Sr. Hazel Alexander (DVK). Fr. Dr. Alfred Joseph of St.Peter’s moderated this session. This was responded by Fr. Suresh Mathew. The paper anchored on two main passages in the Pauline letters, Rom. 8:19-23; Colo. 1:15-20. This was explained in the light of other passages dealing with issues like understanding of creation in Pauline writings, the state of creation, new creation and restoration. The transformation is possible only in and through Jesus Christ. The paper saw Paul as an ecological prophet. The paper also gave the implications in the present context and urged the participants to acknowledge the ecological crisis as a spiritual crisis, to develop a new lifestyle with simplicity and coherent with the order of nature and to reconsider the meaning of well-being in relation to the wider context of society and holistic harmony with the cosmos.  The discussions from the floor suggested to see Paul and Greco-Roman context on ecology and to delineate the role of the church, if ecological crisis is a spiritual issue, in the present scenario. There is a need to bring the implications of new creation to present ecological crisis, though further clarity is required as to how to do it.

Ms.Lahtaw Nang Dim Pri (UTC) presented the paper titled “Wisdom Literature and its Response to Ecological Crisis”. This session was moderated by Fr.Dr.Joseph Titus (St.Peter’s). The response was given by Fr. Walter D’Souza. This paper dealt with issues like the roots of ecological crisis, the major ecological crisis' and the understanding of creation in wisdom literature. The paper suggested certain theological implications, especially from a tribal perspective. The questions from the floor were basically regarding the practical applicability and logical application of this in the light of the present scenario of development and the need to consider Qoheleth (for example, in chapter three equality of animal and human is mentioned) in making a response from the wisdom literature.

The fourth paper titled “Prophetic concern on Ecology” was presented by Fr.S.Nicholas (DVK). This was moderated by Rev. Dr. Daniel Jones Muthunayagom (UTC). Mr.Liiduo Lanah B (UTC) gave the response. The paper considered prophetic concern in general and Hosea.2:18-23 in particular. The important points of discussion from the floor were covenant between God and earth, the logic of God punishing nature whenever humans commit sins, the eschatology and ecological crises, the animal killing (sacrifice) and ecology.

Fr. Bijeesh Chacko(St.Peter’s) presented the fifth paper titled “Biblical Response to Ecological Crisis: Synoptic View Point”. Rev. Dr. C.I.David Joy (UTC) moderated this session and Rev.Saju Mathew(UTC) responded to the paper. The punch line of the paper was the urge for a change from anthropocentric to life-centred hermeneutics. The paper has argued that Bible is eco-friendly and the use of the term ‘ochlos’ in the synoptic gospels can be read as nature from the perspective of marginalisation. The discussion from the floor suggested that it is not only anthropocentric to bio-centric, but now the shift is to read it from a cosmo centric frame work. Jesus was responding to the Greco-Roman colonisation on the land of Palestine and its people. Therefore impact of globalisation needs to be addressed. The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus and its connection with ecology needs further consideration.

The sixth paper titled “In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being (Acts.17:28): A Biblical Response to Ecological Crisis” was presented by Rev.I Limatemsu Ao (UTC). This session was moderated by Fr.Dr.Sebastian Mullooparambil (DVK). Sr.Hazel Alexander responded to the paper. The paper was finding out the ecological concerns in the Acts, especially in the early Christian Kerygma. Discussions regarding the paper were mainly on the title and its link with ecology.

Concluding session

The concluding session was moderated by Rev.Dr.Daniel Jones Muthunayagom. The main agenda was regarding the theme for the next meeting at St.Peter’s Pontifical Institute, which will be held on 22^nd November, 2014. Out of the several suggestions, “Economics and Ethics from Inter-Scriptural Perspective” was proposed as the theme for the next meeting. This was followed by remarks from representing institutions. Fr. Dr. Joseph Titus (St.Peter’s) informed the participants regarding the publication of these paper of the Inter faculty series. Fr. Dr. Sebastian Mullooparambil (DVK) challenged the participants to become ambassadors of the message (discussions on ecology) and Rev. Dr. C.I. David Joy (UTC) pointed out the need for more interaction between seminaries.  The commitment song by Jeviholi Swu and Mayang added colour to the closing ceremony and during this time representatives from participating institutions poured water on plants as a symbol of commitment to ecological concerns.  Rev.Dr. Dexter Maben proposed the vote of thanks. There were also announcements regarding the “BIBLE DARSHAN” the international seminar which is going to be held at the UTC, on January 30-February 1, 2014. The meeting was concluded with prayer and benediction by Rev. Dr. Daniel Jones Muthunayagom. 

Reported by Rev. Biju C.

JK

Rev. Dr. K. Jesurathnam

Rev. Dr. K. Jesurathnam

Designation:

        Dr. Jesurathnam is a professor in the Biblical Studies Department (Old Testament). He Joined the United Theological College (UTC) in the year 1994, June and then completed his Ph.D in the University of Edinburgh, U.K.

Hobbies:

        His hobbies have transitioned from playing cricket, football and listening to music to having a daily walk and reading regularly.

If not a Lecturer…:

        He would’ve become a Doctor or got into any medical profession.

A description of the United Theological College in one sentence:

        … UTC is a place of opportunities and resources and one can only benefit from that if one makes appropriate use of it.

His views on the status of Theological Education and Colleges in India:

        According to Dr. Jesurathnam, there seems to be a steep decline in the academia in comparison to the 90’s and the standard of education (theological) is declining.

Advice to the young and aspiring Theologians:

        To be open-minded and be more receptive; never to take the easy way out as success comes only from hard work.

His vision for the Dalits:

        As a theologian in the making, he was introduced to Dalit Hermeneutics. Ever since, he has been attempting to interpret the Bible (particularly the Old Testament) and relate it to the Dalits. His aim is to make people understand that the Bible can be seen as a tool to help Dalits and bring about Dalit liberation and emancipation. But until then, he will continue to write and emerge with relevant texts (from the Old Testament) for the same.  

His publications and outside engagements (in the last eight months):

Publications:

·         “Daniel’s experience of God and his encounter with the Persian Empire”

·         “Sabbatical Year and Jubilee Year as Eco-justice principles for human and non-human liberation”

·         “Dalit Christian Biblical Hermeneutical Stance through Job and Jeremiah and its sensibility in the current theological debate”

Outside Engagements:

·         Executive Committee member of Society of Asian Biblical Studies (SABS)

·         Executive Committee member of the Society for Biblical Studies in India (SIBS)

·         Regular preacher at the local Telugu Baptist Churches in Bangalore

·         Taught B.D Old Testament courses at the Calvin Institute of Theology, Yacharam, Hyderabad between February 4-8, 2013

·         Participated in the National Seminar on Spirituality for Socio-economic Development sponsored by and held at Academy of Higher Education (ACTS)

Forthcoming Works:

·         “Am I My Brother’s Keeper? : Corruption from an Old Testament Perspective.”

·         “Dalit Concerns of the Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society (CISRS), Bangalore.”

·         Global Perspectives on the Bible: The Book of Ecclesiastes.”
Phone: 91-9900144752 
E mail: jesu.rathnam@gmail.com

Prepared by Mr. Arvind Theodore, BD III

Arvind Theodore, BD III

Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj

Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj, Principal

THE REV. DR. J. R. JOHN SAMUEL RAJ

(Professor of Old Testament & Principal of

The United Theological College, Bangalore

63, Miller’s Road, Benson Town, Bangalore – 560 046)

MOTHER TONGUE                      Malayalam

LANGUAGES SPOKEN                Malayalam, Tamil, English, German

CHURCH AFFILIATION              Church of South India

PRESBYTER ORDINATION       02.09.1984

EDUCATION

2001    -           Dr. Theol., University of Hamburg, Germany.

1997    -           (June 23-27) Participated in the Second European Ecumenical

Assembly in Graz, Austria and visited Churches in the Republic of Slovakia as part of a three member delegation of the W.C.C.

1995    -           (July 22 – August 15) Participated in the Educational Seminar held

in New Orleans and Atlanta, U.S.A. organized by the Missionsakademie of the University of Hamburg.

1993    -           (April 20 – May 20) Participated in the Educational Seminar in the

Holy Land.

1989    -           M.Th. (Old Testament), The United Theological College, Bangalore.

1983    -           B.D., The United Theological College, Bangalore.

1978    -           M.A. (English Language and Literature), Mar Ivanios College,

Trivandrum (University of Kerala).

1976    -           B.A. (English Language and Literature), V.T.M.N.S.S. College,

Dhanuvachapuram (University of Kerala).

ACADEMIC PRIZES WON FROM THE UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE, BANGALORE

1.                  Highfield Greek Testament Prize for Preliminary Greek – First Prize.

2.                  Meyer’s Prize for Preliminary Hebrew – First Prize.

3.                  Stainton Morris New Testament Greek Prize for B.D. I & II Greek Subjects – First Prize.

4.                  Stainton Morris New Testament Greek Prize for the Optional Courses – First Prize.

5.                  J. S. Bookless Memorial Prize for B.D. I, II & III Hebrew – First Prize.

6.                  Bible Society Prize for Biblical Subjects – First Prize.

7.                  Mrs. Asha Hivaulay Prize for History of Christianity – First Prize.

8.                  Rev. J. P. Ambalavanar Prize for History of Religions – Second Prize.

PROFESSIONAL

2009 – Present           Principal of the United Theological College, Bangalore.

2007 – 2009                Dean of Doctoral Studies, The United Theological College, Bangalore.

2007 – 2009                Member of the Research Committee of the Senate of Serampore College.

2006 – Present           Professor of Biblical Studies (Old Testament), The United Theological College, Bangalore.

2000 – 2006                Associate Professor of Biblical Studies (Old Testament), The United Theological College, Bangalore.

2001 – 2006                Chairperson of the Department of Biblical Studies, Convener of the Worship Committee of the College, Coordinator of the Academic Guidance Programme for the rural and marginalized candidates, Coordinator of the CWM Face to Face Programme, Coordinator of the International Exposure Programme for theological students from the LTSP, USA.

2006 (April – August) Research Scholar at the University of Heidelberg: Paper Presenter & Participant in the Kontaktstudium of the Protestant Church in Baden-Württemberg; Guest Lecture for Old Testament at the Missionsseminar, ELM, Hermannsburg, Germany.

2006 (September – December) Visiting Professor at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of Cairo (ETSC), Egypt (taught two courses for the Master of Theology students).

2007 (January – May) Visiting Professor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, U.S.A. (taught the M.Div. students).

2004 – 2005                Represented U.T.C. in the Governing Council of the CISRS.

2005 – 2008                Represented U.T.C. in the Annual General Meeting of the Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore.

2007 – 2008                Executive Committee Member of the Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore.

1997 – 1998                Member of the Board of Trustees (Kuratorium) of the Academy of Mission, University of Hamburg, Germany.

1997 – 2000                Honorary Associate Priest of St. Thomas a Becket, the Anglican Chaplaincy in Hamburg, Germany.

1991 – 1994                Lecturer (Old Testament), The Kerala United Theological Seminary, Kannammoola, Trivandrum, Kerala.

1991 – 1994                Director, Laity Institute for Theology, South Kerala Diocese.

1991 – 1992                Presbyter-in-charge of the Holy Trinity C.S.I. Church, Thirumala, Trivandrum.

1989 – 1991                Presbyter-in-charge of the C.S.I. Christ Church Punalur & Council Chairman of the C.S.I. Churches in the Punalur District, South Kerala Diocese.

1985 – 1987                Presbyter-in-charge of the C.S.I. Vattappara & Council Secretary of the C.S.I. Churches in the Maruthoor District, South Kerala Diocese.

1983 – 1985                Post B.D. Probationer / Presbyer-in-charge, C.S.I. Kuttaninnathil.

1978 – 1979                Probationer in the C.S.I. Kodithooky and C.S.I. Paraniyam & Honorary Secretary of the Bible Society of India, Kanjirankulam Branch.

GUIDED / EXAMINED B.D. THESES

Approximately 20 B.D. Theses related to different theological disciplines.

GUIDED & EXAMINED M.TH. OLD TESTAMENT THESES

“Daughter of Zion in the Book of Isaiah: An Indian Womanist Reading.” Vasantha Baby, 2002.

“The Understanding of Human Rights in Deuteronomy Chapter 14 – 28,” Lalfakzuala, 2002 (Published by I.S.P.C.K. in 2004).

“Understanding of God Through the Self Presentation Formula ANOKI YHWH in Deutero-Isaiah and Its Implications in the Pluralistic Context,” P. Jeya Selvan, 2002.

“In Search of the Hidden Identity of Women: A Re-reading of the Book of Esther,” Atula Ao, 2003.

“A Comparative Study of the Covenant and the Mizo THURO CHHIAH with Special Reference to Exodus Chapters 19 – 23,” C. Vanlaldika, 2003.

“The Assimilation of Ancient West Asian Religio-cultural Elements in the ‘Religion of the Ancestors’ and its Relevance to the Indian Context,” Beno A. Enose, 2004.

“The Nexus between Suffering and Sin in the Individual Psalms of Lament,”

Tekayaba, 2004.

“Theological Motifs in the Occurences of Names of God in Exodus 1-6 with Special Reference to Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh,” Katam Reshma Paul Wellington, 2005.

“The Impact of the Exodus Paradigm in the History of Israel,” Sam George, 2009 (SAIACS)

GUIDED DOCTORAL DISSERTATION

‘Theology of Hope in Deutero-Isaiah: A Quest for a New Identity of the People of God,” Rev. Pray S. James Vethamuthu (successfully completed and degree awarded in 2009).

“The Ideation of Power in the Book of Hosea with Particular Reference to AHB: A Post-colonial Reading,” Rev. Praveen Paul (successfully completed and degree awarded in 2009).

EXAMINED DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS

“The Worldview of the Yahweh Speeches in the Book of Job, “Rev. Prakash K. George, 2008.

“Exile and Theology of Creation: A Socio-Historical Study of the Creation Motif in Isaiah 40-55,” Rev. P. Rajendra Babu, 2008.

Served as Examiner in the Doctoral Supervisory Committee of Dharmaram College, Bangalore in 2002.

PUBLICATIONS

BOOKS

The Theological Concept of the Hebrew Term Hesed in the Psalter, Verlag an der Lottbek, Aachen, Germany, 2001 (289 pages).

The “Anointed Ones” in the Qumran Literature, ISPCK, 2004 (112 pages).

SELECT ARTICLES

Creation and Dominion: Reweaving the Planet in Jeopardy, in: Light on Our Dusty Path: Essays for a Bible Lover (Dhyanchand Carr), ed. Israel Salvanayagam, BTESSC/SATHRI, 2008

Contributed sixty-five articles to the VEDAPUSTAKA NIKHANDU (One Volume Bible Dictionary in Malayalam), 2001-2005 (Letter from the Chief Editor attached).

Yahweh’s Earth Our Abode: Towards Making Peace with the Creation, in: Shepherd of a Pilgrim People. Essays in Honour of Bishop J.W. Gladstone, ed. Gideon Sobhanam & Vinod Victor, ISPCK, 2005.

Cosmic Judge or Overseer of the World Order? The Role of Yahweh as Portrayed in Psalm 7, BTF XXXIV, 2002, No. 2.

The Friends and Enemies of God in the Psalms, in: Biblical Faith on Inter-Faith Dialogue, ed. Israel Selvanayagam, BTESSC, 1995.

SERMONS & PRESENTATIONS

Associated with the East Parade Malayalam Church since 2000, where I preach and offer Pastoral Support. In addition I also preach and give special talk in several C.S.I., Mar Thoma and Orthodox Churches in South India in connection with the life and ministry of the United Theological College, Bangalore.

I have had the opportunity to make presentations in Retreats and Conferences of the Clergy, Youth and Laity several times.

During my sabbatical year I have had the opportunity to deliver a Convocation lecture (March 2007) at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, U.S.A. about the Rulership-Stewardship-Custodianship Models and the Creation Motif.

I have also delivered a public lecture at the Missionsseminar, Hermannsburg, Germany, in September 2006 entitled Kontextuelle Exegese: Die Bedeutung der Alttestamentlichen Forchung in Indien.

In Heidelberg, Germany, I presented a paper entitle, Dalit Theology: The Indian Church in Solidarity with the Vulnerable in the Kontaktstudium of Pastors of the Protestant Churches in Baden and Württemberg.

At the Presbyterian Seminary in Cairo I presented a paper in the Scholar’s Forum on the Relevance of Old Testament in Today’s Context.

SPOUSE

Dr. R.N. Bissy

Qualification:

M.A. (Sanskrit General – First Rank-holder and Gold Medalist of the Kerala University in 1981);

M.A. (Malayalam Language & Literature 1982), University of Kerala

B.Ed. (Sanskrit Language & Literature 1983), University of Kerala;

M.A. (Sanskrit Special Vyakarana 1984), University of Kerala

Ph.D. (Sanskrit), University of Kerala.

Taught at the Diocesan School for the Blind, Varkala, and English Medium High School, Attingal, South Kerala Diocese (1983-1987).

Worked in the translation project (German to English) of Sinfonia Oecumenica (1997-1999).

Since 2000 serves as Lecturer (Part-time) for Sanskrit at the United Theological College, Bangalore.

Prepared by Aji Samuel, BD III

Rev. Dr. Daniel Jones Muthunayagom

Rev. Dr. Daniel Jones Muthunayagom is currently working as professor in the department of Old Testament at the United Theological College, Bangalore. He is a well-known scholar in the field of Old Testament. Last year he celebrated his Shashtipoorthi (60^th birthday) along with the UTC family, SBSI, ACTS Academy etc. He is interested in learning languages and reading latest books. He is well versed in 15 languages (six Indian, nine foreign and the vocabulary of Dutch, Urdu, and Arabic etc).

His wife Anitha Jasmin is working with TAFTEE. He has two sons and one daughter. Daphney Joann, his daughter, is married and is working as assistant professor in an engineering college at Vellore. His elder son Daniel Wesley is presently working as system analyst in National Computer Science at Singapore and his younger son Ajay P. Alfred is studying in the second year of Pre University College (PUC). 

Engagements for the past academic Year (2012-13)

1.      In May 2012 he conducted a methodology seminar for the DTh students at Senate of Serampore College and presented a paper on “Methodological Issues in Interpretation of Old testament”.

2.      He presented a paper in the month of August 2012 at the Annual General body Meeting of UTC (AGM), entitled “God of Life Lead us into Justice and Peace”

3.      In the month of December 2012 he attended the silver jubilee meeting of Society for Biblical Studies in India and presented a paper on “The Contributions of Society for Biblical Studies in India for Biblical Interpretation”

4.      In February 2013, he attended the conference of spirituality for socio-economic development organized by Andhra University in collaboration with ACTS Academy of Higher Education at Bangalore and presented a paper on “Christian Spirituality for socio-economic development with special reference to Jesus’s spirituality”

5.      He was actively involved in the Revision of Biblical Translation of the recently published Tamil Bible (Thiruvilyam), which was a joint venture of the Bible Society and Tamil Nadu Biblical Liturgical and Categetical Committee (TNBLC).

6.      He is working as the convener of the board of Old Testament Studies at Senate of Serampore.

7.      He is associated with BITS Inter Collegiate Seminar and attended the Annual Steering Committee Meeting which was held during the month of January and February.

8.      He is also associated with TAFTEE and is involved in the translation of  English to Tamil and evaluating the course materials of the students in the various parts of Tamil Nadu.

9.      He also has a great role in the doctoral programmes of Christian studies of the Andhra University, St. Peter’s Pontifical institute Bangalore and PhD of the Kamaraj University.

Message for the future

He proudly believes that “A pastor should be connected to church ministry following the ideas and teachings of Jesus Christ earnestly and sharing solidarity with the vulnerable among our communities.”

He can be contacted on his mobile 9632601579 and by e mail at jonesmuthunayagom@rediffmail.com

Prepared by Mr. Ajindas D.N., BD III