‘From Religion to Faith’ a book edited and introduced by Dr Fr Ambrose Pinto, Principal of St Joseph’s College (SJC) and Dr Etienne Rassendren, English Professor at SJC, was released here on Thursday. The book presents a collection of testimonies and multi-religious experiences by the staff and students of SJC.
Rasheed Kappen, journalist from Deccan Herald, Dr Manu Chakravarthy, Professor from NMKRV College, Fr Vijay Kumar Prabhu, Rector, Fr Jerome D’Souza were the distinguished guests present at the book launch.
Mr Kappen quoting Dr Etienne’s words from the book which struck a chord with him, he said, “Religions are actually confined with culture.”
He also spoke about Islam and said that if there was no dissent there would not have been the formation of the Shias and Sunnis and different schools of thought.
Speaking about the book, Fr Jerome D’Souza said that the book had essays written by Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and agnostics. Expressing his pleasure for having been associated with the book, he said, “Religion is a way in which religious consciousness of humanity is expressed and religious consciousness is part of human consciousness.”
He also added that religious consciousness somehow became narrow and limited and it had an aspect of mystery.
Manu Chakravarthy who critiqued the book said, “This book itself is a testimony of testimonies. The important feature of this book is that it is very open. Secondly, this book is also open to interrogation.”
Commending the effort of the students, he said that none of the essays were absurd and abstract. “All of them have sprung from a personal experience with his or her religion.”
- Michelle and Srividya I M S Com
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