The Cry for Life: The Situation of Dalit Christians in Kerala and the Relevance of Jürgen Moltmann’s Trinitarian Theology
The belief in the Trinitarian God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is fundamental to the Christian faith. However, a pressing question arises: How is this belief relevant to those who suffer, who are marginalized, and who are ostracized? It is in response to this question that Jürgen Moltmann’s Trinitarian theology offers profound insight. His theology seeks to make the doctrine of the Trinity meaningful for people who are in need of justice and liberation. Motivated by this concern, the present study seeks to explore the lived experiences of Dalit Christians of the Latin rite in Kerala, India, and to examine the relevance of Moltmann’s Trinitarian theology in addressing their Cry for Life and in affirming their dignity and rightful place within the Catholic Church and society. In a broader sense, it also seeks to highlight how the relational nature of the Triune God can inspire a more inclusive and compassionate ecclesial community that upholds justice and human dignity.
Research Goals
My primary research goal is nothing but to explore the importance of the Trinitarian theology of Jürgen Moltmann in addressing the Cry for Life situation of the Dalit Christians of Latin rite in Kerala.
To analyse the Trinitarian theology of Jürgen Moltmann, especially to focus on its key themes such as the relational nature of the Trinity, Trinitarian history, and the human participation in the Trinitarian history.
To examine the socio-historical background for the development of Caste system in Kerala and its influences among the ecclesial community of Latin rite in Kerala.
Research Questions
How unique is the Trinitarian theology of Jürgen Moltmann from that of orthodox Christian teaching? What are the unique elements Moltmann brings to Trinitarian theology? How significant is the theology of Moltmann in making the doctrine of the Trinity more contextual?
How persistent is the caste bias among Latin Christians in Kerala? How does the lingering caste bias among Latin Christians in Kerala excludes the Dalit Christians from the ecclesial communion?
What relevance does Moltmann’s Trinitarian theology hold in the context of the Cry for Life situation of the Dalit Christians of Latin rite in Kerala? How can Moltmann’s Trinitarian theology be integrated into pastoral and ecclesial life of the Latin rite Church in Kerala, where there is the lingering caste bias?
Methodology
At first, I need to take up the systematic analytical method to understand and to evaluate the theological frame work of Jürgen Moltmann in the field of the doctrine of Trinity. Then, I follow the historical-analytical method. The critical analysis of the historical development of the Caste system helps us to figure out the root cause for the plight of Dalit Christians. Apart from the historical-critical method, I use the socio-evaluative method to get the present picture of the caste dynamism within the Latin Church in Kerala and the Cry for Life situation of the Dalit Christians. In the last chapter I use descriptive and synthetic methodologies to bring out the practical relevance of Moltmann’s Theology as the project of building inclusive ecclesial community.
Literature
Moltmann, Jürgen, Theology of Hope: On the Ground and the Implications of a Christian Eschatology, James W. Leitch, trans. London: SCM Press, 1967.
Moltmann, Jürgen, Experiences of God, Margeret Kohl, trans., London: SCM Press, 1980.
Moltmann, Jürgen, The Trinty and the Kingdom: The Doctrine of God, Margeret Kohl, trans., London: SCM Press, 1981.
Supervisor
Univ. -Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Guggenberger
Department of Systematic Theology
Doctoral Candidate
Lenin Antony Puthenveettil
lenin.puthenveettil.@student.uibk.ac.at
