Light Through An Eastern Window

First published in 1963, this book by Bishop K. C. Pillai was written on the urging of many of his listeners to put his teachings into book form, “so that more Christians may be encouraged to trust in the Word of God, and believe more deeply through understanding.” He explains in his Introduction that he was unable to put all of his teachings into one book at this time due to time constraints, but with this volume intends to “touch upon some of the portions of the Bible which my listeners tell me have been the most interesting and inspiring.” A wonderful book for any reader who seeks to know and understand the Word of God...

This book provides analysis of a variety of biblical narratives and texts which are the vehicle for the expression, articulation and performance of diverse identities in the Indian context and is the first attempt to do so for a global audience of scholars and students. From pan-Indian social problems attributed to caste, class and gender inequality, to specific North Eastern tribal settings, Dalit struggles in rural Andhra Pradesh and the experience of Christian autorickshaw drivers in urban Chennai, the book explores the diverse geographical, cultural, social, economic and linguistic settings in which the Bible is encountered. The holistic and multidisciplinary approach to Biblical studies adopted broadens the field beyond textual exegesis. Encounters with the Bible are revealed in diverse chapters impacted by contexts of caste realities, the history of Indian Christianity, colonial and post-colonial frameworks and educational institutions. Full use is made of 'vernacular' texts and traditions including oral and written cultural, folk tale, literary and auto/biographical narratives in Tribal, Dalit and British colonial settings. Diversity of method is championed through including sociological analysis of Indian social realities, qualitative fieldwork techniques and a kaleidoscope of visual and sensory environments with over 30 photographs. The book celebrates and promotes diversity in Indian biblical studies, creativity and sometimes conflicting perspectives. Encountering Diversity in Indian Biblical Studies will be of interest to students, scholars and researchers working on post-colonial biblical studies and diversity in Christianity, particularly in the Indian context.

First published in 1949, in By Eastern Windows author William H. McDougall recalls his experiences of his three years spent in prison camps in Sumatra. “By Eastern Windows is filled with stories of the heroism and sacrifice of priests, doctors and simple men, as well as of the disgraceful behaviour of deadbeats and chiselers. It is written throughout in a spirit of humility and humble faith. It packs a wallop...”—Orville Prescott, New York Times “...By Eastern Windows...is a book that deals with the spirit of mankind at war and is directed to the spirit of mankind in peace. Everyone who reads this book upon completion surely must agree with the author that ‘there is no possible disarmament except in the hearts of men.’”—Grace S. Nutley, New York Eagle “...It is an amazing tale with humor lighting tragedy and heroism marking what might have been the sheerest of animal existences. By Eastern Windows is perhaps the best book of its sort to date in that it is neither so objectively done that it misses the ever-present human element, nor so sentimentally reported that it fails to show both sides of the Japanese captors as they went somewhat bewilderedly about their tasks in a losing fight.”—T.M.W., Boston Traveler