Kristu bhakti and Krishna bhakti

Published in 2017 by Christian World Imprints, Kristu Bhakti and Krishna Bhakti serves as a scholarly contribution to the field of comparative theology and interreligious dialogue in India. Authored by Israel Selvanayakam, a theologian known for his extensive work on the intersection of Christian faith and Indian religious traditions, the book explores the conceptual and devotional parallels between the figures of Christ and Krishna. The work emerges from a long-standing academic tradition in South Asia that seeks to bridge theological gaps through the lens of bhakti, or devotional surrender, positioning itself as a resource for those examining the hybridity of religious identity.

The design and thematic structure of the book reflect a commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry, drawing upon historical, literary, and theological frameworks to analyze how devotion is articulated across these two distinct traditions. Selvanayakam’s approach is intended to facilitate a nuanced understanding of how shared cultural contexts influence theological expression. Upon its release, the volume was received primarily within academic and ecclesiastical circles as a thoughtful contribution to the pluralistic discourse surrounding Indian Christian theology, emphasizing the necessity of empathetic engagement between differing belief systems.