Monday, January 15

On the morning of January 15, we finally got the opportunity to explore the grounds of United Theological College, where we had been staying for the previous three nights. We began with chapel at 8:30, led by senior student L.S. Lalhmingmuana. His theme, present in his sermon, the song choices, and the liturgy, was “Resist Exploitation Embrace Dignity.” He discussed the challenges and systemic exploitation of indigenous communities in India through an reexamination of the famous Jacob and Esau story — I had never considered this interpretation but I was moved by his brilliant sermon.

We then moved into a time of lecture and conversation with two UTC professors, Dr. Alan Palannae and Dr. Rini Ralte. Dr. Alan spoke on Theology in India, and asked us to consider editing the old theological formula of “faith seeking understanding” — better, he suggested, is “suffering seeking faith and understanding.” I know that I will take this perspective with me into Theology II at Columbia!

Dr. Rini taught about Christianity in North East India, a topic new to most everyone in the room. Dr. Rini introduced us to “Crab Theology”: she explained that in the Mizo community from which she comes, women are often compared to crabs, walking sideways and in need of guidance. Crab Theology, then, explains that paradise can (and perhaps must) be reached through walking sideways, through walking with the marginalized of the community.

Next we had tea and coffee with some UTC students on the steps of their beautiful library. We had fun comparing classes and interests, trading emails and looking one another up on Facebook. Some students are planning to come study abroad at Columbia!

We entered the library and were treated to a tour by the librarian, Ms. Daniel. Good students that we are, we were excited to see Hebrew Dictionaries and familiar theology texts, along with many books we’ve never encountered but certainly added to our “to read” lists.

The librarians had specially pulled Dr. Raj’s MDiv Thesis and a journal to which he and Dr. Martha had contributed. Although we begged for a dramatic reading, we could only convince Dr. Raj to read his concluding paragraph. Far older than Dr. Raj’s Thesis were the palm leaf texts — Scripture and poetry written in local languages on palm leaves, 800 years old. We were transfixed.

We ended our day in Bangalore with a trip to the Lal Bagh Gardens, where we had devotions under a canopy of trees. Unfortunately we couldn’t really take pictures there, but rest assured we were excited to be in a green space.

We’re now on a flight from Bangalore to Hyderabad, where we’ll finish up our trip. I’ve been so blessed to be here in this place, with these people.

Peace,

Jenny Snyder