Songs as Locus for a Lay Theology

“A truly original and remarkable accomplishment. This book recovers and writes the scores of hymns that oral tradition has kept for over a century in Kerala, India. The ancient ecclesial principle that the rule of piety determines the content of what is believed (lex orandi, lex credendi) finds here superb and diligent treatment.”


—Vitor Westhelle, Professor, Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago





“In this timely study of the history of the contextualization of Christian theology in a southern Indian context, Philip Mathai advances the conversation begun in Comparative Theology. He helps readers to understand the determinative role music plays both in expressing and developing the theology of a faith community. This book deserves careful attention and a wide reading!” 


—Allen G. Jorgenson, Assistant Dean, Martin Luther University College, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada





“In this wonderfully evocative work, the writer offers us a head-heart-mouth theology of the song, whereby what one believes, feels, and is passionately committed to, bursts forth in a torrent of acclamation and witness, through songs. Situated geographically and using the oeuvre of two prominent lay thinkers-theologians-musicians, this work offers us the richly filigreed melodies of a sing-able theology, that will linger on in our head, heart, and mouth in joyous wonder and praise.”


—J. Jayakiran Sebastian, Dean of the Seminary, Professor, United Lutheran Seminary, Gettysburg, Philadelphia