Report of LIFT- IV

Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Time: 19 to 21 hrs

Venue: Louis Jannsens Hall, Holy Spirit College, Naamsestraat 40, Leuven

The Fourth meeting of LIFT took place as per the changed date and time decided at the previous meeting. Accordingly the session, under the new leadership of Jobi Patteruparambil took place on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 between 19 and 21 hours at the Holy Spirit College, Leuven.

There were eleven doctoral students in all participating in the session that was moderated effectively by Jeevaraj Lourdhu. An insightful paper on Eucharist: The Source and Centre of the Consecrated Life: A Study in Light of Vita Consecrata and Ecclesia de Eucharistia was presented by Amala Ranikkattu, who has completed her doctoral thesis and is awaiting her public defence in December 2009.

The presentation was followed by an interesting exchange of views on Religious life and its wider place and role in the ecclesial life and mission of the Universal Church and the Church in India, in particular. The specific call of the Religious and that of the Eucharist being the centre of the Church’s life provoked a fierce theological debate and Amala’s careful research in part shed light on this important topic. The actual paper presented at the session could be read at http://lift-leuven.blogspot.com/

In the brief consultation that followed, it was decided to have the next LIFT session on Tuesday, February 09, 2010.

Saji's Paper for LIFT-3, on 22 October 2009

Human voyage to posthuman: ‘end’/end of the humans?

-Saji Mathew Kanayankal

The emergence of new techno-sciences, especially the advent of bio-nanotechnology, Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) launch the era of a techno-culture, in which machines and artefacts take a major function in the life/existence of humanity. As an emerging expertise, nanotechnology is still on the process of development and it is changing. We observe a lot of ideas, imaginations, fictions; yet some realistic movements as a part of its development. In fact, most of our knowledge about it is speculative, but there are a few latest new ‘realistic’ achievements. With the groundbreaking experiments of Prof. Kevin Warwick, who infringed the barrier between human and machine, the discussions on the application of nanotechnology for human enhancement have entered into a new phase.

Apart from its use in purely technological level, nanotechnologies application in therapy, human enhancement and alteration, promises as well as challenges the humanity. Nanotechnology, which promises but endangers the entire human community, is seen as revolution as well as a danger. On the one hand, it opens enormous benefits to humanity with an increased productivity and creativity, openings and longevity, stronger bodies and minds, and a happier, better and ‘enhanced’ life. However, on the other hand, it challenges with risks, even with the possibilities of deteriorating and degenerating human ingenuity. The emergence of new life forms will not be mere nightmare or fiction. At least a few awaits the arrival of the ‘posthumans’ who will broaden the line of immortality. So to compact and integrate the Christian anthropology with the change and technological advancement is a real challenge today. Thus, we pose certain ethical questions:

1. Who is a human being? Shall we stick on to the age old concepts or should we opt for the new advancements? Homo sapiens/Techno sapiens? What would be the moral status of such a ‘technologically advanced device’?
2. Is it ethically permissible to change the fundamental human nature? If it is for the welfare and benefit of one, why don’t we do it? What is fundamental human nature?
3 The question on human autonomy. (Humans should overcome their own limitations with their intellect, reason and skill. They have to overcome their own evolutionary fates by themselves). The questions: Should humans use their technology to become something other than human? What should be the hermeneutical key to measure the human enhancement?

Clarification of Some Terminologies:

(i) Nanotechnology: “the principle of atom manipulation atom by atom, through control of the structure of matter at molecular level. It entails the ability to build molecular systems with atom–by–atom precision, yielding a variety of nanomachines” (Drexler, The Engines of Creation: The Coming of Nanotechnology). This term can be applied to any technique that works and can be understood in a nanometer level (109 metres). According to the strategy, the effectively human-built nanomachine will be no bigger than a bacterium and probably as small as a virus. It could even be virus. The most important offshoot of nanotechnology is its possibility to manufacture things at a low cost and with no pollution.

(ii) Difference between Therapy/Nano-treatment, Enhancement and Alteration.
(a) Therapy: the prevention or cure of disease, or as the restoration or approximation of return to normal physiological function.
(b) Enhancement: the alteration of individual (or group) characteristics, traits, and abilities (both health- and non-health-related) beyond a measurable baseline of normal function.
(c) Alteration: Altering neurobiological functions. This level is the most controversial since the goal is to transcend biological boundaries through technological means to alter human capacities.

Some Important Notes:

1. The First Transhumanist Declaration: (1999) “Humanity will be radically changed by technology in the future. We foresee the feasibility of redesigning the human condition, including such parameters as the inevitability of aging, limitations on human and artificial intellects, unchosen psychology, suffering, and our confinement to the planet earth.” Available at http://www.transhumanism.org/index.php/WTA/declaration/

2. Experience of the First Cyborg:
Kevin Warwick has taken the first steps on this path, using himself as a guinea pig test subject receiving, by surgical operation, technological implants connected to his central nervous system. “In the years ahead we will witness machines with an intelligence more powerful than that of humans. This will mean that robots, not humans, make all the important decisions. It will be a robot dominated world with dire consequences for humankind.” From http://www.kevinwarwick.com/ICyborg.htm

Suggestive Readings:

Jotterand, Fabrice. “Beyond Therapy and Enhancement: The Alteration of Human Nature.” NanoEthics 2 (2008):15–23.
Lustig, Andre. “Enhancement Technologies and the Person: Christian Perspectives.” Religions and Cultures of East and West: Perspectives on Bioethics, Spring (2008): 41-50.
Lin, Patrick and Fritz Allhoff. “Untangling the Debate: The Ethics of Human Enhancement.”
Nanoethics no 2 (2008) 251–264.
Warwick, Kevin. “The Promise and Threat of Modern Cybernetics,” Southern Medical Journal 100, no 1 (2007): 112-115.
Keenan, James F. “Perfecting Ourselves: On Christian Tradition and Enhancement.” Southern Medical Journal 100, no 1 (2007): 96 -97.

Hearty Congrats to Fr. Dr. Augustine Kallely

Fr. Dr. Augustine defending his dissertation

Hearty Congrats to Fr. Dr. Augustine Kallely

LIFT (Leuven-Indian Forum for Theology) heartily congratulates our dear Fr. Dr. Augustine Kallely, who has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled “Growing Together: Towards an Integral View of Marital Love in the Kerala Context of Assisted Marriage” on 24th June 2009 at the Catholic University of Leuven. The doctoral defence session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Johan De Travernier of the department of Theological Ethics of our faculty. While Prof. Dr. Joseph Selling was his promoter, Prof. Dr. Roger Burggraeve, Prof. Dr. Thomas Knieps and Prof. Dr. Frank Vosmann comprised the board of examiners.

Dr. Kellely with the jury: Prof. Dr. Johan De Travernier, Prof. Dr. Frank Vosmann, Prof. Dr. Joseph Selling, Fr. Dr. Augustine Kallely, Prof. Dr. Roger Burggraeve, Prof. Dr. Thomas Knieps

Fr. Dr. Kallely belongs to the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly in Kerala. He came to Leuven in 2003 to do his Masters in theology, and has continued with his doctoral studies. While we thank Fr. Dr. Augustine Kallely for his fraternal companionship with us for the last six years in Leuven, we wish him an enriching and fruitful ministry in India.

LIFT particularly thanks Dr. Augustine for his active and encouraging participation in LIFT sessions during his stay here. Dank u wel!

Hearty Congrats dear Dr. Kallely, and many best wishes and prayers.

- Joji (for LIFT)

Hearty Congrats to Fr. Dr. George Panna

Fr. Dr. George Panna defending his dissertation


Hearty Congrats to Fr. Dr. George Panna

LIFT (Leuven-Indian Forum for Theology) joyfully congratulates our dear Fr. Dr. George Panna, who has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled, "A LOCAL THEOLOGICAL READING OF THE BIBLICAL MODEL FOR THE INTEGRAL LIBERATION OF THE MARGINALS IN BIJHAN (NORTH-INDIA)", on 18 June 2009, at the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL). The defence session was chaired by the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Prof. Dr. Reimund Bieringer. While Prof. Dr. Kristiaan Depoortere was his promoter, Prof. Dr. Marc Steen, Prof. Dr. Hans Ausloos and Prof. Dr. Marianne Moyaert were his correctors.

Fr. Dr. Geroge Panna with his board of correctors: Prof. Dr. Marianne Moyaert, Prof. Dr. Marc Steen, Fr. Dr. George Panna, Prof. Dr. Kristiaan Depoortere, Prof. Dr. Hans Ausloos, and Prof. Dr. Reimund Bieringer, the Vice-Dean and chair of the defence session

Fr. Dr. George Panna belongs to the archdiocese of Patna in Bihar. He holds his bachelor degrees in philosophy and theology from St. Francis de Sales College and St. Charles Seminary in Nagpur. He came to Leuven for the Masters programme in 2003, and has continued with his doctoral studies.

While we thank Fr. Dr. George Panna for his life with us in Leuven for the last six years, we wish him all God's blessings for his future endeavours, academic and ministerial.

Hearty Congrats dear Dr. George, and many best wishes!

- Joji (for LIFT)

LIFT-II: 1 June 2009

Martin Kallungal presents a paper at LIFT-II


LIFT – II: Monday, 01 June 2009

The second session of LIFT was held on Monday, 01 June 2009, between 19 and 21 hrs in Louis Jaansen’s Hall, Holy Spirit College. Eleven doctoral scholars were present for the discussion on George Soares- Prabhu led by Martin Sebastian Kallungal. Martin’s enlightening presentation summarised his theological reflection and evaluation of Soares-Prabhu’s hermeneutical method in the context of India. His paper could be accessed on this blog.

Helen Dantis moderated effectively the theologically productive discussion that followed. Participants focussed on the larger social thrust in Soares-Prabhu’s literature and his approach to interpreting Bible in India, identity-politics, inculturation, the indispensable ecclesiological setting for biblical hermeneutics, the reality of poverty and plurality (in every aspect) in the supposedly one-indian reality etc. Cofee/chai that were made available energised and also tempered the heated but healthy exchanges.

It was agreed to draft a common letter requesting the concerned publishers for information to build up the proposed Indian journals’ theological database. The letter to each journal would be sent by the concerned person/s dealing with particular journal/s. The deadline for submissions to ITJD database remains as fixed earlier – 15th July 2009. The next session, LIFT – III is tentatively fixed for Thursday, 22 October 2009.

-Bosco (for LIFT)

Martin's Paper for LIFT-2, 1 June 2009

Topic
Interpreting the Bible in India: An Appraisal of George M. Soares-Prabhu’s Cross-Scriptural Hermeneutical Method

Introduction

Ø An Indian interpretation of the Bible, in Soares-Prabhu’s view, “results from the cross fertilization of modern methods of New Testament exegesis with contributions from Indian exegetical tradition, coming to flower in the stormy climate of the socio-cultural reality of India Today.” Though he rightly admitted that an exact shape of an exegetical practice cannot be determined a priori and thus abstained from formatting one method applicable to the whole of India, he did predict the directions an Indian exegesis might follow, and materialized those predictions in some of his own interpretations of biblical texts.

Ø Although his was an unfinished project, he did nevertheless try to bring out the viability of a certain critical-integral hermeneutical method which involves at least three moments: a comprehensive grasp of the profound religious meaning of the text; a precise understanding of the specific imperative of the text in a context; and, an awakening into the deeper meanings the text unfolds in a process of comparison with other religious texts available in the context.

Ø The third moment is obviously an inter-religious engagement. And, as matter of fact, all the three constitutive aspects of the interpretive act Soares-Prabhu designs are sensitive to the multi-religious realities. He achieves his inter-religious hermeneutical project by integrating many different social and cognitive concerns of an Indian interpreter – all of which are directly related to the religions in India – into the essential dynamic of interpretation.

Ø Soares-Prabhu’s idea of biblical interpretation as an inter-religious conversational enterprise is what interests us. We will, first of all, briefly expose the kind of cross-cultural hermeneutics developed by/along with his context-sensitive interpretations of the Bible and the meta-reflections thereof; and, to this we will add, in a second place, a Christian theological and a Hindu philosophical critique.

Part I - An Outline

Soares-Prabhu’s Indian Christian Hermeneutics

• a. Semantic Autonomy of Text and the Conversational Character of Understanding
• 
  b. Identity of the Interpreter and the Circular Nature of Interpretation
  i. Exegetical Suspicion
  ii. Concerns of the Indian Interpreter of the Bible
  1. The Poor
  2. The Indian Way of Thinking
  1. The Logic of Inclusion
  2. Cosmo-centric Approach
  3. Indic Means of Knowledge/ Experience
  4. Pragmatic Interests
• 
  c. A Cross-cultural Hermeneutics of Integration
  i. Text, Context, and Co-Texts
  ii. Locus Hermeneuticus and the Criteria for Validation
  iii. The Actual Process of Integral Interpretation
  1. Religious Reading
  2. Social Reading
  3. Integral Reading

Part II: Some Questions and Remarks

In this section, we will make a critical reconsideration of some fundamental theological issues at stake in his project. However appreciative one is (as I am) of his proposal for integral reading, one cannot ignore the problematic nature of his idea of ‘religious reading’ which functions as one of the two starting points of interpreting the Bible in India. A half of the religious reading has to be done with direct reference to the Indian religious traditions, especially, Hinduism, while the other half is made in reference to Christianity. He takes Hinduism so seriously because Hindus make up approximately 83% of India’s population, and, more importantly, the traditional Hinduism has shaped ‘the Indian worldview’ shared by different cultural forms.

According to some Hindu scholars, the word religion and categorization of Indians as adherents of different religions distort the indigenous religious phenomenon in India. This is because; unlike in the case of Western Christianity, multiple affiliations are constitutive of Indians, at least the Hindus; also, the separation between culture and religion is unimaginable in the Indian context.

Ø Has Soares-Prabhu, as a Christian interpreter, succeeded in identifying the ‘religious other’ in the Indian context?

Ø Can Indian religious realities be used as raw materials for constructing the Christian theological artefact?

Is there a possibility of charging some abstract biblical images with some Hindu faith-concepts?

Ø Is not Hinduism ‘scapegoated’ in Soares-Prabhu’s biblical interpretations? Some subtle ‘mimetic rivalry’, one may suspect, works behind his engagement with the Indian religions!

The crucial question Soares-Prabhu has to answer in his inter-religious theology is about the notion of authority. He, however, takes for granted that the ‘Jesus of faith’ (as he understands Him,) has authority over all else engaged in dialogue. Thus, Christology becomes the crucial element in Indian theology, though he gives an impression that ecclesiology is of prime importance.

Martin Sebastian Kallungal

Hearty Congrats to Sr. Dr. Merline

Sr. Dr. Merline defending her doctoral dissertation

Hearty Congrats to Sr. Dr. Merline Areeparambil, SH



LIFT (Leuven-Indian Forum for Theology) heartily congratulates Sr. Dr. Merline Areeparambil, SH, on the successful defence of her doctoral dissertation titled "A Relevant Theology of Women Empowerment in the Contemporary Catholic Church and Society in India with Special Reference to Mulieris Dignitatem" on 28th May, 2009, at the Catholic University of Leuven. She is thus granted by the University the Doctor's degrees in Theology (Ph.D. and S.T.D.). While Prof. Dr. Lambert Leijssen was her promoter, Prof. Dr. Veerle Draulans, Prof. Dr. Thomas Knieps, and Prof. Dr. Annemie Dillen were her examiners.

Sr. Dr. Merline with the board of examiners: Prof. Dr. Thomas Knieps, Prof. Dr. Annemie Dillen, Prof. Dr. Lieven Boeve (Dean of the Faculty of Theology, KUL), Sr. Dr. Merline, Prof. Dr. Lambert Leijssen, and Prof. Dr. Veerle Draulans

Sr. Merline is a member of the religious congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart (S.H.). She holds a Master's Degree in Theology (STL) from St. Peter's Pontifical Institute, Bangalore, India, and a Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. She came to Belgium in 2004 for her pre-doctoral studies, and continued with her doctoral studies.

While we cherish the wonderful time the members of LIFT had with Sr. Dr. Merline during the last 5 years here at KUL, we wish her God's many blessings for her future work in India. God go with you dear Sr. Dr. Merline!

LIFT-1 Meeting on 30 April 2009

Augustine Kallely presents a paper at LIFT-1

LIFT - 1: Meeting on 30 April 2009

Date: Thursday, 30th April 2009 Time: 20 to 22 hrs

Venue: Louis-Janssens Hall, Holy Spirit College, Naamsestraat 40, Leuven

In attendance: 20

The first meeting of the Leuven Forum for Indian Theological reflection began a little after 8pm with Joji welcoming everyone and explaining the proceedings. Accordingly, the topic was to be introduced and explained in 30 minutes, followed by discussion in the group for an hour. Coffee and tea were available for the participants throughout the session.

Augustine Kallely presented his research findings in a paper titled "Growth-Centred Approach to Marital Love". The text could be accessed on this blog. His presentation led to a lively discussion involving socio-cultural and theological implications of his proposals especially in/for the Indian context(s).

Later, Sahayadas, Martin and Simplicio outlined the modalities concerning the proposed database [ITJD] on Indian theological articles/essays leading to an agreement on sharing of responsibilities. A summary of the discussion and the allotment of work could be seen at this blog.

A constructive suggestion regarding the time for LIFT forums was accepted unanimously and henceforth the forum would gather from 19 to 21hrs on the date decided upon. Accordingly, LIFT - 2 would be held on Monday, 01st June 2009, from 19 to 21 hrs at Louis Janssens Hall with Martin Sebastian agreeing to initiate and moderate a theological conversation on George Soares-Prabhu.

Bosco (for LIFT)

Indian Theological Journals Database

Dear friends,

Thanks for accepting our proposal to create a databank of Indian theologians’ contribution (in the journals).

1. Our collection covers the period from 2000 to 2010.
2. Give the complete and exact bibliographical reference with three or four key words. No double check!
3. The key words should mention: the main theological area to which the article belongs and two or three key words that manifest the main theme discussed in the article.
4. We collect only articles, editorials with a specific title and a prolonged discussion, and long review articles that discuss some books; but not pure reviews!
5. Kindly send the data in a Word or Endnote format.
6. Start collecting with the current year and last year, before the library sends for binding.
7. Coordinators to whom you can send your data:
Monthly/bimonthly – Simplicio: sipu29@gmail.com
Tri-monthly/quarterly – Sahayadas: sahayadas210@gmail.com
Biannual/annual – Martin: frmartink@gmail.com
8. The last day for sending the data upto 2008/2009: 15 July 2009
9. If you come across any other article of an Indian theologian in any other journal, within the period of 2000-2010 and the name of any other theological journal not mentioned here, kindly make a note of it and send it to any of the coordinators.

- Sahayadas (for ITJD [Indian Theological Journals Database] Team)

-------------------------------------------------------
Indian Theological Journals

------------------------------------------------------
Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection - Simplicio / Raja

Monthly

4 A, Raj Niwas Marg
Delhi – 110054
vjtrdelhi@gmail.com
http://www.vidyajyoti.in/
------------------------------------------------------
The Living Word - James

Bimonthly

Pontifical Institute, Alwaye
Carmelgiri, P.B. No. 604
Alwaye - 653102
Tel. 0484. 2604120
carmelgirialuva@gmail.com
-----------------------------------------------
Jeevadhara - Bosco/Flower

Monthly

Malloosery P.O.
Kottayam – 686041
Ktm_jeeva123@sancharnet.in
http://www.jeevadhara.org/
-----------------------------------------------
Indian Journal of Family Studies - Augustine/Nixon

Quarterly

Cana-National Centre for Family Life Promotion
III 344, Thuruthy – 686 535, Kerala
canaismf@sancharnet.in
http://cana-johnpaulinstitute.org/
-----------------------------------------------
Indian Journal of Spirituality - Baiju

Tri-monthly

P.B. No. 5639 Dr. Rajkumar Road
Rajajinagar, 1st Block
Bangalore – 560 010
iispirituality@yahoo.com
------------------------------------------------
Joskiran Journal of Religion and Thought - Josin

Tri-monthly

St. Joseph’s Seminary
Mangalore – 575 002
jeppuseminary@yahoo.co.in
---------------------------------------------------
Journal of Dharma - Sahayadas

Tri-monthly

DVK, Dharmaram College P.O.
Bangalore – 560 029
info@journalofdharma.com
http://www.journalofdharma.com/
----------------------------------------------------
Mission Today - Helen

Tri-monthly

Sacred Heart Theological College
Shillong – 793008
Meghalaya
missiontodayshc@gmail.com
http://www.missiontoday.org/
-----------------------------------------------
Religion and Society - Jeeva

Tri-monthly

Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society
P.O. Box 4600, 73 Miller’s Road
Benson Town, Bangalore 560 046
cisrsblr@yahoo.com
http://www.cisrs.org/
------------------------------------------------
TAU - Shiju/Bilju

Tri-monthly

St. Anthony Friary
85, Hosur Road
Bangalore 560 095
Tel. 080 - 25531989
-------------------------------------------------
Indian Theological Studies - Joji

Quarterly

St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute
Malleswaram West P.O
Bangalore 560 055
itspetersinstitute@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------
Christian Orient - Jobi

Quarterly

Christian Orient,
P.B. No. 1, Kottayam 686010
christorient@yahoo.co.in
---------------------------------------------------
Ephrem’s Theological Journal - Martin

Biannual

Ephrem’s Theological Journal
P.B. No. 26
Satna – 485 001, M.P
Stephrem_stn@sancharnet.in
-------------------------------------------------
Sevartham - Saji

Annual

St. Albert’s College, P.B. 5
Faculty of Theology
Ranchi – 834001
Jharkhand
rancpr@yahoo.co.in (Press)

Augustine Kallely's Paper, 30th April, 2009

Growth-Centered Approach to Marital Love

For a few decades, Catholic theology is trying to found marriage on the ‘love’ of the couple as a response to the increasing importance of interpersonal relationship in (Western) marriages. However, as “love” is open to multiple interpretations, the response remains ambiguous. Therefore, an attempt that clarifies the meaning of love in marriage might be useful.
The main thesis of the paper: marital love needs to be regarded as a web of relationships that are mutually linked on the basis of the personal growth of the spouses.

In order to substantiate this thesis, we begin with the concrete example of the increasing importance of the personal relationship in marriage in Kerala. The second part will focus on the question this gives rise to in the theology of marriage. It will be followed by a discussion of how an emphasis on the growth-based interconnectedness of various relationships in marriage can effectively answer the question.

1. The Shift from the Arranged to the ‘Assisted’ Marriage

Due to various reasons, marriage is no more a mere part of the family, but the other way round.
The assisted marriage, which highly values the determinative role of the prospective spouses in the selection of the marriage partner, indicates the emerging importance of the interpersonal relationship of the couple in marriage.

2. The Question to Be Answered
(This section below is in a table form in the original. Unfortunately, I can't put it here in a table form. Please refer to the original file sent to you in attachment)
The importance of the interpersonal relationship of the couple has its impact upon the other relationships in marriage.

Various Relationships
Arranged Marriage
Assisted Marriage

Self-love:
Arranged Marriage : Self-sacrifice for the family
Assisted Marriage: Importance of the well-being of the individual
Expects greater reciprocity

Love of God
Arranged Marriage: Author or stipulator of the institution of marriage
Motive for the acceptance of difficulties in marriage
Assisted Marriage: Source of love
Does not demand what is impossible

Love of the Families of Origin
Arranged Marriage: Priority for the well-being and harmony of the family
Assisted Marriage: Independence from the family

Love of Children
Arranged Marriage: Agents to continue the family line
Hierarchical
Assisted Marriage: Fruits of or intruders to the relationship of the couple
Less in number

Love of Neighbour
Arranged Marriage: Family as the basic cell
Through children
Assisted Marriage: Retreat from the neighbour to the private world of the couple

It seems that the personal spousal relationship could be integral only when a similar emphasis is recognised in the other relationships. Hence the fundamental question is what is the link between spousal relationship and the other relationships in marriage?

3. Growth-based Mutuality

In order to answer the above question, we have to first understand the unique element that the emphasis on the interpersonal relationship of the couple highlights. A close analysis might suggest that the interpersonal relationship lays much emphasis on the personal growth of the spouses through the love of communion. The spousal relationship is not a mere means for an end exterior to it, for example, the harmony of the family, but an end in itself, the well-being of the spouses. A critical approach may distinguish the focus on the growth of the spouses from selfishness. The personal growth of the spouses, which means the realisation of the potentials of the spouses, is not limited to them, but shared with the other. To go a step further, it can be stated that the spouses are not capable of realising the growth through the spousal relationship alone, because human relationships are interconnected.

3.1. Spousal Love and Self-Love

Self-love means the acceptance of oneself and the care to realise one’s own potentials. Spousal love contributes to this acceptance and the realisation of oneself. On the other hand, self-love is essential to spousal love. A spouse who acts altruistically without any ‘self-interest’ may not be a good lover in a spousal sense. Indeed, self-sacrifice is valued, but as a creative force.

3.2. Spousal Love and the Love of God

The experience of the love of God helps the spouses grow in such a way that they are able to love each other better. God is love and the source of spousal love. The love of God reveals His plan for the marriage. Christ-Church relationship as a model for the couple motivates them. By loving God, the couple are encouraged to take up the additional moral responsibility to love each other. The experience of care and affirmation by God can be a source of growth for the couple. On the other hand, spousal love may help the spouses to grow in their love of God. Love becomes prayer. Spousal love signifies God’s love for His people and Christ’s love for the Church. The affirmation and care provided by the partner points to God’s own love for us. Spousal love is total and may remind each other that he/she is “the temple of God” (1Cor 3:16). The incarnation of God in human flesh and the idea of family as the “domestic Church” support the mutuality of spousal love and the love of God based on the growth of the spouses. The present approach has the advantage of integrating the fundamental openness of the human person towards God with the actual loving of the couple.

3.3. Spousal Love and the Love of the Families of Origin

The family of origin is closely linked to spousal relationship. In a sense, spousal relationship is the repetition of the parental spousal relationship. The experiential wisdom of the parents, the loving support of the families, the caring for the aged parents, etc., might help the spouses grow in their relationship to each other. On the other hand, the growth that the couple realise through the spousal relationship may enrich their relationship with the families of origin. The contribution of children to their parents does not stop with the arrival of adulthood, but continues even through the marriage until the death of the parents. An adequate consideration of the mutual link between spousal love and the love of the families of origin invites our attention to the integral reading of the repeated biblical teaching that “a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and two of them become one body” (Gen 2:24; Mt 19:5; Mk 10:7; Eph 5:31).

3.4. Spousal Love and the Love of Children

Children are the fruits of spousal love. They are not merely the products of a biological relationship, but incarnation of the loving relationship of the spouses. Spousal love is crucial not only to the birth, but also to the growth of the children. On the other hand, children help the couple to grow personally and thereby in their relationship. Parental love is not simply vertical but horizontal. Family relations are not simply benevolent, but a love of communion.

3.5. Spousal Love and the Love of Neighbour

Spousal love needs to be open to the neighbour not simply through the children, but also through the spouses directly. The spouses help each other to become a better person in society. On the other hand, the relationship with the neighbour has the potentiality to enrich the spouses and thereby their relationship. For example, good friendships or acts of charity contribute to the growth of the spouses and have a positive effect upon the relationship of the couple. In this perspective, social relations are neither optional nor intrusions

Conclusion

As an adequate response to the importance of the interpersonal relationship in marriage, theology has to emphasise the personal growth of the spouses, i.e., the realisation of one’s potentials, which is potentially fostered by and extended to various relationships in marriage. The doctrine of the Trinity may be helpful to bring out the growth-based interconnectedness of relationships.

Augustine Kallely

LIFT (Leuven-Indian Forum for Theology) is born

Dear Friends,

Greetings in the name of LIFT (Leuven-Indian Forum for Theology) which was formed on 31st March, 2009. We had very enthusiastic start-off to the Forum. While all those participated in the inaugural meeting were very positive of such a Forum, even those who were absent showed their interest by enquiring about the inaugural meeting. I am happy to furnish here below some of important resolutions taken regarding the forum in its inaugural meeting.

§ The inaugural meeting was well-attended. While a few expressed their inability to attend, others chose to be absent unacknowledged. Here is the list of those who attended: Augustine, Baiju, Bosco, James, Jeeva, Joji, Josin, Martin, Raja, Sahayadas, Saji, Simplicio.

§ The Forum will meet once a month, preferably in Louis Janssens Hall of the Holy Spirit College. While the date of each meeting will be decided at its previous meeting, the time of the meeting is proposed to be 8-10 p.m.

§ It was proposed to maintain a kind of flexibility in the mode of the monthly meetings. So, no fixed format was decided, and the format of each following meeting will be planned at its previous meeting. Some proposed activities of these meetings are: presentations and discussions on some theological issues related to India, update on Indian theological publications, sharing thoughts on each other’s research, etc.

§ While the forum will principally consist of the Indian pre-doctoral and doctoral students of theology at our university, the forum is open to other Indian students, those of masters’ level, as well as those doing studies at other faculties.

§ Martin, Sahayadas and Simplicio volunteered to coordinate creation of a bibliographical database of the Indian theological resources, which will be made available to all in the course of time. (Our thanks to Martin, Sahayadas and Simplicio!). They already had their first meeting to plan the modalities of the creation of the database, and they seem to have exciting ideas. They want to seek the help of those of us who are willing to help in the collection of the data. If you are willing to help, please contact one of them:

Martin (frmartink@gmail.com)

Sahayadas (sahayadas210@gmail.com)

Simplicio (sipu29@gmail.com).

§ I (Joji) have been asked to coordinate the forum for this academic year. Bosco has volunteered to record the proceedings of the future meetings. And he will post them on the blog after each meeting. (Our thanks to Bosco!)

§ The next meeting will take place on 30th April, 2009, in the Louis Jannsen’s Hall of the Holy Spirit College. Augustine Kallely will be presenting a paper, which will be followed by a lengthy discussion on it. More information on the theme of Augustine’s paper will be disbursed to you later. (Our thanks to Augustine!). … Joji will supply chai at this meeting!!! (My good neighbour, James, has assured me his help… expect a good chai then !!!)

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have attended the inaugural meeting, which was very fruitful. We hope to see all those who were unable to attend the first meeting, at our next meeting on 30th April. We encourage you all to participate in our meetings; we promise a lot of lively and enriching discussions of theological issues related to our dear India.

PLEASE NOTE:

§ I have created a special email id for the forum: lift.leuven@gmail.com. All communications regarding the forum will reach you from this email id from now on. I advise you to please add the email id to your contact list so that the mails from the forum will not go into the junk box, and please use this email id to communicate with the forum.

§ I have created a blog for LIFT:

http://lift-leuven.blogspot.com/

Even if it needs to be still developed further, all the info about LIFT will be posted on this blog. You are most welcome to leave your comments at this blog. While you can leave your comments/responses to the postings on this blog, you will not be able to post any new posts yourself. If you have any suggestion for new posts, please send a mail to me at: lift.leuven@gmail.com

See you on 30th April.

Warmly Welcome!

Joji
(For LIFT: Leuven-Indian Forum for Theology)