ORIENTALISMS OF THE BIBLE, Volume 1

by Bishop KC Pillai

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Overview - In this book, K. C. Pillai, Doctor of Divinity and a native of India, draws on his extensive knowledge and first-hand understanding of Bible customs, manners, and idioms to uncover great truths concerning scriptures that perplex the Westerner’s mind simply because he lacks an understanding of the peculiar expressions and traditions underlying the scriptural passage. Through an understanding of the Eastern culture, the reader gains answers to questions such as: What are the treasures in heaven that are referred to in Matthew 6:19? In Isaiah 55:1, how was it possible for one to buy without mo ... See more details below

Other Books by Bishop KC Pillai

ORIENTALISMS OF THE BIBLE, Volume 1

Overview

In this book, K. C. Pillai, Doctor of Divinity and a native of India, draws on his extensive knowledge and first-hand understanding of Bible customs, manners, and idioms to uncover great truths concerning scriptures that perplex the Westerner’s mind simply because he lacks an understanding of the peculiar expressions and traditions underlying the scriptural passage. Through an understanding of the Eastern culture, the reader gains answers to questions such as: What are the treasures in heaven that are referred to in Matthew 6:19? In Isaiah 55:1, how was it possible for one to buy without money and without price? What does it really mean when the Bible says a person will receive double for all their sins? Beyond unlocking puzzling passages, the author inspires readers to a greater commitment and awareness of God's power and goodness.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780910068550

Publisher: American Christian Press

Format: Hard Cover

Publication Date: January 1, 1984

Product dimensions: 6.3 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches

Meet the Author

As a convert to Christianity from Hinduism, Bishop K.C. Pillai came to the Western world on a singular mission: to teach the Eastern culture of the Bible. Although Christianity is generally considered a western religion, the Bible itself was written and set in the Orient, and it must be viewed through the light of that eastern window. The Bible is filled with passages that perplex the Western mind, and yet they were readily understood by the Easterner. When the reader becomes knowledgeable of the oriental idioms, customs, and traditions of the Biblical setting, these Scriptures become clear.

God called Bishop K.C. Pillai to reveal these Biblical truths he called Orientalisms. At the time of the Bishop’s early life, his native India had remained an isolated country for thousands of years. Therefore, the customs and manners of the people were still aligned with the Eastern, Biblical culture. For over twenty years, Bishop Pillai taught these Orientalisms, bringing great enlightenment to the Christian world. His crusade of imparting this light of the Eastern Culture carried him to numerous universities and seminaries, as well as every major denomination throughout the United States, England and Canada. Still today, his teachings remain the foremost authority on the rare gems of Biblical customs and culture.

Bishop K.C. Pillai’s conversion to Christianity is a witness of God’s heart, as well as a lesson in one of the most significant Eastern customs found in the Bible. The Bishop was raised as a Hindu. When a Hindu child of the ruling class is born, a little salt is rubbed on the baby who is then wrapped in swaddling cloth. This custom invoked one of the oldest and strongest covenants in the Eastern world, the “salt covenant.” In this particular instance, the child was salted for a lifetime of dedication to the Hindu religion. The “salt covenant” is used in like manner throughout the Bible to seal the deepest commitment.

As a result of the salt covenant it is difficult for Hindus to convert to Christianity. When they do, their family actually conducts a funeral service to symbolize that the individual is dead to their family, the community and Hinduism. Their family will carry a portrait of the “deceased” to the cemetery and bury it. Many times Bishop spoke of his “burial day” when he was disinherited by becoming a Christian; the only Hindu willing to break that covenant of salt in his community during that time.

K.C. Pillai answered God’s call and served as Bishop of North Madras in the Indian Orthodox Church. Sent on a special mission to the United States, he spent the last twenty years of his life acquainting Christians with the Orientalisms of the Bible. The interest Bishop Pillai generated in the field has led to numerous further studies by other scholars in the field of manners and customs in the Bible, as well. His books and teachings continue to illuminate and inspire students of the Bible throughout the world. A solid understanding of Orientalisms is essential to “rightly dividing” the Word of truth, and Bishop K.C. Pillai’s works remain an indispensable reference.

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anonymous

Posted 29th December 2013 03:26 AM

I Also Recommend

9781484966174 : Renewing the Mind

star Understanding "Double for Sins" and Other Eastern Customs

Orientalisms of the Bible Volume I is a quick read and a ready reference to Eastern customs and cultures (Orientalisms) of the Bible. Bishop Pillai knew first hand being from India the manners and customs found in the Bible. In this book he shares insight and application to: Treasures in Heaven, Fear and Trembling, Fishing for Money, Double for Sin and others. (I remember learning the meaning of Double for Sin in the Power for Abundant Living class – such a life changing class with life changing understanding such as these truths in this book.) In the chapter regarding Double for Sin, Bishop Pillai shares, “They [the elders of the gate] then take the sheet on which is listed his debts and fold it double and tack it back to the gate. Now anyone who looks can find nothing against him. He has a clean slate, a fresh start. Everything from the past is done away.” We too have a kinsman redeemer who has doubled our sins and blotted them out – Jesus Christ! Thankful to have these truths available!

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