Publisher's Synopsis
This is not a book, this is an encyclopedia, a mini-encyclopedia, if you will. If it were an institution, it would be a small university with an assortment of departments. What is unique about this magnum opus, though, is that it is one man's work. And it shows the sweep of his knowledge, the depth of his erudition and the mettle of his commitment to Truth. Truth is as simple as black and white, but to tell the Truth, depending on its nature and content and also the circumstances in which it is told, can be a dangerous undertaking. The famous dictum: "In time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." But to those who are committed to telling it as it is, no other option is available. So I congratulate Dr. Kamble for venturing into a minefield of misunderstanding, criticism and possible hostile reactions. He assures us that as a Christian living under the precept of loving friends and foes alike, he harbors malice for none and good will for all. Dr. Kamble is a historian, a sociologist, an economist, a meticulous researcher credited with talent, enthusiasm and painstaking effort. Above all, he is a versatile scholar with the divine gift of curiosity. Among the topics he has discussed in this collection of essays, a prominent section is devoted to various aspects of Islamic studies. It is safe to say that in America, even among fairly well educated citizens, there is a conspicuous absence of curiosity when it comes to what anthropologist, Ruth Benedict calls "Other Cultures." Some years ago while I was doing post graduate studies at Delhi School of Economics, an American missionary asked me if I could give a talk to the American Embassy families on Buddhism. I never suspected that my audience would turn out to be 8th graders!
