This book investigates M.M. Thomas’s biblical commentaries and their unique position at the intersection of religion and society. It explores how Thomas, inspired in part by Bonhoeffer’s “religionless Christianity,” adapted Western theological ideas and transformed them to reflect the social, political, and religious complexities of his own pluralistic context.
By examining these commentaries, the book offers a fresh perspective on how Thomas engaged with the dynamic relationship between faith and society. It also contributes a new dimension to the study of Indian Christianity, marking the first in-depth study of Thomas’s secular biblical commentaries. This book provides a pioneering contribution to the field of the study of Indian Christianity and the study of non-Western contextual theologies. It enriches the growing literature on biblical hermeneutics by offering new insights into how scripture can be interpreted in diverse cultural and political contexts. By focusing on Thomas’s unique theological approach, this work not only enhances our understanding of Indian Christian thought but also broadens the scope of contemporary theological studies, particularly within the global South. It invites readers to consider how the intersection of theology and society shapes religious thought in pluralistic settings.
This book is intended for scholars, graduate students, and those involved in church studies, as well as anyone interested in contextual theology and hermeneutics. It is especially relevant for readers keen on understanding Indian Christianity and exploring how theology interacts with the social and political issues present in non-Western contexts. The book will appeal to those looking to deepen their understanding of how faith adapts to and engages with the complexities of modern society.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: Formation of A Secular Theologian 1. The Commentaries on Genesis and Job – Creation, Atheism, and a secular Concept of God 2. The Commentaries on Exodus and Deuteronomy - Oppression and Liberation in an Indian Context 3. The Commentary on Luke: Secular Christology in a Pluralistic Context 4. The Commentaries on 1 Corinthians and James - The Cross and Secular Ecclesiology Conclusion: Exegeting the World
About the Author :
Thomas Philip is a sessional lecturer at Excelsia University College in Sydney and currently serves as the Chair of TransLe Ministries International. He holds a PhD in theology from Charles Sturt University, Australia, and postgraduate degrees in sociology and theology. Lectured in several theological institutions, both in India and Australia. He has also worked as an independent project facilitator in World Vision International in the Asia Pacific Region.
Review :
M. M. Thomas’s monumental series of contextual commentaries constitute one of the boldest and most creative experiments in modern biblical interpretation. This groundbreaking study shows how these ‘secular’ commentaries can still challenge and inform theological thinking today.
—Ben Myers, Professor of Theology and Literature, Alphacrucis University College, Sydney
Thomas Philip’s book offers an examination of M.M. Thomas’ secular commentaries on Scripture, incorporating previously unexplored materials and primary sources in Malayalam. Philip skillfully engages biblical texts with secular and contextual themes, arguing that Thomas is “exegeting the world” through his interpretation of Scripture. Key themes such as “Exodus in Light of Modern Liberation Movements” and “A Church for Others” are explored, highlighting Thomas’ Christological interpretation of politics. This analysis enriches the study of Thomas’ theology, providing fresh perspectives on his writings and underscoring their continued relevance in contemporary theological discussions.
- Sundar John Boopalan, Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), Canada
M. M. Thomas demonstrated to us that in our ecumenical journey we can be both global and local at the same time. While being a leading figure in the World Council of Churches, he settled down in his native Kerala and began writing a series of Bible commentaries for the common people in Malayalam, the local language. This substantial volume that presents in the English language for the first time the crux of these commentaries, makes a significant contribution to contextual biblical studies.
- Jesudas Athyal,
Former Associate Professor of Dalit Theology & Social Analysis, Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, Chennai, India
With this rich and timely book, Thomas Philip has provided the first detailed study of M.M Thomas’ secular commentaries on biblical texts. Utilising his own translations and focusing on specific commentaries, Philip demonstrates Thomas’ creativity and originality as a biblical exegete who was deeply informed by his political and religious contexts. Exegeting the World makes an invaluable contribution to theological and biblical scholarship. I highly recommend it.
- Michael Mawson, University of Auckland
Thomas Philip’s exploration of M.M. Thomas’ biblical commentaries offers a compelling analysis of the intersection between Scripture and 20th-century political and social struggles. This book highlights M.M Thomas' interpretation of issues like political freedom, nation-building, and religious diversity, drawing on untranslated materials. This work makes a valuable contribution to contextual theology by bridging the fields of theology and biblical studies.
Monica Jyotsna Melanchthon, Associate Professor, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity, Victoria, Australia
M.M. Thomas' Secular Commentaries on Scripture: Exegeting the World offers a compelling exploration of M.M. Thomas’ biblical interpretations, examining his critical and creative engagement with Christian scripture in dialogue with secular ideologies and grassroots social movements. It highlights his unique approach to Scripture amid cultural and religious diversity and structural injustice. An essential resource for students and scholars of public theology, Global Christianity, and contextual biblical hermeneutics.
- George Zachariah, Professor of Theology, Trinity Methodist Theological College, Auckland, New Zealand
M.M. Thomas’s Secular Commentaries on Scripture: Exegeting the World by Thomas Philip is a much-needed exploration of a significant yet underexplored aspect of M.M. Thomas’s thought—his biblical interpretation. In the era of Global Christianity, it is crucial to engage voices from the Global South, and Thomas’s approach to Scripture stands apart from traditional biblical commentaries. His concern was not merely exegetical but deeply contextual, seeking to understand the Bible’s message within India’s socio-economic and political realities. His concept of humanization garnered international attention, and this book highlights how his biblical reflections challenge structures of power and injustice.
- Jose Abraham, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California
M.M. Thomas' Commentaries on Scripture: Exegeting the World by Thomas Philip offers a profound analysis of Thomas’ theological landscape by engaging his political, economic, social, and religious context of the time. In conversation with Thomas’, biblical commentaries, Philip argues for a distinctive hermeneutic of mediation that integrates secular humanism, social justice, and Christological frameworks. Employing Thomas' Christocentric approach, the author critiques the world and calls social movements for transformation. The book argues that Thomas’ theology gave shape to a "Christocentric secularity," offering a unique perspective on India’s religious pluralism, and providing a critical counterpoint to Western secularism.
- Xavier Lakshmanan, Principal, Australian College of Christian Studies, Sydney
Is the secular world outside the sphere of God’s interest and involvement? Some people assume that God is engaged only with our ‘souls’ and spiritual lives, and he does not interfere with the other aspects of our lives.
Dr MM Thomas interpreted Christ’s work of ‘Salvation’ as making humanity as God originally intended it to be. This came to be known as humanization, the struggle in human history for social justice and inherent rights of all. He challenged the Christian church to participate in Christ’s work toward people’s fuller humanity within the secular world.
While most of his works have been in English, some of his unique thoughts are in his commentaries of the books of the Bible in his mother tongue, Malayalam. I am acquainted with some of those works in the original, and therefore I have a deep appreciation of the meticulous work Dr Thomas Philip has done in this volume to make available the invaluable insights of MM Tomas to the English speaking world.
I had the privilege of intimately knowing the author as a colleague. I value him as a careful scholar, an exemplary teacher, and a deeply committed servant of the Lord.
MM Thomas’s hermeneutical method helps us to read the Bible in the socio-political struggles we all face. Because Thomas Philip shows this through his work, this book is a special gift to all of us. I highly recommend the work to all who care to be partners with God in his work in our world.
- Saphir P Athyal (PhD cum laude, Princeton) Formerly, Principal of Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, India; Director, Faith and Development, World Vision International; Secretary, Board of Theological Education, Serampore University; Founder-Chairman, Asia Theological Association
