Customer Reviews

The Legacy of William Carey: A Model for the Transformation of a Culture

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Wonderful work done by two individuals who know the country of India well. Not only is it an accurate description of William Carey, but the history of India itself. I am currently reading it for the second time. It is full of alot if information about how truely the power of the Gospel helps set people free in spirit and industrialization. Great gift for those who are our Hindu friends!

The book was a gift, towards the ministries of mercy class i am reading for, as such it moved to the top of my TBR list.
It's a quick and breezy read, writing informally and meant to inspire and motivate more than a deep discussion on the topic. It's a collection of 5 essays, the first 3 by Ruth and centering on the place of women in Indian society and how important Christian was in their freedom for Hindu bondage, with particular attention paid to the issue of sati, or widow burning on her husband's funeral pyre. Chapters 4, and 5 are by Vishal and center on the crucial elements of Carey's Christian vision and how it made India's modernization possible. Chapter 5 is, by far, the best chapter in the book, i'd recommend reading it first. The book is suitable probably to the junior high level of reading and would make an acceptable Sunday School text on either missions, Carey himself or the entry of Christianity into India, this is it's nature target audience.

It touches on a number of significant theological themes but doesn't dwell on them in any depth, that is not the book's goal. But rather a consistent theme emerges that Carey as the genius who brings Christianity to India is responsible for the modernisation and de-emphasis on Hindu religious elements that kept the people both poor and enslaved to idols. There is a secondary theme that is not explicitly developed, but is perhaps more interesting, that is this Christianization is under attack in India and has been since the 1970's by both Hindu restorationists and postmodernists who would undo the accomplishments and force India back into darkness.

I found the book an interesting, if shallow read, i see their passion for Carey and his work as well as their desire for India's cultural renassiance as it incorporates Christian elements in the place of it's Hindi ones. I see how ideas i've met in other contexts can be of value in analysis here, but the book left me with more questions than answers. Mostly to read something more difficult and expansive from Vishal's word processor. I've learned something about Carey, i didn't know his 1st wife went crazy in the mission field and was locked in her room for 12 years. But would be interested in learning more about the influence of Christianity in Hindu India in the 19thC.

Great summary of William Carey's life, good insight into the life of his first wife, Dorothy, and great application to present-day missions.

To students of mission, William Carey is not an unknown. Schools and Institutions have been set up with his name to signify the impact of this man. In the book, Vishal demonstrated a person who is persistent in wanting to bring about social change. His was not through arm struggles but a constant agitation by way of persuasion and an appeal to logic and reason. Ultimately, William Carey triumphs because he stood firmly on the authority of the Bible. He believed the Scripture to be ultimate arbiter of man's affair. In education, scientific discoveries, rights of women and social change he was convinced that no lasting change is possible without reference to the truth of the Gospel. Carey suffered and paid dearly for the cause that he believed in. This book does not hide these aspects of his life. He comes across as a genuine person, very real.

Vishal and Ruth writes as an insider, being Indians themselves. I met Vishal at a Conference in Auckland several years ago. He comes across as a humble person. Articulate and passionate in his presentation. I have enjoyed thoroughly what they have written about Carey. Have bought a few extra copies to give away.

For someone who has worked their whole career in "developing countries", this book is a true inspiration. It shows not only what one man can do, but what Kingdom values can do to transform the world. Definitely not shallow (as commented by another reader), this book will speak to the heart of those who desire to see the transformation of individuals and cultures. Carey was an amazing man, and even if looking at him from a secular world view, he did much for the people of India as he sought to change unjust societal norms and laws. Fabulous book, and highly recommended.

This is an easy to read book that says so much about Indian culture and Carey's contributions to changing societal norms to what we consider civilized.