South Asian Christian Diaspora: Invisible Diaspora in Europe and North America

Among the many immigrants from South Asia there are those who follow various Christian religions rather than Hinduism, Buddhism or Islam. The particular experiences of these groups differ from those of the majority of their compatriots. Jacobsen (history of religion, University of Bergen, Norway) and the late Selva Raj (religious studies, Albion College, MI) have compiled studies of these Christians as they settle into communities in Europe and the United States. Articles examine the difference in ritual and custom between South Asian sects and the European "mother church", particularly in cases where communities had been converted generations before. The ways in which these Christians identify with Northern congregations are also studied. The question of identity is paramount. In most cases the Asian Christians form their own congregations, the exception being Goan/Portuguese Catholics, who appear to have integrated fully into Portuguese religious communities. The articles bring out a neglected facet of immigrant life and help to remind observers not to make generalizations based on assumptions of national homogeneity. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Knut A. Jacobsen is the author or editor of 15 books and more than 60 academic articles, such as the books South Asian Religions on Display: Religious Processions in South Asia and in the Diaspora (London: Routledge 2008); Sikhismen: Historie, tradisjon og kultur (Kristiansand: Norwegian Academic Press, 2006); Theory and Practice of Yoga: Essays in Honour of Gerald James Larson (Leiden: Brill, 2005); South Asians in the Diaspora: Histories and Religious Traditions, co-edited with P. Pratap Kumar (Leiden: Brill, 2004); Hinduismen (Oslo: Pax, 2003); and Prakrti in Samkhya-Yoga: Material Principle, Religious Experience, Ethical Implications (New York: Peter Lang, 1999). He has a Ph. D. from the Department of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) from 1994. His professional interests include Hinduism, Yoga, Sikhism, Diaspora Studies, Religious Pluralism and Pilgrimage Studies. Selva J. Raj has edited two books, Dealing with Deities: The Ritual Vow in South Asia, co-edited with William P. Harman (Albany, NY: Suny Press, 2006); and Popular Christianity In India: Riting Between The Lines, co-edited with Corinne G. Dempsey (Albany, NY: Suny Press, 2002). Miracle As Modern Conundrum In South Asian Religious Traditions, co-edited with Corinne G. Dempsey, is forthcoming (Suny Press). He has published a number of articles. His Ph.D. is from The University of Chicago in the History of Religion from 1994. Professional interests include Hinduism, Buddhism, The Feminine in World Religions and Global Christianities. He has been given a number of academic honours and awards. Sadly Selva Raj died in March 2008.