Towards Understanding Modern Religious and Secular Movements in India by Dr. Moanungsang makes an important addition to the literature on religion and society in India. It offers rich and detailed narratives of various recent and contemporary movements in India that play huge roles in the religio-social lives of people and communities in India and beyond. Situating these movements within the wider social, economic, political, cultural and religious situation in India since the 18th century, the author offers accounts of the movements that are not merely descriptive but are also combined with critical analysis and assessment. Further, the book has an important section that highlights some key issues that affect diverse communities in contemporary India. The book is particularly a helpful resource for theological students in the fields of Religion, Culture and Society; but it also makes an important read for a wider audience concerned with the current issues in the Indian society. Contents: Foreword Preface Chapter 1: Introduction 1. The Socio-Economic-Political and Religious Situation in India from the 18th century 2. Conceptual Clarification of Terms 3. Factors that Contributed to the Renaissance in India Chapter 2: Socio-Religious Movements within Hindu Religious Tradition 1. The Brahma Samaj 2. Arya Samaj 3. The Ramakrishna Mission 4. Narayan Guru Movement 5. Ayyavazhi Muthukutty (Kanyakumari District) 6. Influential Thinkers 7. Bhakti Vedanta Prabhupada, ISKCON (1896-1977) 8. Prajapati Brahmakumaris - A Brief Life Sketch 9. Any Other Regional and Local Movements Chapter 3: Socio-Religious Movements within Islam, Sikh and Buddhist Religious Traditions 1. Islam 2. Sikhism 3. Buddhism Chapter 4: Guru Movements 1. Common Features of Guru Movements 2. Special Study of the Following Gurus Chapter 5: Religio-Political and Secular Movements 1. The Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind 2. Sarvodaya and Bhoodan Movement 3. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Sangh Parivar 4. Reform and Independence Movements Chapter 6: Contemporary Issues and the Response of Church 1. Fundamentalism and Communalism 2. Secularism, Minority Rights, Freedom of Religion and Conversion 3. A Post-colonial, Post-modern Christian Critique of the Events of the 19th and 20th Century in India 4. Political Parties, Civil Society Movements and the Church Bibliography Dr. Moanungsang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religions and Philosophy under the Senate of Serampore College/University and working as Principal at Witter Theological College. Formerly served as an Academic Staff at the Association for Theological Education by Extension (TAFTEE), Bangalore and as an Assistant Professor at Master’s College of Theology, Visakhapatnam.