Fireand water

The depth and radicality that make Aloysius Pieris one of the most exciting and original Asian Christian thinkers today are well represented in Fire and Water. Writing as an adept in Western as well as Buddhist philosophy, Pieris's insights bring into sharp focus the issues facing Christian theology, particularly in Christology and women's issues, in Asia today.

For Pieris, it is clear that there is no room for Christ in Asia, if the Christ being spoken of is a "Western Christ," whose features and message are alien to the peoples of Asia in their context of marginality and plurality. An "Asian Christ," Pieris insists, links the paradoxes of a saving God revealed in the depths of ignominy, draws the believer to the depths of Asian spiritual wisdom, and fashions a way of life that will liberate the masses who live in poverty and powerlessness.

Pieris centers his attention on the Asian, and when the discussion is most concrete, South Asian dimensions of issues of religion, mission, Buddhist-Christian dialogue, and contemporary concerns, including human rights, women's issues and feminist theological critiques and the relation between spirituality and human liberation. Almost one-third of the book deals with how Pieris has been affected by women's issues.