An exploration of the pneumatology in the inculturated Indian Kannada Christian lyrics on the Holy Spirit in the Kannada lyric book of Karnataka Central Diocese of the Church of South India

Abstract

This paper will explore the beauty and wonder of music and theology in the Kannada Christian lyrics written and composed on various doctrinal themes from the Holy Bible by the eminent lyricists, musicians and pastors of CSI. This research focus on Indian music (Carnatic) and also indigenous Indian Christian theology (Pneumatology) with regard to the person and work of the Holy Spirit as reflected in these Kannada lyrics from 86 to 92 projecting the essence of Indianness. In this research, a sincere effort is made to bring out the hidden beauty of the world of Carnatic music and indigenous Indian Christian theology in these Kannada lyrics especially for the Kannada congregation of the CSI. The motif of this research is to educate the young budding generation in Kannada churches today by showing them the importance and value of lyrics through Carnatic music along with hymns. Throughout this research, there is a harmonious engagement between music and theology interacting with one another conveying musical and theological message in these lyrics. Through the process of translation and transliteration of the Kannada Christian lyrics, once can read and understand the beauty and theology of the Holy Spirit. The music part in this research emanates an in depth aesthetics of Carnatic music explaining in detail the Rāgas and Tālas used by the composers. The Indian Christian theology (ICT) on Pneumatology, as said in these lyrics, reflected and resonated by the Indian Christian theologians, awfully adds holiness, richness, and reverence in the heart and mind of the reader.