Baby Krishna, Infant Christ

Book excerpt: A ground-breaking work in comparative theology. This stimulating work of comparative theology brings into conversation the stories of the infancy and youth Jesus with that of Krishna in the Hindu tradition. The early chapters tell the stories, first of Krishna and then of Jesus, and then describe the role each plays as savior for the faithful of that tradition. Chapter 1: Comparative Theology and Learning about Jesus Chapter 2: A Savior in Disguise the Stories Chapter 3: Krishna and His Followers How He Saves Chapter 4: Immanuel the Stories Chapter 5: Jesus and His Disciples How He Saves Chapter 6: All Grown Up Krishna and Jesus as Adults The text is not only readable but engaging, particularly when it explores the playfulness of the young Krishna and compares Krishna's early years with those of Jesus as described in such non-canonical writings as the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. Through this comparison Largen demonstrates the unique role Jesus' nature as both human and divine has in our Christian understanding of salvation.