We were first made aware of Devadas Chelvan's book by members of the SRF New York Center where Devadas is quite well known.
This is an interesting little book, with a nice foreward by Dr. Quincy Howe. First, the author delves into concepts such as matter, spirit, creation, miracles, scriptures, idolatry, polytheism, reincarnation and incarnation, thus providing a bridge between belief and unbelief as well as between religions. Then a short summary of the lives of Christ, Krishna and Buddha, with an insightful explanation as to why each may be considered the sole savior of the world.
It is followed by biographical sketches of sages from different traditions or without any tradition: Ammachi, Paramahansa Yogananda, Francis of Assisi, Peace Pilgrim, Ramana Maharshi, Prophet Muhammad and George Washington Carver.
About the Author:Devadas Chelvam learned philosophy and theology at the National Seminary in Sri Lanka and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1960. After ten years of ministry he came to the U.S., earning Masters degrees in theology and sociology, but he became an agnostic. Six years later profound personal experiences made him resume his spiritual journey, while he worked as a supervisor at the Administration for Childrens Services in New York City.
Retired now, he lives with his wife, and enjoys conducting workshops and being involved with the International Alliance for Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping economically deprived families and children.
