Eric Sharpe: A Legacy in Comparative Religion and Missionary History
Eric Sharpe was a distinguished scholar whose work bridged the gap between theology, history, and the academic study of religion. Known for his precision and intellectual curiosity, Sharpe played a pivotal role in shaping the historical understanding of how different faiths interact, particularly through the lens of comparative religion—the systematic study of the similarities and differences between various religious traditions.
Key Facts
- Academic Pioneer: Wrote the first historical survey on the rise of comparative religion as an academic discipline.
- Missionary Specialist: Expert in the history of modern Christian missions to India and their encounters with Hinduism.
- Linguistic Skill: Accomplished linguist who translated works by Swedish scholars Bertil Gärtner and Birger Gerhardsson.
- Global Influence: Held a full professorship at the University of Uppsala and guest lectured at Harvard University.
- Institutional Leadership: Former President of the Australian Association for the Study of Religions and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities.
Contributions to Comparative Religion and Methodology
Sharpe's scholarly contributions began with a comprehensive assessment of the 19th-century foundations of religious studies. He analyzed the roles of philologists (experts in the study of language in written historical sources), folklorists, anthropologists, and psychologists in establishing the field. His work charted the evolution of these disciplines into the formal study of the history of religions during the 20th century.
Beyond historical surveys, Sharpe was a key voice in discussions regarding methodology—the specific procedures and techniques used to conduct research—within the study of religion. He focused heavily on the nuances of faith and the complexities of inter-religious dialogue.
Specialization in Missions and Inter-Faith Encounters
A significant portion of Sharpe's career was dedicated to the history of Christian missions in India. He explored the historical encounter between Christianity and Hinduism from the 19th century onward, producing biographical studies on influential missionary-scholars such as John Nicol Farquhar and A.G. Hogg.
His research extended to other global contexts, including an analysis of Karl Ludvig Reichelt, the founder of the Tao Fong Shan Christian Center in Hong Kong, who worked closely with Chinese Buddhists. Additionally, Sharpe conducted a major study on Nathan Soderblom, a Swedish Lutheran Bishop and ecumenical theologian known for his work in comparative religion.
In 1985, Sharpe published a bicentennial survey of English-language translations of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Indian text. Through this work, he illustrated how Western romantic interpretations often led Christian missionaries to misunderstand the text's original meaning.
Analysis of New Religious Movements and Sadhu Sundar Singh
Sharpe applied his critical eye to new religious movements, writing several essays on the controversies surrounding these groups. His final work, published posthumously, focused on the Indian Christian Sadhu Sundar Singh.
In this study, Sharpe challenged the romanticized portraits of Singh. While evangelical writers often depicted him as a zealous missionary who died mysteriously in Tibet, and liberal Christians viewed him as an ideal mystic, Sharpe exposed the myths constructed by these groups. He specifically investigated the contradictory elements of Singh's life, including his relationship with the followers of Emanuel Swedenborg.
Academic Career and International Recognition
Sharpe's influence extended across several continents. From 1978 to 1981, he served as a full Professor of History of Religion at the University of Uppsala in Sweden. He also held visiting appointments at Northwestern University, MacMaster University, and the University of Manitoba. In 1991, he served as the Senior Mission Scholar in Residence at the Overseas Ministries Study Center in New Haven, Connecticut.
His commitment to the global academic community was evident in his work with the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR). He hosted international congresses in Lancaster (1975) and Sydney (1985) and was granted life membership in the IAHR in 1995.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Academic Roles | Professor at University of Uppsala; Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities |
| Key Research Areas | Comparative Religion, Christian Missions in India, Bhagavad Gita Translations |
| Notable Biographical Subjects | Nathan Soderblom, Sadhu Sundar Singh, Karl Ludvig Reichelt |
| Institutional Leadership | President of the Australian Association for the Study of Religions |
| International Honors | IAHR Life Membership (1995) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Eric Sharpe's primary contribution to the study of religion?
Sharpe wrote the first historical survey of the rise of comparative religion as an academic discipline, analyzing how 19th-century philologists, anthropologists, and psychologists contributed to the field.
How did Sharpe approach the study of the Bhagavad Gita?
He published a bicentennial survey of English translations of the text, demonstrating how Western romanticism and missionary biases led to frequent misunderstandings of the sacred Indian text.
What did Sharpe reveal about Sadhu Sundar Singh?
He exposed the symbols and myths created by evangelical and liberal writers, arguing that they had constructed romanticized portraits of Singh rather than providing an accurate historical account.
Which international organizations was Eric Sharpe affiliated with?
He was a prominent figure in the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) and served as President of the Australian Association for the Study of Religions.
Where did Eric Sharpe teach and lecture?
He was a full Professor at the University of Uppsala and guest lectured at Harvard University, with visiting appointments at Northwestern University, MacMaster University, and the University of Manitoba.