Abstract

In this article, I survey past discussions of the Homogeneous Unit Principle, hear from its proponents and detractors, and consider the Hindu caste system, both in its traditional form and as it is experienced in contemporary South Asia. Simplistic interpretations of the caste system are rejected in favour of an understanding of caste that is more in keeping with the ethnographic realities. Caste identity is distinguished from caste prejudice which leads me to suggest that blanket condemnation of caste consciousness among Christ-followers is both unjustified and unhelpful.