Raj retired in 2019 after 24 years as a faculty member at Concordia Seminary.
At the time of his retirement, Raj was the Buehner–Duesenberg Professor of Missions, professor of Exegetical Theology and assistant director of the Seminary’s Institute for Mission Studies.
He received his Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) and Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) from Concordia Seminary (1981, 1974). He holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) from Gurukul Lutheran Theological College in Chennai (formerly Madras) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Kerala University in Trivandrum, both in India.
Since 1995, Raj has served as editor of Lutheran Mission Matters (formerly Missio Apostolica), the journal of the Lutheran Society for Missiology. His published work includes The Hindu Connection (Concordia Publishing House [CPH]) and The Theology of the Cross for the 21st Century (CPH), which he co-edited. His essays include “A New Phase of Religion in America” in Planting in Native Soil: Studies in Gospel Inculturation (Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge/CPH); “The Inclusive Religion of Hinduism” in World Religions in the Light of the Lutheran Confessions (Lutheran Academy Books); and “Neighbors, Religions and Worldviews” in Let Christ Be Christ: Theology, Ethics and World in the Two Kingdoms (Tentatio Press).
In addition to his Seminary work, Raj has served as a member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Commission on Organizations; guest professor at Lutheran Theological Seminary and Training Center in Baguio City, Philippines; and guest lecturer at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College.
Before joining the Seminary, Raj served as a parish pastor in India and held positions in the India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC), including as director of the IELC’s Renewal Program. He is a former president of Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil, India, and represented India on the International Lutheran Council. He previously served on the faculty of Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon as professor and theology department chairman.
Raj and his wife, Anie, have three sons; Anand, Seemanth and Nishant; two daughters-in-law; and one granddaughter.