In ancient times, India was home to many religions and beliefs, with some of them being Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism. However, Christianity is one of the oldest religions that is said to have come to India in the 1st century AD. Although there is evidence that Christianity existed in India even before the arrival of the Portuguese, it was during the missionaries’ visits to India that the Christian faith gained more credibility.
One of the key figures, who is believed to have played a major role in the spread of Christianity in India, was St. Thomas the Apostle. According to popular belief, he arrived in India in the year 52 AD and worked as a missionary to spread the Christian faith through the Malabar Coast of South India. It is believed that one of his first stops was along the Western Ghats of Kerala and that he was later martyred in Mylapore, Chennai. There are also some historical accounts which mention the presence of Christianity from North India during the 4th century AD, although there is no conclusive proof to validate this claim.
Throughout the 2nd century AD, Christian scriptures had started to spread across India and some of the earliest inscriptions of Christian texts were written in the ancient Tamil language. This meant that Christian believers and missionaries in India had started to communicate in various local languages and dialects. During this period, some Christian communities were established in different parts of India, mainly in and around the Malabar Coast. The influx of European missionaries and traders during the 16th century, however, greatly strengthened and popularised the Christian faith.
In addition to spreading and propagating the beliefs of Christianity, Europeans sought to convert the local population to Christianity in order to expand their power and influence in this part of the world. This period also saw attempts by different missionaries and colonial powers to introduce their own religious practices and customs such as baptisms, public gatherings, catechism classes and religious sermons. Consequently, more and more people started converting to Christianity, which helped to establish the religion’s hegemony in the Indian subcontinent.
Despite all the conversion activities, Hinduism and Buddhism still remain the most widespread religions in India today. Christianity holds the third position, yet it is estimated that there are more than 25 million Christians living in the country today. This is a testament to how this religion has managed to gain a strong foothold in India and it is no surprise that Christianity has evolved with time, taking on local customs, beliefs and traditions.
India’s Christian Communities
India’s Christian communities can be broadly categorized into three main groups, namely the Syrian Christians, the Latin Christians, and the Protestant Churches. Most of the Syrian Christians come from Kerala and Tamil Nadu and are believed to have been converted from the local Hindu population by St. Thomas the Apostle. This group of Christians are distinct from the Latin Christians, who are associated with the Roman Catholic Church and its followers.
The Protestant Churches, on the other hand, consist of various denominations such as the Anglican Church, Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians. These denominations were established by protesters who separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation in 16th century Europe and they form the largest group of Christians in India today.
Structure of Christianity in India
Christianity in India is governed by two major authorities. The first is the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) which is a body of more than 400 Christian dioceses in the country under the leadership of the Apostolic Nuncio. The other major Christian body in India is the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) which is a fellowship of 34 churches and denominations.
The NCCI is headed by the Moderator who is elected from the General Body of members and serves as the public representative of the churches in the country. The NCCI is an ecumenical fellowship that strives to promote unity among the various Christian denominations in India in order to foster peace and harmony in the country.
Influence of Christianity in Indian Society
Christianity has had a great influence on Indian society today, with many of its customs and traditions being adopted. The festivals of Christmas and Easter are now celebrated in the country with much fanfare and have become occasions of great joy and unity. In addition, the education and healthcare sectors have also been positively impacted by Christian missionaries who have established schools and hospitals, thereby providing much-needed support to the local population.
Many contemporary Christian organizations and institutions working in India are also contributing towards the overall development of the country through various means. This includes social work such as providing food and clothing to the needy, offering employment opportunities as well as education and healthcare. Additionally, these organizations also conduct awareness programs and workshops to educate people on the importance of educating children, taking care of the elderly and living an overall healthy life.
Challenges Faced by Christians in India
In spite of the various contributions of Christianity to India, it is sad to note that Christians in India continue to be marginalised and face discrimination on many fronts. There have been frequent reports of attacks against churches and Christian organisations in the past few years and the fundamental rights of Christian communities are often violated by the government or other groups in the society.
These issues are especially rampant in certain states such as Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, where hate crimes against Christians have been on the rise in recent years. Moreover, the lack of adequate legal protection for Christians in such states continues to be an issue of concern.
Christianity in the 21st Century India
Even though the Christian faith exists in India for centuries, the 21st century has seen a renewed focus on the beliefs and teachings of Christianity. New churches have been established in small and big cities of India, while a number of Christian seminaries and institutions have been set up in order to promote the faith and spread its message within the country.
Social media has also enabled easy access to Christian teachings, allowing believers to connect with one another and spread the message of Christianity to more and more people. Additionally, Christian pastors and evangelists are also travelling extensively across India in order to propagate their faith and establish new churches in remote areas.
Tackling Discrimination and Misconceptions
Discrimination against Christians in India can only be tackled if there is increased awareness and understanding of the faith, its teachings and its importance in the society. It is therefore important for Christians to educate other communities about their beliefs and practices, in order to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the faith.
In addition, the media can also play a key role in creating a favourable environment for Christians by discussing their faith and highlighting the positive work that is being done by the community. This can help instil hope in the minds of believers and create a more conducive atmosphere for the Christian faith in India.
