Nearly 80 percent of Indians follow Hinduism, but the nation is home to countless religious faiths and cultures. Christianity, for example, accounts for around 2.3 percent of the population. But is Christianity increasing in India? Here are the facts, the perspectives, and an analysis.
Today, more than 24.5 million Indians identify as Christians. And in some parts of the country, the faith is growing rapidly. In the state of Nagaland, for instance, more than 90 percent of people are Christian. This has been called the “principality of the church” due to the fact that the power of the church in public life — in politics, governance, and civil government—is so strong.
In other areas, too, Christian numbers are on the rise. In Kerala, Christians make up almost 20 percent of the population and have made significant socio-economic and cultural contributions. And in Agra, the second most populous city in Uttar Pradesh state, there has been a recent increase in the Christian population.
Expert opinion is mixed on the cause of this increase. Some suggest that the poverty level of India, which hovers over 22 percent, has driven disenfranchised people towards other religious beliefs. Others, however, believe that Christianity’s message of universal love and comfort has allowed it to flourish. According to Ved Prakash Nanda, a Christian leader in India, “Christians are increasingly reaching out to those who are not considered a part of mainstream society, such as the Adivasi people, the Dalit people, and other backward communities.”
Local mission centers, too, appear to be having an effect. A study by the India Missions Research Network, for instance, revealed that hundreds of mission organizations have emerged, including a growing number of home missions groups. The network found that organizations from more conservative Christian backgrounds have had success in expanding their influence. Similarly, Indian theology students, such as Agape, who have been trained abroad have come back to their communities and opened up Bible study programs.
So there are signs that India’s Christian population is growing. But what does the future hold? Some suggest that the culture in India is still largely Hindu and that Christianity faces some stiff competition. Indeed, the 2008 Religious Freedom Act removed some of the caste restrictions that had hindered Christians in the past, but it remains to be seen how much impact this will have on India’s religion landscape. As of now, it is difficult to gauge precisely how Christian numbers will change in India in the years to come.
The Role of Missionaries
Missionaries have been an important part of Christianity in India since the colonial era. In fact, between the 1600s and 1900s, many foreign missionaries came to India with the intention of spreading the Gospel. They were the forerunners of what we now call “Christendom,” the global community of Christians. These missionaries helped develop educational institutions, social services, and healthcare systems in India.
Today, foreign missionaries continue to arrive in India, with the majority of Christian NGOs in the country connected to one or more American and/or European mission organizations. Missionaries provide not just financial and material aid, but also social, spiritual, and pastoral support to convert people to Christianity. Studies suggest that as many as 3 million Indians convert to Christianity through missionary activity every year.
The missionaries are opposed by some conservative Hindu religious leaders, who accuse them of trying to disrupt Indian society through conversion. But for many converts, missionaries provide something important. People often turn to them for help during difficult times, finding comfort in their shared faith. To that end, it is not difficult to understand why the Christian population is on the rise in India.
Christian Organizations in India
The evangelism of Christianity in India is largely driven by its religious organizations. The Missionaries of Charity, for example, was established by Mother Theresa to provide for the poor, sick, and destitute. Other organizations, such as the Indian Bible College, work to train up pastors and Christian leaders in India. These ministries are helping to spread the word of Christianity, and are having a positive impact on the growth of the faith.
In addition, there are a number of Christian organizations that are attempting to bridge the gap between Hinduism and Christianity in India. The World Vision of India, for example, works to help Christians live harmoniously in a non-Christian environment. And the Friendship Mission works with Indian pastors, providing them with resources and training to teach their communities.
Given the good works of these organizations, it is not surprising that Christianity is increasing in India. In addition to the missionary efforts, there appears to be an uptick in conversions due to these religious organizations’ activism and outreach.
The Impact of Economic Development
Economic development has also had an impact on Christianity in India. As more Indians have access to education, many have been exposed to the basic principles of Christianity and have chosen to convert. Part of this is due to the fact that Christianity provides a sense of hope and optimism. Studies have found that those who are economically and socially marginalized are more likely to convert to Christianity than those who are better off financially.
Furthermore, the increasing global awareness of the Christian faith and westernization of society in India has sparked an interest in Christianity among the younger generation. From the portrayal of Christian values in films and television shows, to the increasing prominence of Christian-themed products and advertising, there is no denying that Christianity is becoming a more visible religion in India.
Finally, the advancement of technology and better access to information has allowed people to access the teachings of Christianity in ways that were impossible before. Information on the Web, Christian shows and documentaries on television, and the proliferation of Christian literature have all contributed to the rise in the number of people converting to Christianity.
The Impact of Social Media
In addition to traditional forms of outreach, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for Christians in India. Through Facebook and Twitter, and a variety of other online platforms, Christian preachers and pastors are able to reach and engage people from all walks of life. By promoting their religious messages and stories, they are able to draw in more converts from around the country.
Social media has also allowed cross-cultural dialogues, which can help strengthen and expand upon existing Christian networks. By posting Bible verses and Christian stories, faith-based communities in India and abroad are able to interact with each other, creating a strong and thriving Christian culture. This can be especially beneficial for Christian leaders, who can use these platforms to spread the Gospel and reach people who may otherwise never hear it.
In this way, social media is playing an important role in the growth of Christianity in India. In just a few short years, the religion has gone from being relatively unknown to a much more visible presence in Indian society.
Overall Outlook for Christianity in India
Though it is difficult to predict the future of Christianity in India, there is no doubt that it will continue to grow in the coming years. From missionaries and religious organizations to economic development and the rise of social media, the potential for growth is clear. Today, Indian Christians come from a variety of backgrounds and regions, and the faith is strong and vibrant.
At the same time, it is important to remember that Christianity still faces many challenges in India. The faith is still often seen as a foreign religion and is subject to opposition. But by continuing to spread their message of love and understanding, Christians in India can slowly but surely make their faith more accepted in the country.
