History of Christianity in Kerala
Kerala has long been a home to many different religions, including Christianity. It was believed to have been introduced to Kerala by Saint Thomas in 52ndAD, who is said to have arrived from the Middle East with other missionaries. The community grew slowly, and by the 16thcentury, had become a significant minority. This happened despite the hostile Portuguese and British colonial powers, who tried to wipe out Christianity in the area.
In modern times, keen missionary work among the people of Kerala has made Christianity increasingly popular. This is credited to the works of ‘Missionaries of St.Thomas’, starting from 1845 who provided social services to the impoverished and destitute population who had no access to healthcare, education and other basic services. This humanitarian aid and accompanying conversions to Christianity gradually resulted in the faith spreading, particularly among the lower and middle classes in Kerala.
Socio-Economic Impact
The faith in Kerala is tightly-knit and deeply entrenched in socio-economic and political life, in particular revolve around family life. For example, all traditional ceremonies have strong religious backing, and Christmas and Easter are major cultural events celebrated with much enthusiasm. This religious background has also been credited by experts to being the reason why Kerala has higher levels of education compared to other states.
Experts suggest that Christianity in Kerala has also created an environment of acceptance and harmony among all religions. This means that all religions peacefully co-exist, and no one is discriminated against based on their religious background. This multi-religious structure is unique in India and sets Kerala apart from other states.
Fragmentation of Christianity in Kerala
Christianity in Kerala is further divided into three main groups. The Latin Catholic, Syrian Orthodox and the Malankara Orthodox are the three most commonly observed Christian denominations in the area. These three denominations all have slightly different beliefs and practices, yet maintain a good relationship with each other, and share an underlying unity.
The distinctiveness of each denomination and a tight-knit community of faith allow each of them to continue to be successful. This has allowed them to avoid the pitfalls of more generalised spiritual beliefs having a greater influence.
Theology In Kerala
Kerala’s strong adherence to Christianity has also had a great influence on its theology. Controversy surrounds the use of statues and pictures in Churches, as well as ‘religious fundamentalism’; yet there is a strong acceptance for all practices. The ‘eclectic character’ has continued for some time and created a unique environment for one of the most diverse Christian practices in India.
The long history of missionaries in the area has been instrumental in keeping the faith alive and thriving, despite attempts by colonial powers to stamp it out. It has also meant that the faith has grown and developed in isolation, creating practices that cannot be found elsewhere.
Fear Of Extinction
Unfortunately, increasing emigration and the relatively small population of Christians in the area have raised fears that the faith will slowly disappear in the region. Although some see this as an opportunity for Christian missionary activities overseas, there is still a sense of unease at the idea of Christianity disappearing from Kerala.
At the same time, as more young people pursue higher education and continue to move away from their traditional religious backgrounds, the smaller Christian population may be susceptible to greater pressure from more secular and man-made religions.
Conclusion
Kerala has more Christianity than other states in India due to its long history of the faith, its deep entrenchment in family and social life, the unique theology that has formed over the years and the role of missionaries in continuing its presence. However, the small population and continual emigration put the future of Christianity in the area in doubt, raising fears that the faith will slowly become extinct in India.
