The Historical Development and Social Dynamics of Christianity in India
Christianity has a rich and complex history in India, particularly in the region of Kerala. It began with the presence of apostles of Jesus Christ in the area during the first century AD. The roots of Christian communities in Kerala can be traced back to Jewish settlements that existed in the region even before the birth of Christ. It is believed that St. Thomas arrived in 52 AD to share the Gospel with the Jews in Kerala.
Early Christian Communities and Education
Those who embraced the Gospel were primarily from the Hindu upper class, known as Nazrani or Syrian Christians. However, it is important to note that education was limited to the upper class at that time. As a result, they were the primary recipients of Christianity. Over time, Christians from the Middle East, such as Syria and Iraq, began to settle in Kerala. Some of their bishops also died and were buried in the region, further contributing to the growth of Christian communities.
Social Divisions in the Christian Community
As Christianity spread, different sub-groups within the Christian community emerged. For example, when Europeans, including Portuguese, French, and Dutch, arrived in the region, they introduced their own forms of Christianity, such as Catholicism. This led to the formation of new Christian sects like the Orthodox Jacobites and Marthoma. The British also introduced Anglican churches, leading to the formation of churches such as the Church of South India (CSI) and Church of North India (CNI).
However, despite the presence of Christianity, caste divisions persisted in Indian society. Even though some individuals from various castes chose to follow Christ, their social attitudes often remained unchanged. Syrian Christians, including Catholics, continued to consider themselves to belong to the upper class, often showing reservations towards Dalit Christians.
Egalitarianism in Christianity: A Transformative Mind
According to Christian beliefs, anyone who chooses to follow Jesus Christ is a Christian, regardless of their caste, sect, or socio-economic background. The Bible emphasizes that all humans are equal before Christ. The caste system and other divisions in society are regarded as irrelevant in the New Testament. In the eyes of God, what truly matters are a transformed mind and a transformed life.
The transformation of the mind means a new perspective and mindset, recognizing the equality of all individuals. According to Christian teachings, society should not be divided by varna (caste) or jati (sub-caste) but by the spiritual and moral transformation each individual undergoes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The historical journey of Christianity in India, particularly in Kerala, highlights the complex interplay between religion, culture, and social structure. While Christianity has brought about significant changes, some social divisions continue to persist. The key message from Christian beliefs is the importance of embracing a transformed mind and life, transcending societal divisions and focusing on the equality and unity provided by faith in Christ.
For further reading, you may explore the following resources:
Syrian Christians on Wikipedia Societies in India Caste System in India Caste System Explained