Question

Contribution of christianity in the field of social work in india

Answer 1

The presence of Christianity in India is aged almost two thousand years commencing from the arrival of St.Thomas, one of the Apostle of Jesus Christ and martyred in 72 A.D. in Chinnamalai, Mylapore Chennai. Since then Christianity spreads its roots in different parts of the country mainly in south India. Commenting the contributions made by Christians Dr.Rajendra Prasad said on December 18, 1955, “Remember, St.Thomas came to India when many of the countries of Europe had not yet become Christians, and so those Indian who trace their Christianity to him have a longer history and a higher ancestry than that of Christians of many of European countries. And it is really a matter of pride to us that it is so happened”. Early history of the community is fables and traditions and only few records exist. Their contributions are outstanding in preserving the culture of the place. They occupied a significant place to reach the country far through their trade and commerce. They practiced best form of participatory decision making in their Palli yogams which is the final decision making body in aspects of their life both material and spiritual spheres. The yogam is constituted by priests, faithful, social leaders etc. and it is the highest authority of the place as far as Christians are concerned. The yogams make decisions about the services to be rendered irrespective of religion, caste etc. The values of justice and equality are practiced. The yogams are still exists in south India especially in Kerala. There were education centers which provide schooling to the children irrespective of religion. But these centers were not as systematic as of today. There was no separation between education, religion and social work.

Christianity developed in India as an indigenous religion, not as an alien religion imposed upon a people by superior physical forces. Under the fostering care of the local princes and with the friendship and tolerance of the Hindu brethren, it developed as an essentially Indian religion in all respects except in matters of faith and forms of worship. They were best soldiers of the country and their patriotism and services are hailed by local kings. In the pre-colonial period Christians were more predominant in the areas of agriculture, commerce and welfare of the people. Welfare of the people was more important than war. The contribution of Christianity of early ages, before the arrival of Portuguese is the inculturation and spirituality which provides social and socio-ecclesial life. The individuality and uniqueness of Christianity lasted until the Christianity of India came into contact with Portuguese missionaries who arrived in Kerala after the epoch-making discovery of a sea route form Europe to India by Vasco Da Gama in A.D 1498.

Answer 2

Christian impact on India, and history of it is widely believed that St. Thomas, t even the disciple of Jesus, even it is also introduced the Christian faith to India nearly two thousand years ago.

On the other hand, subcontinent would not experience the influence of Christianity until much later arrival of the Europeans.