Description
Book SynopsisRobert Frykenberg''s insightful study explores and enhances historical understandings of Christian communities, cultures, and institutions within the Indian world from their beginnings down to the present. As one out of several manifestations of a newly emerging World Christianity, in which Christians of a Post-Christian West are a minority, it has focused upon those trans-cultural interactions within Hindu and Muslim environments which have made Christians in this part of the world distinctive. It seeks to uncover various complexities in the proliferation of Christianity in its many forms and to examine processes by which Christian elements intermingled with indigenous cultures and which resulted in multiple identities, and also left imprints upon various cultures of India. Thomas Christians believe that the Apostle Thomas came to India in 52 A.D./C.E., and that he left seven congregations to carry on the Mission of bringing the Gospel to India. In our day the impulse of this Mission
Trade ReviewThe singular merit of this book is that the author does not simply present a history of Christianity in India from the beginning to today. Instead, he elaborates the socio-economic, political and religious impact of Christianity on Indian society and vice versa...This informative, analytical and comprehensive work will contribute to understanding better Christianity in India. * Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage, Bibliographia Missionaria *
[a] well-researched and winsightful book, authored by a highly regarded historian ... Frykenberg's book is truly a great contribution to the exploration of the complicated nature of religion and society in India. * Koji Kawashima, International Journal of Asian Studies *
This is a committed book, arising out of lifelong experience and study. * Paul Jenkins, Social Sciences and Missions *
Frykenberg's amazing breadth of knowledge brings to life the complexity of India's Christian history ... I heartily recommend this book. * Timothy C. Tennent, Christianity Today *
This is the best single-volume history of Christianity in India written so far. It is both genuinely Indo-centric and genuinely ecunemical. * John C. B. Webster, International Bulletin of Missionary Research *
Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Introduction ; 2. Contextualizing Complexity, I: India's Lands, Peoples and Social Structures ; 3. India's Dominant Religious Traditions: Santana and Dar-ul-Islam ; 4. Thomas Christians and the Thomas Tradition ; 5. Pfarangi Catholic Christians and Padroado Christendom ; 6. Evangelical Christians as Missionary Dubashis: Conduits of Cross-Cultural Communication ; 7. India's Raj and Its Political Logic: The Unification of India, A Southern Perspective ; 8. Avarna Christians and Conversion Movements ; 9. Missionaries, Colonialism and Ecclesiastical Dominion ; 10. Indian Christians and Hindu Raj ; 11. Elite Eductaion and Missionaries ; 12. Catholic Renewal and Resurgence ; 13. Trophies of Grace and Their Public Influence ; 14. Adivasi Movements in the North East ; 15. Conclusion and Epilogue ; Bibliography
