COMMUNITY

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CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA: AN OVERVIEW

Introduction

Christianity is the third-largest religion in India, with a history spanning nearly two millennia. It is believed to have been introduced by Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who arrived in Kerala in 52 AD. Today, Christianity in India is diverse, with various denominations and cultural adaptations across regions.

Core Beliefs of Christianity

Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible. The key beliefs include:

• Righteous Duty: A moral and ethical duty that each individual must follow.
• Monotheism: Belief in one God, who exists as the Holy Trinity – God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• Salvation: Faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God leads to salvation and eternal life.
• Holy Bible: The sacred text consists of the Old and New Testaments, serving as the foundation of Christian teachings.
• Sacraments: Practices such as Baptism and the Holy Eucharist (Communion) are central to Christian worship.
• Love and Compassion: Emphasis on love, forgiveness, and helping others, following Jesus’ teachings.
• Second Coming of Christ: Belief that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead.

Christian Church Types in India

Christianity in India consists of various denominations, each with distinct traditions and practices. The major types include:

1. Roman Catholic Church
   • The largest Christian denomination in India, led by the Pope in Vatican City.
   • Practices seven sacraments, including Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
   • Worship includes Mass, prayers to saints, and veneration of the Virgin Mary.
   • Present in all Indian states, with strong influence in Kerala, Goa, and Northeast India.
2. Eastern Orthodox Churches
   • Includes the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and Jacobite Syrian Christian Church.
   • Follows ancient liturgical traditions from the Syrian Christian heritage.
   • Practices include prayers in Syriac and elaborate church rituals.
   • Predominantly found in Kerala.
3. Protestant Churches
   • Emerged during the Reformation, emphasizing direct relationship with God and biblical teachings.
   • Major denominations include the Church of South India (CSI), Church of North India (CNI), and Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches.
   • Services focus on scripture reading, sermons, and hymn singing.
   • More prevalent in South India and tribal regions of the Northeast.
4. Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches
   • Includes Assemblies of God, Indian Pentecostal Church, and New Apostolic Church.
   • Emphasizes spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and divine healing.
   • Worship is energetic, with gospel music, personal testimonies, and faith healing.
   • Rapid growth in urban and tribal regions.
5. Seventh-Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses
   • Follow unique beliefs such as Sabbath worship on Saturdays (Seventh-Day Adventists).
   • Jehovah’s Witnesses reject traditional Christian holidays and emphasize evangelism.
   • Smaller communities spread across India.

Variations in Beliefs Across Christian Denominations

While all Christian groups follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible, there are key differences in beliefs and practices:

Common Names and Surnames Among Indian Christians

Christian names in India are influenced by Biblical traditions, local culture, and Portuguese/Western influence.

• Common Christian First Names:
  • Male: John, Joseph, Peter, Paul, Thomas, Matthew, Mark, Stephen, Philip, David, Daniel
  • Female: Mary, Elizabeth, Teresa, Grace, Agnes, Catherine, Anna, Martha, Sarah, Rebecca
• Surnames Used in Different Christian Communities:
  • Catholic (Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Mangalore): D’Souza, Fernandes, Pereira, Gomes, Rodrigues, Pinto, Lobo
  • Syrian Christians (Kerala): Kurian, Cherian, Mathew, Varghese, Chacko, Thomas, George
  • Protestant (Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Northeast): Samuel, Paul, Abraham, David, Raj, Rao, Babu
  • Tribal Christian Names (Northeast & Central India): Sangma, Marak, Khongwir, Basumatary, Kamei, Darlong

Some Indian Versions of Christian Names

Here is the tabulated version of the Malayalam Christian names and their English translations:

Christian Population in India: Major States

The Christian population in India is concentrated in certain states, primarily in the South and Northeast.

Birth, Marriage, and Burial Traditions in Indian Christianity

• Birth Traditions:
  • Infants are baptized soon after birth, marking their initiation into the Christian faith.
  • In Catholic and Orthodox traditions, godparents play a significant role in the child’s upbringing.
  • Some communities follow the tradition of naming the child on the 8th day after birth.
• Marriage Traditions:
  • Church weddings are the norm, with blessings from a priest or pastor.
  • Catholic weddings follow a formal Mass with prayers, exchange of vows, and Holy Communion.
  • Protestant weddings are simpler, focusing on scripture readings and blessings.
  • Syrian Christian weddings in Kerala feature unique traditions like "Manthrakodi" (bridal saree blessing) and "Minnu" (sacred wedding pendant).
  • Goan Catholic weddings often include traditional Portuguese influences like a bridal march and wedding toasts.
• Burial Traditions:
  • Christians are traditionally buried, not cremated, following the belief in resurrection.
  • A funeral service is conducted with prayers, hymns, and eulogies.
  • Catholics and Orthodox Christians hold a Requiem Mass before burial.
  • Protestant funerals focus on celebrating the deceased’s life with scripture readings and songs.
  • Some communities observe mourning periods, with prayers on the 3rd, 7th, and 40th day after death.

Conclusion

Christianity in India is deeply rooted in history, culture, and regional traditions. From the grand Catholic churches of Goa and Kerala to the vibrant tribal Christian communities of the Northeast, Indian Christianity showcases diversity while maintaining the core teachings of Christ. Each denomination brings unique customs and spiritual expressions, contributing to the rich religious tapestry of India.