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Origin of Christianity in
India – A Historiographical Critique
Now, in this 21st century, the time is ripe when they must be integrated in the larger narratives of the land – with the help of advanced methods of historiography. Benedict Vadakkekara examines one such living ancient tradition – the tradition of St. Thomas Christians of Kerala. A research scholar at the Capuchin Historical Institute, Rome and a lecturer of Franciscan Mission History at the Pontifical University Antonianum, Vadakkekara in this book not only substantiates the validity of claims made by the St. Thomas Christians but also raises pertinent questions about scholarly methodology and role of tradition in historical reconstruction. The Mar Thoma Christians, over two millennia, have doggedly defended the claim that their ancestors received the Gospel brought by St. Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, against the pronouncements by some 19th century Western historians who tended to dismiss this connection as myth. The lack of contemporary historical documents is often cited as the ‘evidence’ of non-historicity of the belief. Here Vadakkekara points out the fact that the absence of written documents has ‘to be seen in the wider context of Indian historiography itself,’ which undoubtedly is a weak spot in the otherwise humungous literary achievements in the fields metaphysics, astrology, cosmography, poetry etc. There is, however, ample documentation of the history of this tradition available to the historian. Vadekkakara examines in detail the scholarly opinion on Acta Thomae, the phenomenon of St. Thomas’s tomb at Mylapore, and the archeological findings regarding Parthian king Gondopharnes, during whose reign, the apostle is believed to have arrived. However, as the author avers, there is no hope of additional historical evidence coming forth. The only way out is to ‘rationally explain the tradition of the Indian Christians regarding their community’s history,’ and that’s precisely where the book scores. The author undertakes an extensive analysis of this most prominent evidence – the tradition. The tenacity with which the Kerala Christians have adhered to their communitarian ways and have rejected Western influences points towards the tremendous influence of the tradition upon this community. The author takes into account the reports of travellers, from the end of the 13th century, such as Marco Polo, John of Monte Corvino and Friar Jordanus, who recorded the essentials of the tradition of the community. The oral nature of the tradition does not invalidate the authenticity of the tradition. The tradition was true twelve centuries prior to the arrival of the western explorers, when there was no Marco Polo to report it, the author argues. ‘The Indian Christians wrote down their first history when the westerners asked them for it.’ The living tradition of the community provides the clearest pointer to the origin of the community. Divine Experience – An
Inquiry into the Charismatic Renewal
Thus there emerges a network of inter-personal, group and intra-personal communication which sustains a renewal process. The study provides a better understanding of the charismatic movement to its practitioners. From a socio-political point of view the study provides significant information to the policy makers regarding nature of religious conversions in India. It, thus, makes a substantial contribution to this hotly-debated issue.
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THE great Indian cultural
mosaic bears unmistakable local shades. Local histories in recent times
are coming into a fruitful conversation with the general history. The
regional tales have always been there, nurturing a sense of identity for
the particular group.
THE book explores the
Charismatic movement in Kerala, with a special focus on the Divine
Retreat Centre, the largest Catholic retreat centre in the world. The
book is an abridged version of the author’s doctoral dissertation in
Communication. Kaniyaraseri, the author, uses scientific theories of
communication and studies the renewal experiences of the participants
frequenting the retreat centre. The major part of the book is devoted to
recounting experiences of about 20 participants who took part in the
revival meetings of the centre. Belonging to faith-communities across
the religious spectrum, the participants share heart-warming stories of
transformation brought about during the retreats. A struggle with
addiction, crises, sicknesses, atheism, sin or simply an ‘inner urge’
for spiritual experience brings people to the gateway of spiritual path.
The message of the preacher, the confessions and counselling sessions
etc. begin a restoration process. Those who undergo this process of ‘inner
healing’ are able to construct a more meaningful reality for
themselves and become agents of change for others.