Indian Christians - by Viju Wilson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A compelling exploration of Indian Christianity's identity, history and challenges within the nation's vibrant pluralistic landscape.

Religious traditions from both Indic and non-Indic backgrounds have significantly contributed to shaping India's rich and diverse religious culture. While there have been occasional challenges, most religious communities work to uphold the country's pluralistic values. Although the majority of Indians are religious, their faith does not lead to communal division. That said, religious communities in India face both shared and unique challenges, which they address according to the theological and ethical principles of their respective traditions. This book delves into Indian Christianity, examining the specific challenges it faces in today's socio-political and religious context. Though often regarded as a foreign religion, Christianity has been present in India for over two thousand years. It is fundamentally Indian because its followers are Indians who have the right to practice their religion within the republic. The national identity of Christians aligns with the broader Indic identity of Christianity.

Review Quotes

Indian Christians is a scholarly work that both describes the context in which Christians find themselves in contemporary India and also questions it on the basis of theological, historical, and socio-political-religious knowledge. Readers who are unfamiliar with the various Indian Christian communities will be helped to comprehend their history, characteristics and situation, and Indian Christians themselves will be enabled to think ethically and theologically about how to respond to today's challenges, both external and internal. Dr. Viju Wilson shows himself to be a well-informed guide to the topic and a wise commentator on current affairs.-- "KIRSTEEN KIM, PhD, Paul E. Pierson Professor of World Christianity and Associate Dean for the Center for Missiological Research, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA"

Tracing the core contemporary challenges confronting Indian Christians and the broader nation with a balanced and scholarly approach, the book explores critical issues such as identity, caste, religious freedom, and gender justice, while addressing the systemic discrimination faced by marginalized communities. Serving as a catalyst for introspection and extrospection, it compels readers - Christian and non-Christian alike - to engage with questions of fundamental rights, equity, and social justice.-- "GIRI KRISHNAN, Professor of Religion at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai"