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Protestant Origins in India: Tamil Evangelical Christians 1706-1835

Kurt Vonnegut

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In the tapestry of Indian Christianity, the arrival of Protestant missions in the 18th century marked a significant chapter. Among these missions, the Lutheran missionaries who arrived in South India in 1706 played a pivotal role in shaping the Protestant landscape of the region. Their efforts gave rise to a vibrant community of Tamil Evangelical Christians, whose faith and practices left an enduring legacy.

The Arrival of Lutheran Missionaries

In 1706, Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg and Heinrich Plütschau, two young Lutheran missionaries from Germany, arrived in the Danish colony of Tranquebar in present-day Tamil Nadu. Their mission was to spread the Lutheran faith and establish a Christian community. They began by learning the Tamil language and immersing themselves in the local culture.

Protestant Origins in India: Tamil Evangelical Christians 1706-1835

by D. Dennis Hudson

5 out of 5

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The missionaries faced numerous challenges, including the opposition of Hindu priests and the skepticism of local rulers. However, they persisted in their efforts, preaching in the streets, distributing Bibles, and establishing schools and orphanages. They also translated the Bible into Tamil, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The Growth of Tamil Evangelical Christianity

Over time, the Lutheran missionaries began to see the fruits of their labor. By the mid-18th century, a growing number of Tamils had converted to Christianity, forming the nucleus of the Tamil Evangelical Christian community. The missionaries also established a network of churches, schools, and seminaries, which became centers of Christian learning and worship.

The Tamil Evangelical Christians were characterized by their strong adherence to Lutheran doctrine, their emphasis on personal piety, and their commitment to social reform. They played an active role in the abolition of sati (widow burning) and the promotion of female education. They also established hospitals and dispensaries to provide medical care to the poor.

The Influence of Other Protestant Missions

In addition to the Lutheran missionaries, other Protestant missions also played a role in the growth of Protestant Christianity in South India. The London Missionary Society, the Wesleyan Methodist Mission, and the Church Missionary Society all established missions in the region, each with its own unique approach to evangelism.

The arrival of these missions led to a period of theological and liturgical diversity within the Tamil Evangelical Christian community. While the Lutheran missionaries remained influential, other denominations such as Congregationalism, Wesleyanism, and Anglicanism also gained a foothold.

The Legacy of Protestant Origins

The Protestant missions in South India left a lasting legacy that continues to shape Christianity in the region today. The Tamil Evangelical Christian community remains one of the largest and most influential Christian communities in India. It has produced numerous leaders, scholars, and social reformers who have made significant contributions to Indian society.

The Protestant origins of this community have had a profound impact on its beliefs and practices. The strong emphasis on the Bible, personal piety, and social justice that characterized the early Lutheran missionaries continue to be hallmarks of Tamil Evangelical Christianity today.

The book "Protestant Origins in India: Tamil Evangelical Christians 1706-1835" provides a comprehensive account of this fascinating period in Indian church history. Through a detailed examination of primary and secondary sources, it sheds light on the arrival of Protestant missions, the growth of Tamil Evangelical Christianity, and the lasting legacy of these early missionaries.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity in India, the role of Protestant missions in shaping the religious landscape of South Asia, and the legacy of Tamil Evangelical Christians in shaping Indian society.

Protestant Origins in India: Tamil Evangelical Christians 1706-1835

by D. Dennis Hudson

5 out of 5