The origin and spread of Christianity in Malabar

: Kerala : scenario prior to the european advent : 1498 AD

Abstract

This dissertation intends to study the history of origin and growth of Christian faith and the socio-cultural-spiritual changes and conflicts which made in Malabar, India (now state of Kerala). The Christian faith, according to the tradition in Malabar, has a root from the first century of our Lord. According to the historical studies and tradition St. Thomas the Apostle has given faith to the people of Malabar. They became known in the history as ‘Thomas Christians’.Christian faith in Malabar faced three kinds of social inculturations and passed through many socio-political wars. (a) The arrival of Apostle in 52 AD., (b) the migration of Persian Christians (Syriac/Chaldaic) in 345 AD., and (c) the arrival of first Europeans, Portuguese in 1498. Three chapters of this work consider each of these aspects in detail. An origin, growth and sustainability of Christianity in India had many historical phenomena. This history has many things to relate with Theology and Spirituality of Christian faith in Malabar and more over the way of life of people in the land. As an ancient society with many cultural and socialcustoms, and caste systems, Malabar received a religion like Christianity in its time of origin, which was very new and different from their thoughts.Different nations came to Malabar and changed the convictions and way of life ofnatives. Persia and Portugal have given them different Rites of rituals and devotions of same Christian faith. But even though Christianity in Malabar is strong and growing. There exists three Catholic Rites: Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara.

Date of Award	16 Dec 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	António Matos Ferreira (Supervisor)