India is the second most populous country (next to China), the most populous democracy and the 7th largest country in the world. It is also the most pluralistic and diverse in faiths, cultures, races and languages. Predominant religion is Hinduism. Christianity stands alongside Islam, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. The early Church brought Christianity to Asia when the Apostle Thomas went as far as South India and planted churches there until he was martyred in Madras in 52 AD. With its caste system in history, the Dalits (outcast or untouchables) were among those who gave the gospel a hearing. The Christian promise of Good News to the poor and liberation to the oppressed was attractive to the downtrodden. Hear my take on “Christ of Faith in India” and welcome to Mainstreaming Asiamericans.
