Wait, Indians are Christian?

Alvina Mancha

Z1696356

Wait, Indians are Christian?

Christianity is the most widespread religion, with 2.3 billion followers, which is almost one-third of the world's people. Christianity began as a cult built on the personal charisma of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and follow his teachings. 

A church is a type of religious organization that is well integrated into the larger society. There are several different kinds of churches in the United States. A state church is a church formally allied with the state. Then there are denominations which are also churches independent of the state, that recognizes religious pluralism. The United States has dozens of Christian denominations including Catholics, Baptists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Lutherans. Although members of any denomination hold to their own doctrine, they recognize the right of others to have different beliefs.

Many people in the United States believe majority of Indians are Hindu because that is the biggest religion in India. However, 42 percent of Asian-Americans are Christians while only 10 percent are Hindu in the United States. Same with the common denominations found in American, Indian Christians have several denominations. I, myself am an Indian Christian and my church denomination is Indian Orthodoxy. There are other denominations such as Syro-Catholics, Kaniya Catholics, Indian Baptist. and much more. 

As mentioned earlier, Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and follow his teachings. Indian Orthodoxy Christians believe the same things but there are some aspects in this denomination that make it different from others. My church in Illinois is called St. Gregorious Malankara Indian Church. We do not put out trust either in the ancient character of our church or in any dogmas or doctrines. Our trust is in the one True God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For us, the Holy Spirit is Life-giver, Sanctifier, and perfecter. We do think in terms of sin and grace, but the central category in our understanding of salvation is the life-giving salvation. 

Indian Catholics believe strongly in Virgin Mary while another denomination known as Mar Thoma do not believe in Saints. For us, the first great Saint after Christ is Virgin Mary, for she was the first to hear the Gospel of the Incarnation of our Lord form the Archangel. And to receive Him, on behalf of all of us human beings, into her womb. She is the mother of Christ, and mother of all the faithful who are joint heirs with Christ. 

There is a lot more to Indian Orthodoxy such as what goes on in the church during services compared to other churches. Indians may not seem Christian because of the small percentage in India. But that does not mean people should assume things. There is no harm in discussing different religions in society because that is how everyone becomes aware of different religions.

http://www.pewforum.org/2012/07/19/asian-americans-a-mosaic-of-faiths-overview/

http://www.neamericandiocese.org/orthodoxy/index.aspx