A Christian approach to the caste system in India

Abstract

This study attempts to present how Christians in India approach the Caste system. The paper consists of four chapters. The Introduction incorporates the thesis and methodology while Chapter I deals with definitions, socio-religious developments and changes in caste system, with a brief definition, and history of the origin, development and changes in the caste system. The social rituals of the state helped to develop the strong caste system. The error of the caste system and its contextual relation with the other religions is discussed, particularly concerning the influence of "Karma,” the Hindu doctrine.

Chapter 2 discusses the relationship of caste, state and religion. This includes the role of caste in state and central politics, government and the policy of reservation under the caste basis, the reports of the commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, reports of the First Commission -Backward Class, observing the advantages and the disadvantages of India Reservations Act to the Christians.

Chapter 3 deals with a comparative study of similar discriminative systems, but very different from Indian Caste System, understanding the Biblical perspective, particularly Jesus’ dealing with discrimination against Samaritans and Gentiles by the Jews and vice versa. This Chapter also discusses the caste system within the Church, among Christian and converted Christian, and the results of its influence.

Chapter 4 brings us the challenges of mission, discussing the nature of mission within the context, considering Evangelism and Social Concern as its elements, their relationship to caste, the importance and limitations of evangelism, with a special reference to the meaning of evangelism as witness and Liberation. Moreover the aims, objectives, types, motives, and methods and tools of evangelism are discussed.

Finally the discussion will be on Church principles, the responsibility of the Church, Christian organizations and as individuals, and how to stand in the front-line to annihilate caste. The thesis will be concluded, then by drawing up some main suggestions to eradicate the caste system and to be strong in the faith for Christ together with some personal views and plans for the future.