Christianity in India is progressively partaking of Indian beliefs and customs, even meditation systems. The trend has been given a name—inculturation

Where Jesus meets Brahman

By Suma Varughese

“Born a Christian, my real advent into spirituality happened through a secular experience. A cracked relationship had made me feel the need to focus on the other's happiness. The more I did that, I realized that that was the path of true happiness. A beautiful pattern was thus revealed, and renewed my faith in a benevolent Creator in whose world each was meant to derive joy in serving and loving the other. I bowed in gratitude to the Omniscient One-a free-flowing God, unbound by creeds.

“The reality of my experience went beyond my religious belief. I worked to strengthen my spiritual knowledge by exploring other religions. Hindu philosophy attracted me. Its revelations, that we were divine and part of Brahman (the Creator) seemed to me the ultimate step to integration. Discovering this wisdom in our own backyard awoke in me a passion for India and the Indian way of life. I was Indian whether or not a Christian. I have always loved Indian culture and tradition. I am inspired by our holistic way of life with its reverence for nature and values which emphasize giving, serving, and self-realization. They are so wise that I subscribe to them without hesitation. And for the past few years, I have moved towards a life that is Indian at the core: in values, attitudes and philosophy.

“ I never felt that my roots militated against my Christianity. I find most of Christ's teachings resonating in the Hindu texts. And his own rejection of organized faith (he drove the moneychangers out of the temple) convinces me that He would not want me to remain swaddled by an inherited faith. The task now is to integrate the Indian in me with the Christian. To return to Christianity, to truly understand my role as an Indian Christian. And, thus, enrich both my church and my country.”