The presence of Christianity in India dates back to ancient times, tracing its roots to the apostle Thomas, who is believed to have arrived on the Malabar Coast in the first century AD. Over the centuries, the Christian church in India has experienced a complex and diverse history, contributing to the religious tapestry of the country.

After the arrival of Thomas, Christianity gradually spread along the west coast of India. The appearance of European colonizers in the 15th century, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, further influenced the growth of Christianity. Missionaries played a crucial role in establishing churches, schools, and hospitals, impacting India’s social and educational landscape.

The church in India today represents roughly 2.3% of the population. It encompasses various denominations, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and independent churches. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and the northeastern states have a significant Christian presence.

As is the case in many parts of the world, some may choose to follow Jesus but continue to identify culturally as Hindu.

Significant challenges to the growth of the church include occasional religious intolerance and conversions being criticized as a threat to indigenous culture. The caste system has been difficult to eradicate, and the current government has largely ignored a climate of prejudice and outright oppression in parts of the country.

In India, Christianity is primarily viewed as a foreign white man’s religion brought in with British colonialism. For many Hindus, converting to Christianity is considered an attempt to erase their ancient culture, which they are very proud of, and replace it with Western morals and values, which they deem inferior.

Hinduism generally promotes a pluralistic outlook, acknowledging the validity of different spiritual paths. They recognize Jesus Christ as an essential spiritual teacher and appreciate the ethical teachings found in the Bible.

Hindus may find certain aspects of Christian doctrine unfamiliar or contradictory to their beliefs. For example, the concept of original sin, the view of a single life followed by eternal heaven or hell, and the exclusive nature of salvation through Jesus Christ can be challenging for Hindus to reconcile with their belief in karma, reincarnation, and the potential for self-realization.

Christian missionaries have played a role in education, healthcare, and social reforms in India. While Hindus appreciate the positive contributions, they also value their religious and cultural heritage, sometimes expressing concerns about aggressive proselytization. They see our claim that Jesus is the “only way” to God as the height of arrogance.

Patmos Education Group is a ‘for profit’ affiliate of RUN Ministries. The Patmos team curates content for five prayer guides each year. Prayer guides are translated into 30 languages and made available to individuals and partner ministries worldwide. Over 100 million Jesus followers are committed to using these tools.

Since its founding over 30 years ago, God has enabled Reaching Unreached Nations, Inc. (“RUN Ministries”) to come alongside first-generation Jesus followers and launch multiplying church planting movements from within the unreached world.

Reaching Unreached Nations, Inc. (RUN Ministries) was founded in 1990 as a 501 (c) 3 tax deductible organization. An interdenominational mission, RUN is a longstanding member of ECFA, subscribes to the Lausanne Covenant and cooperates with Christians around the world to help fulfill the Great Commission.