AN INVESTIGATION OF CHRISTIAN MISSION APPROACHES IN THE CONTEXT OF RELIGIOUS PLURALISM IN INDIA IN THE 20TH CENTURY

Abstract

This paper investigates the historical development of Christian mission approaches in response to religious pluralism in India during the 20th century. It highlights the theological challenges posed by the coexistence of diverse religious beliefs and practices, where no single religion is viewed as having a monopoly on absolute truth. The analysis traces the failure of major missionary engagements—Syrian Orthodoxy in the 3rd century, Roman Catholicism in the 17th century, and Protestant missions in the 19th century—to engage India’s religious pluralism effectively. Through an exploration of the limitations of traditional Christian missions and an evaluation of ancient Hindu texts with their unhistorical mythical figures, this paper proposes a new mission strategy: the Pneumato-Logos-Christo-centric approach. This approach emphasizes a fresh theological framework for Christian missions to proclaim Christ within the pluralistic context, navigating the tension between respecting religious plurality and upholding the uniqueness of the Christian faith.