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13, Issue 2, April 2025

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FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Cover design by Lal Varghese, Esq., Dallas

Contents
Theme: A Mission Paradigm for the 21st Century

1. Editorial Dr. Zac Varghese Page 4

2. Paradigm shift in Mission Revd Dr. Abraham Philip Page 6
3. Pearls of Wisdom Series - 21 Dr. Zac Varghese Page 8
4. Biblical Performance and Its
Missional Performance Revd Dr. Johnson Thomaskutty Page 9
5. A Reflection on Lent Editorial Board Page 11
6. Mission as Multitude, Manifestation and
Meditation Revd Dr. John Philip Page 12
7. Our Journey of Faith in the 21st Century Dr. Zac Varghese Page 15
8. Glory of Living Amidst Plurality Revd Dr. M. J. Joseph Page 17
9. Book Review, Prof. Clooney’s Memoir Dr. Cherian Samuel Page 18
10. Three in One Mr. David Brand Page 20
11. My Story Part-X Dr. Titus Mathews Page 22
12. Mar Thoma Church – A Bridge Church
Between the East and West - Pope Francis Lal Varghese, Esq. Page 24
13. Islam and Interfaith Dialogue Revd Dr. M. M. Abraham Page 25
14. Obituary Tribute to Dr. Mithra G. Augustine Revd Dr. M. J. Joseph Page 30
15. Ecojustice as a Missional Paradigm Revd Dr. Alexander M. Isaac Page 31
16. Let us Beat the Stones Mrs. Remya Rachel Thomas Page 33
17. Theme for FOCUS July 2025 Dr. Cherian Samuel and
Mrs. Nirmala Abraham Page 34
18. The 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed Dr. Zac Varghese Page 35
19. A 21st Century Search of a Paradigm of God’s
Mission Revd John. T. Mathew Page 36
20. Rethinking the Great Commission: A Post-Colonial
Reflection Revd Dr. Koshy Mathews Page 39
21. Decoding Disruption as a Mission Strategy Revd Abin Srampickal Abraham Page 41
22. Leveraging the Mission Landscape of the 21st
Century Miss Simy Kuruvilla Page 43
23. Reviving Christ’s Mission Dr. Mathew T. Thomas Page 45
24. Missionary Contribution to Kerala: A Selective
Review Dr. Cherian Samuel Page 48
25. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – A Missiological
Reflection Revd Dr. M. Mani Chacko Page 52
26. Easter: A Celebration of Hope and New Life Editorial Board Page 53
27. Obituary Tribute to T. K. Mathew Dr. Cherian Samuel Page 54

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Editorial
world has changed and it is continuing to change in most
st unexpected ways. The wars in Ukraine, in the Middle East
A Mission Paradigm for the 21 Century
and environmental disasters such as the fire in Los
Mission remains as an indispensable dimension of the Angelese contribute to these uncertainties. We need to
Christian faith, and its purpose is to engage in establishing respond to these changes under the guidance of the Holy
the values of God’s kingdom as Jesus practiced and Spirit to conduct the mission. Recent concerns about
taught. It is important to remember that it is God’s mission globalization, economy, and ecology have also an impact
(missio Dei). We are at a time and place of one of the most on the mission of the Church. We need to pray to find out
important shifts in our understanding and practice of what Jesus Christ wants for the church in the 21st century,
Christian mission. Mission is an expression of the very for the glory of God, for integral human development,
being of the Church and the Church is the body of Christ ecology, and ecumenism.
(1Cor 12:27).
Doing mission is all about doing theology in practical ways
instead of simply learning it for the ordination as a priest
or for other professional engagements in the Church.
Jesus told us: “By their fruit that you shall know them” (Mt
7: 6,7). It is by the mission of the Church that others will
know that we are true followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus, at
His incarnation, put himself right inside the Jewish cultural
context. Therefore, it is important to think of an
incarnational theological method for appreciating other
cultural and racial contexts for practicing the Christian
mission. This aspect was brought to light in the mission of
Dr. Stanley Jones; he studied the Indian culture; he
appreciated the Indian culture which helped him to spread
the message of Jesus. Although he was an American, he
appreciated the need for the Indian independence and
also valued the practice of the Indian ‘Ashram culture’ for
Mission has many dimensions in practicing God’s
meditation and prayer; he started ‘Christian Ashram
kingdom values as Jesus revealed. As Christians we are
Movement’ and started Sal Tal Ashram at the foothills of
called to get involved in three fundamental aspect of
Himalayas. Mother Teresa’s mission was also a response
mission involving kerygma (preaching the Gospel), to the needs of poor and suffering people in India.
diakonia (fellowship, creating network of relationship) and
koinonia (service). This multidimensional mission is
Another example of this culturally sensitive mission is that
conducted through witness, service, justice, healing,
of the Mar Thoma Church in the North America. The North
reconciliation, liberation, peace, evangelism, fellowship.
American Diocese of the Church in 2024 published an
Two great commandments of Jesus are behind this
interesting book under the title: ‘A Heart for Humanity:
mission: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
Sharing the Love of Christ with the World;’ it describes
with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your various mission activities of the Church. Mr. O. C.
neighbour as yourself ” (Mt 22:37,39). All the missional Abraham and Mrs. Nirmala Abraham have a very
activities of the Church should be the full expression of important article in this publication about their
these two commandants. However, Sunday worship, involvement with the native American Mission, Mexico
preaching and church planting have become the main mission and various other missional activities. These are
activities of Christians down the ages. It is time to examples of responding to contextual needs of the time.
consider the above fundamental principles of mission.
The article by Rt. Revd Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos gives us
a taste of the culturally sensitive mission; it highlights the
The African expression of ‘Ubuntu’ brings out the importance of the ‘Light of Life Mission’ in response to the
importance of loving the neighbours more clearly; it says: needs of the underprivileged children in the remote
“A person is a person because of other people.” It reminds
villages in India. The Mar ‘Thoma Institute of Culture’ at
us that to be fully human, one has to be in fellowship
the Carmel Centre and the ‘Family enrich programmes’
(diakonia) with others. Our freedom and maturity cannot
are important mission initiatives too for tackling the
truly be complete unless our brothers and sister are also
current problems facing society.
free. The Christian mission is to make this freedom
available to everyone and everywhere. ‘Mission is from
Wider Ecumenism is also essential for mission in the
everywhere to everywhere.’ present century. The purpose of Christian ecumenism is
to glorify the triune God and to help to witness together
We are called to participate in God's mission beyond our effectively and faithfully among all peoples and nations. In
human-centred goals. God's mission is to all life. The the second half of the 20th century, Christians began

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confessing new dimensions of this vocation, especially in such virtual ministry will never replace meeting people in
relation to what divides the churches through the WCC. person on Sunday morning worships or fellowship
Progress was made on historical theological issues that meetings. It has its negative side as well as we notice in
have divided Christians through the centuries—baptism, TV evangelism and parading the Holy Communion on the
Eucharist, and ministry. But equally divisive among box.
Christians are the divisions of the human family: racism,
poverty, sexism, war, injustice, and other differing There are some positive things in the postmodern way of
ideologies. These issues are part of the agenda of thinking as well. They argue that what is on the margins
ecumenism and bring a particular context, dynamic spirit, decides what is at the centre. Jesus cared for people on
and urgency to the pursuit of Christian unity as well as of the margins of the society, so we should. Margins should
justice and peace. The church’s unity becomes essential help the centre to formulate policies and restructure the
for the renewal and unity of the human family. Through its society. It is time to consider the importance of the
unity the church becomes a sign, the first fruits of the subsidiarity principles in the management and governance
promised unity and peace among God’s peoples and the of the Mar Thoma Diaspora regions. At present, it is the
nations. This year will mark the 1,700th anniversary of the young people and women who are marginalised and
First Ecumenical Council. This commemoration provides silenced through a top-down hierarchical hegemony. We
a unique opportunity to reflect, pray on and celebrate the must identity these margins and help to recover the
common faith of Christians as expressed in the Nicene agency of the margins for their growth and expression of
Creed formulated at that Council. This week is an their faith.
invitation to draw on this common heritage and to enter
more deeply into the faith that unites all Christians. In the It is refreshing to see how Pope Francis is effectively using
21st century we are longing for a world in which all twitter to reach people, and he is leading the way; he has
religious communities would contribute to the well-being a twitter account in nine languages with over 18 million
of all, a world where religions would contribute harmony followers; it is indeed an amazing mission. We hope that
and peace. It was very interesting to learn that Kalady our community will rise to the challenges of hyper-
Hindu Ashram in Kerala celebrated Christmas in 2024. Let connected super highways of communication with
us thank God for such encouraging development of wider courtesy and discipline. Being disciplined in using the
ecumenism. digital communication may seem counter cultural, but that
is what the Christian message is all about; our involvement
Ecological mission is also an urgent need of the 21st may bring the necessary discipline in propagating the
century. An ecumenical journey beyond the simple vision Christian message of love under the grace of God.
of the unity of denominational churches is needed for
becoming real custodians of the whole inhabited earth. The internet-based applications including websites,
Regularly these days the news contains pictures of floods blogs, face book, podcasts, and apps are opening up new
and wildfires and the devastation they cause. These fires, frontiers for church’s mission, ministry and pastoral care.
floods and hurricanes move with ferocious speed, We saw its effectiveness during COVID-19 pandemic.
consuming everything in their path. Environmental issues Training in social communication is an essential area
are not high in the missional agenda of the church. We where more emphasis should be given if future ministers
often speak and write about it these days, but do very little are to deliver their ministry effectively; it is time to float the
practically. It is amazing to realize that world religions own pulpit to reach out to people. Do not expect people to
8% of the habitable surface of the world, yet there is not come to the church at all times; it is important to take the
very many Church-centred activism in this area. Greta church and the pulpit to the people in the place where they
Thunberg’s of Sweden’s contribution in this area is are. It is so easy to share a prayer with a friend over the
praiseworthy. Young people are very much worried about mobile phone and so forth. The technology is there for
the consequences of climate change and other giving glory to God. We need to find ways for
environmental issues. St. Paul talks about a ‘groaning intergenerational communication that are creative,
creation.’ Paul Says, “We know the whole creation is challenging and convincing. The challenges of today’s
groaning” (Rom 8:22). Being disciples of Jesus is to new globalized culture demand new and deeper efforts
include serving Him through caring for all of His creation. not only to read the signs of the times but also to see the
Therefore, our role as disciples of Jesus and the members challenges for being a new way of being a church in the
of the Church as to be tenants, caretakers and stewards digital age.
of the world around us. As Christians, we need to think
actively on using environmental science and technology Let us hope and pray that the articles published in this
for protecting environment, rather and destroying it. Let us issue would be of help in tackling these issues. “Let us run
hope and pray that the articles published in this issue with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to
would be of help in tackling these issues. Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith”(Heb 12:1-2).

Doing gospel work online may seem a strange thing to Dr. Zac Varghese
begin with; it can certainly take you to new places and For the Editorial Board
creates new relationships in the virtual space. However,

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Paradigm Shifts in Mission
Revd Dr. Abraham Philip

Fritj of Capra has suggested that the world-views (macro- world, but that world no longer exists. Hence, we are
paradigms) go through a period of fundamental change challenged to respond in a different way. In the case of
every 300 to 500 years. The Enlightenment paradigm has every paradigm change, there is a tension between the old
reigned supreme in all disciplines since the 17th century. and the new. The agenda is one of reform, not of
Today it is changing. On the one hand, there is a search replacement. In the words of Pope John XXIII in 1963,
for a new paradigm; on the other hand, such a new “Today’s world, the needs made plain in the last fifty
paradigm is presenting itself. For a Christian any paradigm years, and a deeper understanding of the doctrine have
shift can be carried out only according to the gospel brought us to a new situation… It is not that the gospel
perspectives. In this article we try to examine the current has changed: it is that we have begun to understand it
views on Christian mission bearing in mind the paradigm better.” This points to the fact that both the centrifugal and
shifts that are taking place. centripetal forces in the emerging paradigm – diversity
versus unity, divergence versus integration, pluralism
In any given period or tradition, we do not find any single versus holism – will have to be considered throughout. A
motif dominating. With the Enlightenment we find a wide creative tension of apparent forces will be a way of
variety of missionary motifs operating. Besides, the theologizing for our own time in a meaningful way.
powerful centrifugal forces at work frequently resulted in
each motif operating in opposing ways, while several But how do we define our mission? A survey of mission in
motifs seem to have blended together to form a mosaic. the Synoptic Gospels show that their writings may be
As a result, there is virtually no trace of a unified pattern of interpreted as endeavors to define and redefine what the
thought or practice. Christians have responded in widely Church was called to do in the world of their day. Now it
divergent ways to the challenge posed to Christian has become necessary to design definitions of mission in
mission by the Enlightenment. a more conscious and explicit manner. We already have
numerous such attempts. The Jerusalem Conference of
With the Enlightenment, Christian missionaries have the International Missionary Council (1928) coined the
travelled to various parts of the world which were then notion of a “comprehensive approach”. The Whitby
regarded as the remotest and far off regions of the globe. Conference (1947) used the terms of kerygma and
As David Bosch says, “If the early missionaries had not koinonia to summarise its understanding of mission. Later
been spiritual giants, they would not have got away with a third element “diakonia” was added. The Willingdon
what they did, but they were holy men of immense Conference made the expanded formula adding the
courage and personality. Their goodness was transparent, notion of “witness” (marturia) – this witness is given by
and their intolerance though completely baffling to non- proclamation, fellowship, and service. After a few decades
Christians, was nevertheless forgiven.” The Western some people added liturgy (leitourgia) as a further
missionary movement emerged from the matrix of the element. Mission is a manifested ministry in respect of
Enlightenment. On the one hand it advocated an attitude witness, service, justice, healing, reconciliation, liberation,
of intolerance to all people and a relativistic attitude peace, evangelism, fellowship, Church planting,
toward belief in any kind; on the other hand, it gave birth contextualization and so on. Here in a way, we are defining
to Western superiority feelings and prejudice. It is hardly the infinite, the Missio Dei in the narrow confines of our
possible to divide these sentiments between “liberals” and own predictions.
“evangelicals.” Moreover, tolerance and intolerance,
relativism as well as bigotry could be found Our mission has to be drawn in the light of the six major
simultaneously in the same person or group. Definitely the salvific events in the New Testament such as the
enlightenment carried the gospel to the various parts of incarnation of Christ, his death on the cross, resurrection,
the world. ascension, the outpouring of the Spirit on the Pentecost
and the Parousia. The Church is not the world because
Now Christian missionary movement has slowly moved God’s reign is in it. At the same time the Church is not
away from the shadow of Enlightenment. The new God’s Reign, nor has it any monopoly of God’s Reign. Still,
paradigm that has emerged with regard to mission, in it is in the Church that the renewal of the human
spite of all elements of continuity with the past, is different community has begun. Van der Aalst reminds us that there
from what it was during the heyday of Enlightenment. have been countless councils on right believing, but no
council has yet been called to work out the implications of
Few sincere Christians would be prepared to jettison to that greatest commandment that you love one another.
jettison the missionary idea and ideal as such, as Christian What Stephen Neill has said about missionaries is true of
faith is intrinsically missionary. But they may be prepared missionaries of all times from the great apostle Paul
for a missiological paradigm shift. In `1959, Henry Kraemer onwards: “Missionaries have on the whole been a feeble
suggested that such a paradigm shift was needed. The folk, not very wise, not very holy, not very patient. They
traditional forms of mission embodied a response to a

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have broken most of the commandments and fallen into believers. The disciples will face too much opposition and
every conceivable mistake.” Jesus wanted them to be spiritually prepared for it. He
wanted them to know that they were going to face wolves.
Mission should not be seen as only what the western He also wanted them to know that even amidst such
missionaries were doing. It is always greater than the situations of hostility they were to act like tame sheep.
observable missionary enterprise. At the same time, it
cannot be completely removed from what has been going Each animal that Jesus mentions here has certain qualities
on as missionary enterprises. Mission is Missio Dei. It is that we have to imitate. The sheep has meekness, but it does
not the Church which undertakes mission; it is the Missio not mean that we should be dump like a sheep. Hence Jesus
Dei that constitutes the Church. Church has to constantly wants the ones sent out to be wise as serpents and innocent
review and reconceive her mission. David Bosch rightly as doves. Snakes are intelligent. They are great trackers and
says, “Mission is not competition with other religions, not navigators. Somehow, they solve their problems for the next
a conversion activity, not expanding the faith or building meal. They have the capacity for self-preservation. Jesus
up the kingdom of God; neither is it social, economic, or speaks of them as a symbol of wisdom. Though they have no
feet or hands they manage. In Genesis 3, snake is mentioned
political activity. And yet there is merit in all these projects.
as very crafty. We should note that God has created humans
So, the Church’s concern is conversion, Church growth,
in his own image. Power of reasoning has been bestowed on
the reign of God, in economy, society and politics, but in humans. Hence wisdom has to be exercised in our life.
a different manner.” The Missio Dei purifies the church. It Mental discernment should be applied. We should be wise in
sets it under the cross, the only place where it is safe. On the way we share the good news. The presence of Christ has
the one hand, the cross is the place of humiliation and to be made explicit. At the same time the disciples are to be
judgment, but on the other hand, of refreshment and new innocent and harmless as the doves. Dove symbolizes
birth. As a community of the cross, the Church constitutes holiness and purity. We are not to be naïve. We should
the fellowship of the kingdom, not just of the Church exercise our wisdom while evangelizing. We should be wise,
members as a religious institution; it invites people to the but should not follow the wisdom of the world (James 3:15-
feast without end. Thus, mission is, quite simply, the 18). Worldly wisdom is selfishly ambitious, sneaky, deceitful,
participation of Christians in the liberating mission of and dishonest. We are to be innocent as doves: a pure life-
Jesus. It is the good news of the love of God, incarnated style with clean conscience (Acts 24:16). It will help us stand
in the witness of a community, for the sake of the world. up with confidence before authorities knowing that we have
nothing to be ashamed of. We could be punished for doing
Thus far we have been examining the paradigm shifts in good such as evangelizing, but we should not be punished
mission. Now we look at a particular Gospel text and try for doing evil, which will dishonor Christ and His Church.
to expound it for our understanding of mission during the Unfortunately, there are some scandals today against pastors
contemporary times. Every year the first Sunday in August and some Christian leaders which is a bad testimony to the
gospel. It can turn people away from the gospel.
is celebrated as Mission Sunday in our Church. The
Gospel text given for this year is from Matthew 10:16-23,
The disciples have to face oppositions as they evangelize
and the theme given is: Christian Mission - Be Christ-like.
(verses 17-18). Here evangelism referred seems to be
Why is such a theme given? I think it is because the
universal and it is not only among the Jews but among the
passage speaks of opposition to the gospel and
gentiles as well (cf. Matthew 10:6; 28:19-20). There are
persecution to the preachers from various fronts. At the
three areas from where resistance would come: religion,
outset in this chapter, Jesus was giving instructions to the
government, and family. During the first century itself,
disciples as to how they should be operating with regard
Christians were brought before the court of the Jewish
to the spreading of the gospel and in Matthew 10:6, we
synagogues and lashes were given for breaking the
read of Jesus instructing his disciples not to go to the
Jewish law. Then there began the persecution from the
gentiles, but go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Roman Government. Roman Emperors Nero and Domitian
But as we come to the present text for today (verses 16-
persecuted the Christians a lot and many Christians
23), we have the challenges and implications for a
became martyrs during their reign. The persecution from
universal mission and ministry. The disciples are exhorted
the governments still continues in many countries. Then
to be faithful to the message and should never deviate
there is resistance from siblings, parents and so on from
from the gospel. They are instructed not be worried about
one’s own family.
the results. When the gospel is preached there will be
resistance. Here we look into the things that Jesus
Secondly, we look upon the advice that Jesus gives as to
instructs in these verses when they face persecutions.
how we should operate amidst such situations of
resistance and persecution. We have already noted the
First of all, Jesus instructs his disciples that he is sending
exhortation of Jesus to be wise as serpents and innocent
them out as sheep amidst wolves. Who is sending them?
as doves. We have to realize that there is no growth apart
It is Jesus who is sending them. It is the Creator of the
from resistance. The muscles grow strong only if they
universe who is sending them (cf. John 1:3). The disciples
have regular exercise. Healthy tension and wrestle and
should take solace in the person who is sending. Jesus
trials will lead the faithful to glory. The name of God will
has promised that he would never leave us as orphans.
have to be glorified in every situation. The mercy of God
The world is very aggressive against the Christian

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and justice should prevail glorifying God. For that the away gospel tracts. They can be there only by giving their
disciples are to exercise wisdom. Always there was the Christian presence. It should be the presence of Christ
proliferation of false teachers who preached comfort and glorifying His name. How can one be the presence of
the wide way (Acts 20: 28ff). Jesus wants his disciples to Christ? It is through having the mind of Christ in us. The
exercise wisdom, love, and holiness, and he does not self-giving love that Jesus manifested in his life should be
want them to return evil for evil. Even when there is ours. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be ours.
resistance from the family, be smart and wise. Continue to
shower your love upon them. Lead a quiet life before them Pearls of Wisdom Series-21
so that they will understand you later on. Only when the
right opportunity comes, give them the gospel. We are to
[In 1855, Leo Tolstoy wrote to his assistant, “I know it gives great
be sensitive and pray to God that he would work in his
inner pleasure to communicate with great thinkers. . . . They tell
own ways. Let your presence be the presence of Christ in us the most important things for humanity, about the meaning of
your family amidst oppositions and you should be able to life and about virtue. I would like to create a book which could
behave as Christ could have responded in such situations. tell a person about the good way of life.” The book that Tolstoy
Those who know of Sadhu Sundar Singh, a great wrote after 15years of collecting the wisdom of previous
missionary from Punjab, may know that he had great centuries is the book, ‘A Calendar of Wisdom’ which he
opposition from his own family when he became a completed in 1903. The following are some of Tolstoy’s
Christian. thoughts from this book; these are indeed ‘Pearls of Wisdom.’ It
is collected by Dr. Zac Varghese]
Jesus tells his disciples that in such moments of trial, the
1. “It is better to know few things which are good and
guidance of the Holy Spirit will be there for you: “When
necessary than many things which are useless and
they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to
mediocre.
speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will
2. “The difference between material poison and
be given to you in that hour; for it is not you speak, but the intellectual poison is that most material poison is
Spirit of your Father speaking through you (Matthew disgusting to the taste, but intellectual poison, in the
16:19-20). Apostle Peter could speak boldly before the guise of cheap newspapers and bad books, seems
court. The Holy Spirit will bring unto remembrance what attractive – and the more attractive it is, the more one’s
you have to be saying. This is not a passage for us taste I spoiled.
exhorting us not to study the Word of God or not to do 3. “One of the worst prejudices is that the majority of so-
preparations for a sermon or to be lazy. Be in the Word called ‘scholars of our time’ who claim that people can
studying and meditating upon it and do not be lazy. live without faith.
4. “The life of a person without faith is the life of an animal.
Finally, Jesus wants his disciples to have endurance 5. “Just imagine to yourself that the purpose of your life is
(verse 22). Endurance does not save anyone, but saved your happiness only – and the life becomes a cruel and
people endure. It is endurance that makes one’s calling senseless thing. You have to embrace the wisdom of
true. When they persecute you in one city, flee to the next. humanity, your intellect and your heart all tell you – that
You should have the wisdom to move down the road. the meaning of life is to serve the divine will which sent
When Jesus was not wanted in a place, he moved away you into the world; then life will become a constant joy.
from there. Move to the place where you are accepted. 6. “The most important question of our time is whether we
We have Paul moving from one place to the other when do the right thing during this short period of time which
he had resistance. Camp there for a while where you have is called our life and whether it coincides with the divine
acceptance and be faithful. God will keep you and will which sent us into this world.
preserve you. You are to be on your way. There is no need 7. “When I am in a difficult circumstance, I ask God to help
to be anxious and keep worrying. God is there with you me. But it is my duty to serve the Lord, and not His to
whether you realize it or not. God has designed the way serve me. As soon as I remember this, my burden
through oppositions. In fact, oppositions are becomes lighter.
opportunities. It is a track for excellence and beauty. God 8. “Even if we do not want to, we can’t help but sense our
is sovereign and we should belong to him. We are to fight connections with the rest of humanity; we are
the good fight. connected by industry, by art, by knowledge and most
importantly, by the unity of our situation, the common
Share the gospel wherever you are, where you work and attitude towards life.
9. “There is obvious damage done by our words. For
live. Jesus has chosen you out of the world and so the
example, a man may shout ’fire’ in a crowded building
world hates you (John 15:18-19). Let your presence be the
and cause panic. But the damage is no less if we do not
presence of Christ wherever you evangelize or lead a
see those people who suffer from our words.
Christian life. The Church exists for its non-members.
10. “Make an effort to do good things. It is more important
Church is church only in so far as she engages in her
to make an effort to abstain from evil” (Leo Tolstoy, ‘A
mission. As fire exists through burning, the church exists
Calendar of Wisdom.’ Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.,
through her mission. In many countries today as a result
London 1997, ISBN 0 340 69471 8).
of severe oppositions, Church members are unable to do
direct evangelism preaching the gospel publicly or giving

8 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Biblical Performance and its Contemporary Missional
Implications
Revd Dr. Johnson Thomaskutty

In an “oral-aural” culture of the first century CE, the stories prophetic imagination based on the socio-religious and
about Jesus were introduced to the extended community politico-cultural realities of the time was incorporated
members through the means of ecclesiastical performers. within their conceptual and ideological frameworks. Until
Jesus used the method of storytelling and performance the canonization of the gospel traditions, by the end of
when the people were flocking around him. As a person fourth century and by the beginning of the fifth century,
who was keen to interpret the OT scriptures, Jesus the role of creative imagination was highly cherished by
performed the speech on natural stages with new the speakers to ignite the thought-patterns of the hearers.
interpretations added on to them. The parables and the After the canonization of the text, Biblical interpretation
miracles of Jesus demonstrate how orality and aurality was mostly done within the framework of a closed canon.
were used to perform the divine dialogues, monologues, Creative imagination played a significant role in the
and discourses. This culture was further continued in the thought-patterns of the speakers during the “oral-aural”
early church after the ascension of Jesus. Though the cultural context than during the “writing-reading” textual
Gospels and Pauline writings were written down at least context.
twenty to thirty years after the death of Jesus, the orality
and aurality culture continued until the finalization of the While the “oral-aural” culture was mostly represented by
canon and even afterwards. Meanwhile, there existed the subaltern communities and the “writing and reading”
several “performers” and “story tellers.”1 The performers culture was facilitated mostly by the demands of the
were creative artists who reinterpreted the stories of Jesus dominant groups, the performers and storytellers focused
with creative imaginations and dramatic features. on the marginalized and subaltern communities through:
performative artistry; composition of the gospel stories
During the oral folkloric transmission of the pericopes, as with the help of dramatic means; prosopopoeia
Martin Dibelius considered, the stories of Jesus were [personification] as one of the significant methods; focus
mainly shaped for the sake of catechesis, kerygmatic both on onstage and offstage; exploration of non-verbal
purposes, and story-telling demands.2 Dibelius began by communication; and facilitation of emotions in the process
assuming that traditions in the early church were of acting.6 Through the usage of symbolism, metaphors,
conditioned by missionary needs. According to him, the imageries, and figurative language, the performers were
traditions existed first of all in sermons and the earliest guiding the listeners to constructive imaginations in the
forms were therefore imposed by the demands of the story-world. David Rhoads states that, in a print model,
kerygma.3 According to the Form Critical approach there “an author—fixed document—silent reader” interaction is
were several forms existed: paradigms or apophthegms obvious and at the same time it foregrounds a
(narratives ended with a saying); novellen or tales monotonous delivery of the message. Performance critics
(narratives aimed at showing that Jesus is a wonder state that modern interpreters’ interpretation of the texts
worker); sayings (for catechetical purposes); legends reflects modern experience of the texts as private readers
(supernatural stories, like the birth narratives); and myths who study them individually, and in silence.7 The
(Form critics add in this category: baptism, temptation, interpretation is within a “fixed text” and within the story-
and transfiguration).4 Dibelius supposed that there were at world of an individual. But, in the “oral-aural” culture of the
least three different types of Christian workers involved— early church, oral performance was placed in high esteem
preachers, teachers and narrators.5 The Gospel messages and it was cultivated with great skills.8
were firstly appeared in the form of oral narratives. In the
early church, the preachers, teachers and narrators acted In an “oral-aural” world, there is no arbitrariness and
as performers in public platforms. In that sense, Gospel artificiality. As the speaker communicates directly to the
narratives developed from folkloric gospel traditions with listener without mediators/media, the communicative level
the help of performative public arts. In an “oral-aural” is dynamic and performative. This direct encoding and
culture, the role of the performers was very significant. decoding methodology enable the listener to be
imaginative and brainstorming in several respects. In this
The “oral-aural” culture was entirely different from a fixed model, the “author” composed the text “orally” and s/he
“writing and reading” culture. In an “oral-aural” culture, may have been the original performer of the oral version.9
there were enough possibilities of imagination than it is in Then there will be a community who listen the oral
the case of the “writing and reading” culture. Jesus, Paul, delivery. In addition, there were also physical locations
and other early figures of the NT had enough spaces for and socio-historical circumstances that shaped the
brainstorming their thought patterns and performance and the reception.10 In his book Oral
conceptualization of their cognitive aspects. Thus, Tradition as History, Jan Vansina explained the entire

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postural expression of a “performer.” Vansina explicates Jesus’ epoiei (he did or performed), and the following
as follows: bread discourse that the disciples heard in 6:26-58 are
well connected. Here, seeing, performing and hearing are
A performer sits, often in the evening, surrounded integrally connected. At the far shore of the Sea of Galilee,
by listeners and spins a tale. It is never just a there was a gathering of about 5000 people to witness the
recitation. The voice is raised or lowered, used as performance of Jesus. Jesus’ provision of bread in a
a means of dramatization. Nor does the storyteller remote place and the succeeding bread discourse are
just sit there. The tale is acted out with body performative in substance. People gathered around him
gestures, even when the storyteller is sitting. and continuously engaged with him to make the rhetoric a
Sometimes he or she may stand up, move around, memorable one. An oral-aural artistry is obvious around
and mime parts of the action narrated. In most the person of Jesus.
cases the public is not just watching. The public
is active. It interacts with the teller, and the teller The great five discourses of Jesus in Matthew (chapters
provokes this interaction by asking questions, 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 24-25) demonstrate the oral-aural cultural
welcoming exclamations, and turning to a song dynamism with a profound outlook. In Luke chapter 4, the
sung by all at appropriate points of action. The Nazareth Manifesto foregrounds the oral-aural
teller and public are creating the tale together. The interactions, knowledge production, and reproduction of
teller leads the event, but responds readily to the a new discourse as a community product. Even in the Sitz-
public and leads his or her public to experience im-Leben Kirche, Peter was more concerned of an oral-
the tale. He or she tries to frighten, delight, worry, aural interaction far more than a writing-reading
and put the listeners on tenterhooks, in turn, and engagement. This is explicit through the sermon of Peter
skillfully builds on the passage which move them in Acts chapter 2. Even Paul the Apostle par-excellence
most, expanding the exciting parts and focused more on oral-aural communications than letter
condensing or transforming the ones where the writing. While his speeches in the Book of Acts and his
attention of the audience lags.11 continuous itinerant missionary journeys paid more
attention on the oral-aural interactions. Jesus’, Peter’s,
The above mentioned “oral-aural” method was prevalent and Paul’s oral-aural interactions can be well-placed
in the ancient world, especially in the Greco-Roman, above their writing-reading engagements. Their
Jewish, and Early Christian contexts. As the “oral-aural” involvements as performers exhibit the way they moved
interactions of Moses, the Judges, the Prophets, as per the needs and demands of the contexts. The oral-
Ekalavya, Dronacharya, Buddha, Mahavira, Socrates, aural culture with a facilitation of memorization was the
Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, apostolic fathers, Confucius, cultural phenomenon of the ancient societies. In that
Paramahamsa, and many others developed with impactful sense, the oral-aural culture of the NT characters and the
imaginations, we need to foster an “oral-aural” culture in early Christianity opened a wider imagination without any
our missions and ministries through transformative fixation of the narratives. This aspect is obvious when
imaginations. Performance is also considered as “seeing someone interprets the performances of Jesus, Peter,
in imagination.”12 Rhoads writes: “speaking, moving, and Paul and others.
acting stimulate the ‘imaginative seeing’ in a vigorous way
that is not replicated by silent reading or by sound After the death of Jesus and the Apostles, the early church
alone.”13 As the storyteller enacts the characters, the wrote down and fixed the traditions. Hence, imaginations
audience subjectively experiences the act being portrayed turned to fixed documentations within the framework of
in imagination. Richard Horsley states that performance the canon. In that sense, the scope of imagination was
was “always already a dynamic communication situated much broader in the early church than after the
in a social context.”14 Words, gestures, and movements of composition and canonization of the NT writings. The
the performer help the audience fantasize the story further scope of prophetic imagination was celebrated much in
and recreate the actions being portrayed in other the Sitz im Leben Jesu and also significantly in the Sitz im
situations.15 Leben Kirche. In the early church, prophetic imagination
was facilitated through seeing, performing, hearing, and
At the Sitz-im-Leben Jesu context, the oral-aural culture memorizing the events. Performers enact the stories in
was strictly maintained. Though Jesus was communities, individuals memorize them, and the
knowledgeable and called by others “a Rabbi,” he never individuals with further imaginations enact the stories in
initiated to write down his ideas. But rather Jesus focused other community settings. As those who were learned and
on the oral-aural cultural practices. People flocked around able to read were a minority community, the oral-aural
Jesus for several days with an expectation of experiencing model was the method of the majority community.
his orality, prophetic imagination, and performative
artistry. Jesus’ signs and wonders provided a great In the contemporary Indian context, the pastors,
strength for his performative rhetoric. John 6:2 says: “and evangelists, missionaries, teachers, and the speakers can
a great crowd of people followed him because they saw take up the model of the early Christian community to
the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick.” The perform the gospel messages in community settings with
expressions such as people’s heōrōn (they saw) and a focus on oral-aural methods. This oral-aural delivery of

10 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

the gospel message through the means of performative A Reflection on Lent in 2025
artistry shall make the audiences to engage in deeper
prophetic imaginations and transformative involvements.
As the April issue of FOCUS is published during Lent, it is
We, the performers, can enable the vulnerable thought to be good to reflect on Lent in our faith journey and to
communities to brainstorm, conceptualize, and develop help in our missional commitment. The origins of Lent can be
imaginations for a better tomorrow. The prophetic role of linked to the practices of fasting, penance and prayer in the early
the performers and their rhetoric of imagination shall church. As Christianity spread, different regions and churches
transform the aural audience to get involved in successive developed their own traditions and customs for observing Lent.
prophetic imaginations. Rather than considering the The duration of Lent has varied throughout history, with some
community of God as depositories of our ideas, we can early Christian communities observing a shorter period of fasting
perform the gospel message and imagine an aural before Easter. As a result, we have great lent of fifty days and a
response that propels the common people be engaged in shorter Lent starting on the Ash Wednesday. In 2025, the Greater
Lent starts on ‘Clean Monday’ on 3rd March and ends on ‘Holy
constructive imaginations for a better future. In the current Saturday’ on 19th April. In the Anglican tradition, Lents starts on
context, an oral-aural communication can be facilitated, a ‘Ash Wednesday on 6th March and ends on April 20th. Lent is
performative artistry can be experimented, and be symbolic of many significant events in the Bible. For example,
constructive through prophetic imagination to enable Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days before beginning His
others to be imaginative in their socio-religious and public ministry, and the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40
politico-cultural realities in India. years before reaching the Promised Land. These periods hold
deep spiritual significance, and is reflected in the observance of
References: Lent.

1. Thawng Ceu Hnin, “Performance Criticism,” It is also intrinsically connected to the Easter celebration; and it
Approaches to the New Testament: A Handbook for culminates in the commemoration of his crucifixion and
Students and Pastors, ed. Arren Bennet Lawrence resurrection. As such, Lent serves as a time of spiritual
(Bangalore: SAIACS Press, 2018), 219.2 preparation and reflection leading up to the joyous celebration
2. Martin Dibelius, From Tradition to Gospel (tran. B. on Easter Sunday. While the specific practices and customs may
Lee Woolf, 1934, rp. 1971). differ among different branches of Christianity, the underlying
purpose of Lent as a time of repentance, self-examination, and
3. See Donald Guthrie, NT Introduction, Revised
spiritual growth remains consistent. The origin of Lent is deeply
Edition (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1990),
rooted in the historical and spiritual development of the Christian
213. faith, and its observance continues to be a significant aspect of
4. Bultmann classified them as per his evaluations. the liturgical calendar for millions of Christians around the world.
See Rudolf Bultmann, The History of the Synoptic
Tradition (Eng. tr. 1968, from the third German
Lent provides an opportunity for believers to engage in
edition, 1958).
introspection and self-examination. It is a time to reflect on one's
5. Guthrie, NT Introduction, 214.
spiritual journey, identify areas for growth, and to seek
6. Ceu Hnin, “Performance Criticism,” 220-225. forgiveness for shortcomings. Through acts of repentance,
7. David Rhoads, “Performance Events in Early individuals acknowledge their imperfections and strive for
Christianity: New Testament Writings in an Oral spiritual renewal. The spiritual purpose of Lent is also manifested
Context,” The Interface of Orality and Writing: through acts of renunciation and sacrifice. By voluntarily giving
Speaking, Seeing, Writing in the Shaping of New up certain luxuries or indulgences during this period, individuals
Genres, eds. Annette Weissenrieder and Robert B. are reminded of the importance of self-discipline and the value
Coote (Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2015), 168. of spiritual priorities over material desires. This practice fosters a
8. Walter J. Ong, Rhetoric, Romance, and Technology: deeper appreciation for the blessings in life and encourages to
Studies in the Interaction of Expression and Culture focus on spiritual fulfilment. The observance of Lent fosters a
(London: Cornell University Press, 1971), 3; also see sense of community and communal worship. As believers come
Rhoads, “Performance Events in Early Christianity,” together to engage in Lenten practices, they form a collective
168 bond centred on shared spiritual devotion and commitment. This
9. Rhoads, “Performance Events in Early Christianity,” communal aspect of Lent reinforces the unity of the Christian
168. community and provides a supportive environment for individual
spiritual growth. The season of Lent also underscores the
10. Ceu Hnin, “Performance Criticism,” 219.
significance of acts of compassion and service to others.
11. Jan M. Vansina, Oral Tradition as History
Engaging in charitable deeds, helping those in need, and
(Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin, 1985), 34. demonstrating kindness align with the core principles of
12. Rhoads, “Performance Events in Early Christianity,” Christian faith. By extending love and support to others,
172. individuals embody the spirit of Lent and exemplify the teachings
13. Rhoads, “Performance Events in Early of compassion and empathy. Thus, Lent prepares us for our
Christianity,”172. commitment to mission for establishing God’s kingdom Values.
14. Richard A. Horsley, “Introduction,” Oral
Performance, Popular Tradition, and Hidden
The Editorial Board
Transcript in Q, ed. Richard A. Horsley (Atlanta:
Society of Biblical Literature, 2006), 1.
15. Ceu Hnin, “Performance Criticism,” 215-216. FOCUS

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MISSION AS MULTITUDE, MANIFESTATION AND
MEDIATION:
SOME REFLECTIONS FROM GREGORY NAZIANZEN
Revd Dr. John Philip

This article is an attempt back by force. But that which is voluntary is more durable
to understand MISSION and safer. The former is due to one who uses force, the
and its dimensions of latter is ours; the one is gentleness of God, the other to a
multitude, manifestations, tyrannical authority.1
and mediation from the
perspective of Gregory of Mission is God’s but human should endorse it by
Nazianzus. The voluntarily. Doing anything in compulsion is not God’s. So,
presupposition is that mission of God is a freedom and for the freedom and
mission is God’s and hence it is a celebration.
encompasses unto the
end of the earth. The quality of being good consists not in violence but in
freedom; “since it is our practice not to lead by force, or
Revelation of God is not by compulsion, but by good will.”2 “For the mystery of
an isolated event for godliness belongs to those who are willing, not to those
particular person and an exclusive community. Even the who are overpowered.”3
revelation of God to Israelite community was inclusive of
other communities. The revelation of the Second Person Violence is a complex reality and manifests itself in many
of the Trinity, namely the Son is a unique revelation which forms. Some of the areas of violence are structural
juxtaposes with a mission for the entire creation. It is a violence, economic violence, social violence, domestic
mission which transcends caste, creed, and culture. violence, psychological violence, and moral violence. For
Hence it is all-encompassing. Therefore, multitude here example, 80% of scientific research is devoted to the war
regards as plurality, manifestation as divine interventions industry, and is frankly aimed directly at deadly violence.
in creation and mediation as incarnation, redemption, and Violence hinders God’s mission and hence annihilates
human responsibility. The mission is to regain the faded mission. In such a context, God-human-world relationship
image of God due to human alienation from God. It is also of Cappadocians is relevant for mission theology. Here the
to reestablish the dynamic relationship. study has been restricted to Greg Nazianzen.

We are living in a world of violence which is demonic in its Triune God of Movement
hold on human life. The perversion of goodness is evil and
explores as violence. Power is the ability to do what I want Nazianzen distinguishes Theologia- oikonomia in his
to do. All human powers are tempted to misuse and theological articulation in order that which is unknown and
exceed their authority. This is the pre-condition of that which is known. As we know, the human beings
violence. Violence conditions people in a fashion that cannot get knowledge of God’s essence (theologia). It is
makes it difficult for them to see peaceful options even in incomprehensible. The knowledge of God we can receive
personal relationships. Violence is perpetuated through by God’s interventions, actions, and operations
different means as negation of the freedom of speech, (oikonomia). It means that God as creator is active in the
poverty, mal-development, continuance of caste system, created order. The creative and redeeming God works
destruction of nature etc. In short, human greed causes everywhere. The climax of this intervention was seen in
violence. the incarnation of the Son. The incarnation is the raw
material of the trinitarian theology. God manifested to the
Violence or Voluntary? creation in a unique way through the person Jesus Christ.
Gregory’s trinitarian theology is basically incarnational
The faded image of God in human and the broken theology. The Son of God incarnated in Jesus Christ
relationship creates violence in the created order in directed us towards trinitarian God and the trinitarian God
different forms. Therefore, the mission is to overcome shows God of community. This God-understanding is the
violence which is disorder, disintegration, and division. For basis of sociality, relationality, and unity in diversity.4 In
Gregory violence is compulsion, voluntary is freedom and triune God, plurality, distinctiveness, and multiple are not
free will. Nazianzen distinguishes voluntary from violence something of evil but a blessing.
as: That no violence might be done to us, but that we
might be moved by persuasion. For nothing that is Nazianzen approves sociality both in the triune God and
involuntary is durable; like streams or trees which are kept in the world. This sociality originates from God and

12 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

empowers creation to liberate from evil and establishes a Human as Mediatory
community of goodness. Relationality expresses through
peace, beauty, commonality, harmony, nonviolence, Human beings are creaturely. But they live both ‘above’
purity, and newness. Disorder and disintegration are and ‘below.’ The ‘above’ represents angelic world and the
derived from non-relational existence. When the world ‘below’ is the material world. The human beings live
grows in the qualities of relationality, it is a movement materially and spiritually. These two possibilities entrusted
toward God. Therefore, the quality of peace corresponds them with a responsibility of redemption of the material
with God’s life. Nazianzen writes, These blessings creation. According to Nazianzen, ‘Now the Creator-
originate with the Holy Trinity, whose unity of nature and Word, determining to exhibit this, and to produce a single
internal peace are its most salient characteristic, are living being out of both-the visible and the invisible
received by the angelic and divine powers who are creations, I mean- fashions Man; and taking a body from
peaceably disposed towards God as well as one another, already existing matter, and placing in it a Breath taken
extend to the whole of creation, whose glory is its absence from Himself which the Word knew to be an intelligent soul
of conflict, and regulate our own life: In our soul, on the and the image of God, as a sort of second world. He
one hand, through the reciprocal and cooperative placed him, great in littleness on the earth; a new Angel, a
allegiance of its virtues; in our body, on the other, through mingled worshipper, fully initiated into the visible creation,
the unhappy marriage of form and function in its but only partially into the intellectual; King of all up on the
constituent members. Of these, the former is and is called earth, but subject to King above; earthly and heavenly;
beauty; the latter health. 5 temporal and yet immortal; visible and yet intellectual; half
way between greatness and lowliness; in one person
The source of peace is triune God. As God is a community combining spirit and flesh; spirit because of the favour
of three Persons, the Divine communitarian life bestowed on him; flesh, because of the height to which he
necessitates perfect movement of Divinity among the had been raised; the one that he might continue to live and
Persons. This movement of love is the basis of peace. It is praise his Benefactor, the other that he might suffer, and
shared to creation. The peace that indwells in us is the by suffering be put in remembrance, and corrected if he
blessing of God. became proud of his greatness. A living creature trained
here, and moved elsewhere; and, to complete the
World for God mystery, deified by its inclination to God.’9

The status of the world is creation and therefore it has Human beings are temporal and immortal; visible and
boundary. But God has no boundary. God is within and intellectual. This clears that the human beings are in
beyond creation. Both material and spiritual creatures between greatness and lowliness. Nazianzen speaks a lot
represent the two different parts of the world. God moves through the metaphor ‘King.’ Sigurd Bergmann sees it in
to the creation. The redemption is a process in which this way, “In the function of king, human beings administer
Creator draws the creation to Him/Her.6 Everything is to the best advantage those gifts of creation entrusted to
ultimately moving ‘upward.’ them. As worshipper, witness, and priest they are to lead
creation itself closer to God.”10 The dominion executes
For Gregory, the order of creation is not an independent only in relation to the Master. As the non-human creations
characteristic but it is dependent upon God. God serve humans, so as humans has to serve them.
manifests through the work in the ordering of the world. It
means world is God’s. World is sacred in the sense that it Human beings are unique in the sense that human is a
is God’s creation. The good order characterizing the mediatory being. They bind inextricably both spiritual-
trinitarian God manifests itself in the good order of corporeal creations. Human beings communicate with the
creation. The world can enter into intimate communion spiritual-corporeal creation as well as with fellow human
with God. This communion is the platform of beings and fellow creatures. Human beings are the image
communication. Creatures praise their Creator. As far as of God in and for the world.11 They can participate in the
world moves in God’s will, the praises continue. Also, God good.
communicates with the world. The world as body is
something good. Purification

Gregory appreciates the order of the visible things which Why do we fail to receive gifts and share? Many reasons
is God’s gift. Throughout Nazianzen’s writings, he have been pointed out by Gregory, namely, laziness,
mentioned about the ‘ordered’ nature of creation. The greed, carelessness etc. the darkness of evil can be
order rests on each one’s proper place in the created purified by the illumination of Christ. Nazianzen exhorts,
community of life. The quality life is very important. It is to “Receive then the Enlightenment in due season, that
fulfill each one’s God-given talent and duty. Order and darkness pursues you not, and catch you, and sever you
good interconnections can always also be discerned as from the Illuminating.”12
beauty.7 Beautiful stability and progress can be seen in
natural order.8 For the participation in the good, human beings are to
purify. Nazianzen writes, “Let us purify every sense, let

13 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

 1
nothing in us be imperfect or of our first birth; let us leave 3. Ibid,246.
nothing unilluminated. Let us enlighten our eyes that we 4. 1
Cappadocians clarified the sociality of God in the
may look straight on, and not bear in ourselves any harlot context of heterodox teachings like Modalism,
idol through curious and busy sight.”13 This purity is Arianism and tritheism. Monarchianism stresses
simplicity and simplicity is peaceful, and not subject to the oneness of God against pagan polytheism. It
dissension. is of two types, namely, dynamic monarchianism
and modalistic monarchianism. Dynamic
Spiritual Dimension of the Material Needs monarchianism exalts the unity of God at the
expense of Christ’s divinity. Christ is conceived as
What all things needed for survival of the creation the subject of a specific influence or ‘dynamics’
including human, they are under God’s mission. The entire (power) of the one monarchy. Modalistic
redemptive process takes place in the world. This world is Monarchianism claimed that the Father, the Son,
very real to God and God has a mission in each and every and the Holy Spirit were three temporary
aspect of it. manifestations of the same God. These terms did
not indicate any essential distinctions; they were
Nazianzen vehemently criticizes the unjust order that names to be applied to God at different times.
created famine in his time. It happened, for him, the God was a monad. There were no numerical
misuse of power which provoked God. He demands distinctions within the monad. It called in question
repentance in order to save life.14 Another occasion a the integrity of Christ’s body and thus verged
deadly cattle plague had been followed by a prolonged towards docetism. It sought to unite the deity of
draught. Gregory the elder, the father of Nazianzen and the Son and the oneness of God by declaring the
the then the Bishop of Nazianzus was unable to address designations Father and Son to be modes of
them; he pleaded his coadjutor to enter the pulpit. manifestation of the one Divine being. See P. J.
Nazianzen through his address vehemently criticizes his Hammel, “Modalism,” NCE 9: 989.
father’s silence in the face of the severe plague. Nazianzen 5. Gregory of Nazianzus, Oration XXII.14. This is
poured out his feelings in a discourse. In it he says, “Our Oration on peace.
unhealed condition arises from our evil and un-subdued 6. 11
Sigurd Bergmann, Creation Set Free The Spirit
nature, and from the exercise of its powers.”15 In it as Liberator of Nature (Grand Rapids: William B.
Nazianzen exhorts them to share their food and shelter, Eerdmans, 1995), 96.
He says, ‘Teach them to break their bread to the hungry, 7. Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations [Link], 284.
to gather together the poor that have no shelter, to cover 8. Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations [Link], 290.
their nakedness and not neglect those of the same blood, 9. Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations [Link], 348.
and now especially that we may gain a benefit from our 10. Sigurd Bergmann, Creation Set Free The Spirit as
need instead of from abundance, a result which pleases Liberator of Nature, 101.
God more than plentiful offerings and large gifts…. 11. Ibid, 103.
Restrain the anger of the Lord by the mediation.’16 12. 1
Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations XL. XXIV, 368
On Baptism
The above teaching of Nazianzen is in continuation with 13. 1
XL. XXXVIII, 374.
God done for humanity in creation. God provided 14. Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations XVI. 18, 253.
everything for human. Mission is to continue God’s will in 15. Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations XVI. 15, 252.
creation. Here the spiritual and material dimensions meet 16. Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations XVI. 20, 254
together. 17. Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations XL.17, 391

Conclusion Revd Dr. John Philip

For Nazianzen, the mission is not one branch of Christian Attatharayil, is a member of
theology. It is related to communication (revelation), the faculty at Mar Thoma
communion (purification), community (relationship) and Theological Seminary,
commissioning (intervention for the life of creation). Being Kottayam as Professor, in the
and sending are not two but one and the same movement department of Systematic
of the triune God. Nazianzen’s mission can be Theology and a Research
summarized in his own words, “… I am for the glory of Guide in Serampore
God, and he is for my sake.”17 University. He is the former
Principal of Episcopal Jubilee
References: Institute of Evangelism,
Kompady,Thiruvalla and
1. Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations. XXXI. XXV,NPNF former Director of TMAM Research and Orientation
8 325-26 Centre, Manganam, Kottayam.
2. 1 Gregory of Nazianzus, Oration, XXII. 5, 245.

14 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Our Journey of Faith in the 21st Century
Dr. Zac Varghese

Introduction

Our Journey of faith is for doing God’s mission (Missio found Him and asked Jesus why He stayed in the temple
Dei) as agents of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit without their knowledge, Jesus told his parents: “Didn’t
as we read in the Acts of the Apostles: “But you will you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Lk 2:41- 49).
receive the power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and After this Jesus went to Nazareth with His parents and
you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and stayed with them for 18 long years and worked in His
Samaria and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In order to father’s carpenter shop, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and
understand God’s mission, we need to study what Jesus stature, and in favour with man and God” (Lk 2:51-52). It
did in His life on earth and what He said to his disciples is at Nazareth, at His home and village Jesus prepared
and people around Him as recorded in the New Himself for His God-given mission.
Testament. The Apostles were commissioned for God’s
mission at the time of his ascension with these words: What is the Christian Mission?
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt
28:18). We read about this commission in the Gospel of First and foremost, Christian mission is God’s mission.
Mark as well: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel James wrote: “ What good is it my brothers, if someone
to all creation” (Mk 16:15). God’s Mission emphasizes that claims to have faith but has no deeds, . . . faith by itself, if
being part of God’s mission means that the Church as it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2: 14-
God’s agent is sent into the world, following in the 17). Church is the body of Christ, and faith in God and
footsteps of Jesus. Jesus’ message and mission is ever deeds relating to God’s mission are central to being a
living and universal. According to Scripture, this mission is Christian and becoming a disciple of Jesus. Therefore,
not just about conversion or becoming ‘fishers of men’ to mission is doing the work of Jesus under the guidance of
increase the membership of the Church, as the emphasis the Holy Spirit. The model for this mission can be found in
had been for centuries, but about embodying God’s love the ‘Sermon on the Mount,’ (Mt 5-7; Lk 6:17-49) Jesus’
through service, justice, and peace-making, addressing preaching was action-packed and mission centred. After
the holistic needs of individuals and communities. This calling His first disciples Jesus says: “come, follow me,
understanding should be the new paradigm for a and I will send you to fish for the people” (Mt 4:19). Jesus
transforming mission in the 21st century. felt the needs of people and met their needs through his
miracles of feeding the people, healing them; Jesus
Initially, Jesus sent out 12 disciples as we read in Luke’s provided for the spiritual and physical needs of people by
Gospel: “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he practicing values of the kingdom of God. Christian mission
gave them power and authority to drive out all demons is all about establishing God’s kingdom Values. The values
and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim of the kingdom are love, forgiveness, justice, humility,
the kingdom of God and to heal those who were ill. He integrity, compassion, obedience, service and faith.
told them: “Take nothing for the journey – no staff, no bag, These are examples of the kingdom values, and Christian
no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you mission is about establish these values in our
enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not communities. These values serve as the guiding principles
welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your for mission. People around us should be able to see these
feet as a testimony against them”(Lk 9:1-5). After this, values in our lives and we should become living examples
“Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by of these values and this is the Christian mission.
two ahead of him to every town and where he was about
to go” (Lk 10:1). Preparing for the Christian Mission

Jesus is the reason and the model for the Christian Learning about God’s purpose for our lives, and our
mission. This early mission of Jesus’ followers gives us a missionary journey must start with this early preparation.
sign post for beginning the mission of God in our lives. We must learn what God has been doing over centuries
Jesus is saying to His followers to start the mission where for establishing God’s kingdom values; and this will help
God has started. Learning the history of Israel (Old us to proclaim what is needed for the present time.
Testament) was the starting point for Jesus’ mission. At Therefore, in our spiritually-oriented missionary journey,
the age of twelve Jesus’ parents took Him to the Temple we should discover what God has done and walk through
in Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover; Jesus the doors that God has opened. It is important to start our
stayed in the temple for three days, without the knowledge mission from our homes with our family, our local parish,
of His parents. Jesus listened to the teachers of the and our neighbourhood before we start out to preach the
Temple and asked questions. When His parents finally

15 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Gospel to others. In our diasporic existence we should be evangelical missions have become money making
able to declare Joshua’s famous words: “But for me and enterprises even now. However, what should be the
my household, we will serve the Lord” (Jos24:15). This will mission of churches today? Mission is an expression of
give us the opportunity to live out the Gospel, and we our gratitude to God for our salvation. Our slogan for
become the Gospel that people read. Therefore, asking mission should be: ‘Freely you have received: freely, give’
the question: where do we start is very important? This (Mt 10:8). The forgiveness of our sins and our salvation is
mission is God’s mission and we are ambassadors of this an amazing free gift and we cannot bottle it up and keep
mission. ‘This mission is from everywhere to everywhere.’ it to ourselves. We are dutybound to proclaim the good
news of our salvation to others around us. There is an old
We see this initial preparation for Mission in St. Paul’s life saying: “The Church exists by mission, just as fire exists
after his Damascus road encounter with the risen Christ. in burning.” This is also the motto of the Mar Thoma
Paul did not start his missionary journeys immediately. He Church: ‘Lighted to lighten.’
spent three years in Arabia and then spent and nearly ten
or so years in his home town with his friends and relatives The Way Forward
in Tarsus (Gal 1:17). This early preparation is very
important spiritual and missionary journey. Tom wright I do not want to review the present crisis of churches. As
wrote: “Saul spent a silent decade deepening the well of I write this article the Archbishop of Canterbury was
scriptural reflections from which he would thereafter the forced to resign and there is a growing demand for the
water he needed.”1 I stress this because there is a Archbishop of York to resign as well. There are hidden
tendency in certain evangelical circles of prompting problems in churches everywhere. The end of colonial
people to preaching and witnessing immediately after power and the dominance of Christian West have
their conversion and ‘born again’ experiences. Jesus changed the mission patterns. There is great deal of
spent forty days fasting and praying in the wilderness uncertainty in the Church as to what mission really is
before starting His ministry ( Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13; LK 4: about. All these have given rise to the question, what
1-12). Psalmist reminds us: “Be still, and Know that I am should be form of Christian today? Emilo Castro’s words
God” (Ps46:10); “Taste and see that the Lord is good” are significant in this context: “Mission is the fundamental
(Ps34:8). Therefore, this early preparation under the reality of our Christian life. Our life in the world is life in
guidance of the Holy Spirit is important for mission. This mission.” A mission-oriented life style is the symbol of
is aspect very clearly expressed in an article by Mr. O. C. Christian faith. The Church is a medium for establishing
Abraham (OC) in his article (FOCUS, April 2022, Vol 10-2, the values of the kingdom of God. It is a means to an end
p 10-12) on ‘Ebenezer Moments;’ from this we learn that and should be always be out there in the midst of
he was commissioned to do a faith-oriented work for the marginalised people and communities to spread the love
glory of God because his mother dedicated him at the of God. When the institutionalised Church gives itself to
Maramon Convention in 1934 for God’s work when OC the transforming realties of mission it becomes blessed
was in his mother’s womb. Therefore, he was dedicated agents of the kingdom of God.
and commissioned for a faith-filled work. This aspect is
further expressed by many people in his Festschrift The Christian life is a two-way engagement: engagement
Volume published in his Navathy celebrations in 2024 with God and the engagement with each other. This is at
under the title: “Faith in Action.” the heart of the Christian teaching: loving God and loving
and loving your neighbour as yourself. It is seeing God
Mission Motto within us and loving and respecting God’s presence in
others. Loving God must include loving those who made
in His image and likeness. The face of Christ will be seen
Jesus’ mission motto was to respond to known and
in quiet special ways in those who are broken, and who
unknown needs of people. Providing for the physical and
suffer due to injustices and human self-centredness. This
spiritual needs of people was an important part of Jesus’
is why active engagement with our neighbour is an
mission. Jesus’ ministry has many of examples of how
essential element of our spiritual growth. The
Jesus felt the unspoken needs of many. Jesus’ sensitivity
engagement, fellowship or koinonia, with each other
to sense the needs of the people was amazing, as we see
within and without our parish community begins with our
in His miracles and healing. The woman with the bleeding
engagement and commitment to God. We should
disorder only had to touch Jesus’ cloak in the midst of a
seriously think of merging our social and spiritual
crowd for Jesus to understand her need and help her (Mt
engagements, and this is way forward for making the
9:20-22; Mk 5:25-24; Lk 8:43-48). In the market one buys
secular sacred.
and sells, but in spiritual life, and in the Christian mission
one gives. Jesus saw the Temple as a market place, a
We are now living in a ‘dot-com’ world, being very much
'den of thieves'. It is important to ask the question, is the
influenced by the social media, and it is becoming
Christian mission field a market place of catching and
increasingly difficult to filter out fake-news and fake-
selling or feeding people in need? Catching aspect of the
spirituality to search for dependable guidance. We are in
Christian mission, ‘fishers of men,’ can be seen in the work
the middle of a digital revolution that will have an
of many evangelists of the last century, and some
enormous impact on the way we do our mission. we need

16 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

to be very careful and disciplined in using these new Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately
technologies for interacting with people and not exploiting on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do
people who are emotionally vulnerable. Anyone can post good. Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the
their thoughts on the social media and there is no clearly world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours!" This is
defined source of authority of a church or a priest or a indeed the sum and substance of the Chrisitan mission.
bishop. Evolving technologies can be used for God’s
mission. Technologies do shape our lives in a major way. Reference
Human beings are not gadgets, but gadgets are becoming
people-like or taking over the functions of people, this will 1. Tom Wright, ‘Paul A Biography.’ SPCK, 2018,
have economic consequences and well-being of people. London, ISBN 978-0- 281- 07875-2, p 69.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the possibilities and
potentials for replacing professional people. We have to
learn how to use these technologies for the Christian Glory of Living Amidst Plurality
mission. Doing the missionary work online may seem a Revd Dr. M. J. Joseph
strange thing to begin with; it can certainly take you to new
places and creates new relationships in the virtual space. “The gooses legs are too short,
However, such virtual ministry will never replace meeting while the cranes are too long
people in person on Sunday worships or fellowship To lengthen the goose legs and
meetings or in markets or in other working environments;
To cut short the cranes legs is
It has its negative side as well, as we notice in TV
An act of a Villain”
evangelism and parading the Holy Communion on the
The cosmic gurus-the Panchaboothas and
box.
he Panchendryas are symbols of plurality.
They teach us lessons of wonder and awe
The ‘Word becoming flesh’ should become real in our
They also represent the glory of the divine above and
everyday living. Our words should become building
below
blocks of our lives; Our words should be made out of the
There is diversity all around just as the Triune God in the
‘alphabet of our life.’ May God continue to bless us to
divine collegium.
carry out the ‘mission of God’ at the point of people’s
The sky is a mosaic of colours
needs. These needs are different for people in different
The earth is the cradle of all living beings
situations and cultural and traditional scenarios and
The galaxy is a huge string of beads
contexts. When we display the love and grace of Jesus to
None on earth could count them.
others, we will draw lost people to Jesus and they begin
The panchendryas are the counter part of the
to know that Jesus loves them too. Jesus said, “From
panchaboothas
everyone who has been given much, much will be
The air passing through nose carries diverse dose of
demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted
fragrance
with much, much more will be asked” (Lk12:48). If we are
The taste on tongue is an umbrella of taste buds
blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the
The sound that flutters in our eardrums has its plural
like, it is expected that we use them well to glorify God,
origin
and provide benefit for others. St. Augustine said, “What
The eyes on our face bring the beyond to our bosom
does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has
The skin on our feeble body makes us conscious of the
the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to
outer world,
see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and
O Plurality! You are the strings in a musical instrument
sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” There is an
You sing cosmic songs with different rhymes
urgent need to think of mission in the current context of
Your couplets of silence make us humane
the world with its socio-economic, cultural, racial, gender,
Glory be to the ground of our being .
ecological and political issues. We need to move from
O Lord, you are One in many
Orthodoxy (correct doctrine) to orthopraxis (correct
And many in One.
practice). May the Holy Spirit guide us to have the right
No sand on the sea shore is alike
balance between the two in working out a mission
but one in essence.
paradigm for the present time.
In search of the Unknown around
Let us live in humility and love, giving space for others.
Conclusion
Revd Dr. M. J. Joseph is a member of
Jesus’ mission is the one and only mission paradigm for FOCUS editorial board, former principal
the Church. The mission of the Church is to follow the
of the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary
instructions laid out by Jesus as we read in the four
of Kottayam and the former director
Gospels, Acts and of St. Paul’s missionary journeys. It is Educational Center, Bangalore. He has
up to us to evaluate the practice of this mission in our
written several books and articles also.
lives today. Let me conclude this article with the words of
Teresa of Avila: “Christ has no body on earth but yours.

17 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

 by readers themselves, inquiring into the deep currents of
Book Review their own lives”. This is fundamentally a Jesuit approach,
“Hindu and Catholic, Priest and Scholar: A with “all of life as a series of intellectual-spiritual
exercises”.
Love Story” (2024)
Memoir of Francis X. Clooney, S.J. The memoir is divided into two parts. The first part
ISBN: 9780567710253 (pp. 208); T&T Clark (Bloomsbury (chapters 1-7) describes the origins and growth of
Publishing) Clooney’s intellectual and spiritual identity between 1966
and 1993, as a Jesuit priest and Hindu scholar. By 1993,
“Hindu and Catholic, Priest and his “double formation as a Catholic, a priest, and a Jesuit,
Scholar: A Love Story” is the and immersed in Hindu wisdom and insight” was largely
extraordinary memoir of Francis X. complete. The second part (chapters 8-10) tells the story
Clooney, S.J., the Parkman of his professional career as a teacher at Boston College
Professor of Divinity and (1984-2005) and Harvard University (2005-present), and
Professor of Comparative as an academic forging new frontiers in comparative
Theology, Harvard Divinity School, theology, i.e., faith seeking understanding across religious
and the foremost Jesuit scholar on borders, of Catholic and Hindu faith traditions.
Hinduism. Clooney is 74 years old,
author of 29 books. The memoir A pivotal moment in his life has been the night of July 6,
offers a sweeping account of his 1966, when Clooney was fifteen. He had the “defining
life as a Catholic Priest, Hindu Scholar, and a University religious experience” of his life, “a single instance of God-
Teacher for over forty years. touch.” He “felt a very strong presence, a physical
nearness” that he “knew to be God coming to me”.
The overarching theme of the memoir, termed by Clooney
as the “inner story” of his life, is God’s grace. Clooney Clooney learned later that his religious experience in 1966
offers a poignant summary of this in the Preface: “At every was “an almost commonplace claim in Hindu and
stage of my life, I have received far more than I have given. Buddhist mystical traditions: a moment of illumination that
Early on, or even in midlife, I could not have imagined changes everything because you come to see it all
ending up where I am today. I am still surprised: that I was differently”. His “recognition of God-everywhere” paved
touched by God at age fifteen, infused with enough of God the way later for the “world of Hindu wisdom and
for a lifetime; that I became a Jesuit in 1968 at age experience” into his life in 1973, when he went to
eighteen, and stayed; that I surprised everyone, myself Kathmandu, Nepal.
included, by wanting to go to Kathmandu in 1973 to teach,
and was allowed to do so; that I was ordained a Catholic In September 1970, Clooney completed the three vows of
priest in 1978, at age twenty-seven; that I wanted to get a Jesuit formation: obedience, poverty, and chastity.
PhD in South Asian Studies rather than theology, and was Clooney received a BA in Philosophy and Classics from
allowed to do so; that I got a tenure-track position at Fordham University, New York, in 1973. From July 1973
Boston College in 1984, thanks to a chance opening there to August 1975, Clooney lived and taught at St. Xavier’s
in 1982 and the proactive recruitment of a wise Jesuit School, Kathmandu, Nepal, a boarding school for classes
chair; that I was offered a chair at Harvard in 2005, and 6–12. Clooney came to Kathmandu as part of the
encouraged by my fellow Jesuits to accept it; that over the “regency” requirements of Jesuit formation, two or three
decades I have visited South Asia twenty times, on visits years of teaching in a Jesuit high school, before theology
as long as two years, as short as four days; that I was studies.
elected to the leadership of the Catholic Theological
Society of America, and as I was desperately trying to Clooney had wanted to go to India for three reasons: (i)
finish this book, serving as its president during 2022–3; Admiration for Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa; (ii)
that over forty of my peers and former students have just Learn Sanskrit; (iii) Live among the poor. However,
published a festschrift for me; that I am now in my twenty- Clooney had to choose Nepal, since it was nearly
seventh year of helping out on weekends at one small impossible to get an Indian visa to teach at a Christian
parish in Sharon, Massachusetts. Most of all, I want to school in 1973.
show something of what it has meant for me to be a priest
and scholar, a Catholic immersed in Hindu studies for In September 1975, Clooney went to study theology at the
most of a lifetime. All of this is grace, none of it predictable. Weston School of Theology, Massachusetts. He
It is, as my subtitle tells us, a love story” completed his formation as a Catholic priest and Jesuit
there. Cooney was ordained as a deacon in 1977, and a
Clooney notes that his life and his work are “stubbornly priest in 1978. He found it hard to fit back into American
intertwined”, and “inseparable”. No part of him “makes life after two years of a “starkly simpler” life in Kathmandu.
sense on its own, without the others: priest and scholar, Clooney was “anxious that my experience not be talked
Hindu and Christian”. In all his writing, and the memoir, and taught out of existence”.
Clooney’s goal is “to provide exercises, work to be done

18 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

For his doctoral studies in Hinduism, Clooney chose Clooney found the conversations to be “parochial, too
University of Chicago, in part to work with Professor JAB insular, too secure within the general liberal discourse of
van Buitenen, who had done pioneering work in the 1950s the modern and postmodern West, where religion has its
on Rāmānuja, the great Vedanta theologian of the place, and must be kept in that place”.
eleventh century. Unfortunately, Professor van Buitenen
died in September 1979, the very month Clooney arrived In 2010, Clooney became the director of Harvard’s Center
in Chicago. Clooney decided to stay though, finding the for the Study of World Religions, founded in 1960. He was
department “perfect” for him. “reluctant” initially, but accepted the position, and served
for seven years. Clooney recognized it as an opportunity
Clooney notes that he was “particularly fortunate” to meet to bring his “interests and values to life at Harvard”.
Professor Edwin Gerow, a brilliant Sanskrit scholar, who
became his dissertation director. Gerow respected Since 1997, Clooney has assisted as a priest on weekends
Clooney’s interest in Vedanta and Mimamsa, “the at one parish, Our Lady of Sorrows in Sharon,
hermeneutics of traditional Hindu rules related to ritual”. Massachusetts, another instance of “providence at work”.
Clooney discovered Mimamsa accidentally as he read Clooney writes that the “good people of Sharon” have
Sankara and Ramanuja, who “presumed knowledge of helped him to be an “honest priest, preacher of God’s
Mimamsa interpretive principles and drew on them Word, not just my word”.
repeatedly”.
Clooney concludes the memoir elegantly, “Finally, there is
In September 1982, Clooney came to Chennai on a love.” This is because “love is the key to all that I have
Fulbright scholarship, after completing coursework and lived, been given, struggled to keep alive and honest and
exams. Clooney liked Chennai, and appreciated vulnerable.”
traditional Tamil music and dance. He spoke a little Tamil,
and found the people friendly. In November 1983, Clooney Dr. Cherian Samuel
returned to the United States. He completed the
dissertation by May 1984, Thinking Ritually: Retrieving the
Purva Mimamsa of Jaimini, that became his first published Easter Wishes
book in 1990.

Clooney’s study of Mimamsa “stimulated and nourished a

fresh approach to Vedanta”. In exploring Vedanta after
Mimamsa, Clooney found that it was “a tradition of
reading, study, insight through slow learning”. His second
book was entitled Theology after Vedanta, modeling the
comparative theological study of Sankara and Thomas
Aquinas.

Since the 1980s, Clooney has been reading the alvars, the
eighth–tenth-century Vaisnava poet saints of Tamil Nadu.
Like other decisions in his life, Clooney felt that “a
providential hand” was guiding him, when he had selected
Tamil as the modern Indian language for study at the
University of Chicago. During 1992–3, Clooney lived again
in Chennai, reading the alvar along with commentaries.
His Chennai sojourn resulted in the Seeing through Texts
book in 1996, a comparative theology study. Clooney
returned to Boston College (BC) in July 1993, and became
a full professor in the spring of 1996.

Clooney’s move from BC to Harvard in 2005 surprised

“those who knew me and assumed I would be at BC my
whole career”. Clooney himself was surprised “to receive
a direct invitation” from the Dean of Harvard Divinity
School in Spring 2004 for a position. In July 2005, Cooney
became the eleventh Parkman Professor of Divinity at
Harvard University.

Clooney found Harvard “breathtakingly diverse”,

possessed of a “fabulous faculty”, and “wealthy beyond
the dreams of other universities”. At times though,

19 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Three in One
David Brand
9. You are not here by accident.
[The following article under the title ‘Three in One’ is 10. You cannot have yesterday back so make the
from a regular contributor to this journal. As he is 88 most of today.
years old, he is keen to impart his experiences as a 11. Try talking to God; repetitive identical prayers
faithful servant of God and the wisdom that he has can become boring.
gained during his spiritual journey. This is a testimony 12. God saves, but evil destroys both physically
of his lay ministry. Editorial Board] and mentally.
13. Hold on to your belief when chaos surrounds
you.
One generation will bequeath their vision and ideas to the
14. Family unity is far more precious than
next, and some day under the grace of God these will
immense wealth.
come into fruition. Tolstoy, one of my favourite writers
15. Be a good listener, not a talker. That way you
said: “some people say you should be afraid of God. This
learn more.
is not true. But how can you love those whom you are
16. Material things do not last forever and you
afraid? Additionally, you cannot be afraid of God because
cannot take them with you.
God is love; how can you be afraid of love? You should
17. God hears many excuses, make sure some
not fear God but love him. And if you love God, then you
are not yours.
will not be afraid of him or of anything else in this world.”
18. If you think you are alone, reach out you are
This is also my understanding for writing in my old age.
not the only one.
‘Three in One,’ can be thought of as a reality of our Triune
[Link] are two of you and they part company
God, a God of love and not a God of fear vengeance and
on death, keep developing the mobile part.
destruction. Life is a fascinating balance between who we
[Link] hardest lessons are the ones you would
are today and who we are becoming under the grace of
prefer to forget but cannot.
God. The tension between ‘being and becoming’ is at
21. Your life is meant to be lived so get on with it.
the core of our human existence and experience. It is not
22. The beauty of acquiring true knowledge is you
only a philosophical debate but also deeply rooted in the realise how little you know.
teachings of the Bible, and how we walk through life under
23. Always listen and obey that small voice of
the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The following is my
reason when you are tempted; this will always
experience and understanding over 88 years. I hope and eliminate any regrets in your life.
pray for the readers of this journal to have a transforming
24. Finally, if you start suffering from allusions of
and ‘becoming’ reality under the love and grace of God for
religious grandeur ask yourself if you would
spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ for bringing the
volunteer to be crucified for all of us.
values of the kingdom of God.
Keep learning, loving and an open mind that is all that is
1. On Reaching 88 years required.

One of the problems of becoming old is the temptation of 2. Who Are The Earthly Masters?
giving unsolicited advice, because unfortunately it will be
at least thirty years out of date and most likely resented. We are now inundated with technology that we could only
Therefore, consider this to be a series of reflections on my dream about a century ago in films like Alexander Korda’s
own experience of life so far which I hope may be of “THINGS TO COME” where a new technology-based
interest to you. world order is established to eradicate war and raise the
standard and quality of living and ending in man's first
1. Let your religion become a loving relationship journey into space. There was also a superb cartoon/film
with God and all he represents. called “Pinocchio.” It was about a wooden puppet that
2. How can you expect to receive if you have not became animated though still made of wood and is
given. tempted to the dark side. After a series of misadventures
3. Be aware of believing your viewpoint is the concluded by being vomited from a whale onto land (a
only correct one. touch of Jonah?). He acknowledges the errors of his ways
4. Be thankful for what you have, many have and is turned into a real flesh and blood boy with a
much less. character that only parents could dream about. Believe it
5. There are many ways to crack a nut, make or not that is exactly where we are today when we pick
sure your way does not destroy its contents. up a mobile phone, use a computer and get fascinated as
6. The path to God is very straight and very Elon Musk peels open the future before our very eyes
narrow, so tread extremely carefully. sitting in our homes.
7. In forgiving, you yourself are forgiven.
8. True love will destroy hate.

20 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Wow what fantastic progress, we are really accelerating In this parable, is Jesus giving us a choice? Do we have
into the future. Really ??? how much do you read or write, an option of being the Sower, the seed, the soil, the rocky
how is your mental arithmetic, can you still remember your ground, the path or the thorns? Well, would I choose to
times table up to twelve times, how is your spelling, can be the soil, the seed and the Sower? First of all—as every
you still do simple differentiation and integration, could gardener knows—you have to start with good soil. It has
you tell if your calculator gave you a wrong answer. Do to be well fertilised, able to hold moisture, disease free and
you really sit down and think or are you just a watcher? easy to work (no clumpy clay). The seed has to be fresh
Even my spell check does not recognise the word !!!!! and disease proof. It must be sown evenly at the correct
depth and covered with fine soil that it can penetrate.
In case you are wondering what this article is about and Finally, it should be watered regularly but not drowned,
why it is here in Focus, I am asking all of you the question: and if necessary protected from frost.
Do you sit down and ask God: “Where are we going from
here and do you approve of the direction? How can we Plants are sensitive and respond to tender loving care (
grow Spiritually even though AI becomes smarter and we, TLC), that is why some gardeners are labelled “Green
though more techy, are becoming more dependent on Fingered,” as they respond to plant’s needs as it grows.
machines? Worse still are we as a species drifting away So, there we are, an Earthly three in one.
from God and building another Human Monument of
gigantic proportions that when it eventually collapses, Unfortunately, it is not that simple. We are responsible for
plunges us back centuries without the skills or stamina to this vulnerable blue planet revolving in space and time;
survive? Are We building a new ‘Tower of Bable? (Gen however, we are doing a very bad job of it. The Earth is
11:1-9). telling us in its way that enough is enough and the recent
events in popular Greek, Spanish seaside resorts, and
Church congregations are shrinking and closing; it is not others in the Mediterranean would be unheard of fifty
helped by the antics of the upper echelons of the Church. years ago let alone the weather conditions along Florida,
Will it be another repeat of the actions of the Jews in their the Southern and midwestern United States and
troubled relationship with God as outlined in the Bible? devastating fire is Las Angels.

Remember we are more than a dot on a timeline that We are sowing seed alright, the seed of self-destruction,
stretches billions of years into the future and also back pollution of the air, water and land,? Are we being the
into the past. This is our time and one and only moment very opposite of what we were meant to do, namely act as
to have a positive effect on it and ourselves; so, do not caretakers of this fragile ecosystem for generations to
waste it. follow?

I choose God and all that it entails. The challenges, the Make no mistake the earth is quite capable of getting rid
temptations, the love, the forgiveness, the healing, the of irritating fleas of its back and the evidence is the
guidance and above all the relationship with father, Son extinction of the Dinosaurs despite being on Earth for
and Holy Spirit (Three in One). It is and will always be billions of years; our existence on earth maybe a mere
eternal. Remember our universe despite all its advances pinprick compared to theirs but we are a greater menace
in technology has a known sell by date, God should know, due to atomic warfare, pollution, consumption and a
he created it. massive inertia to sort things out, preferring fighting to
planting.
May God bless us all and despite all our faults, we shall
always remain his children on a monumental learning Jesus had it right the first time; sow the right kind of seed
curve. May it be as painless and productive as possible. in the right places and maybe we can become all in one
and the ensuing world pause in friction will allow us all to
3. Could We Become An Earthly All In One? attend to the Earth's needs and not our own, so that it will
produce what we desperately need, to sow the seeds of
Maybe, maybe not, but read on and judge for yourself and peace, homes, prosperity, equality for all and a greater
I will start with the well-known Parable of the Seed. “A understanding of our roles and reasons for being here in
Sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell the first place.
on a path and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell
on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil and it Mr. David Brand is an elder and a Lay Reader of
sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. So, when the All Saints’, Harrow Weald, of the Church of
the sun rose, it was scorched and since it had no root it England where the Sinai MTC conducts
withered away. Other seed fell among thorns and the worship services. He is a retired electronic
thorns grew up and choked it and it yielded no grain. Other engineer. He has written over 20 articles
seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing for the FOCUS, and he is a man of
up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a great wisdom and kindness.
hundredfold” (Mt 13:1-8).

21 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

My Story (Part-X)
Dr. Titus Mathews, Professor Emeritus, University of Calgary, Canada
[Dr. Titus Mathews may be very familiar to the readers of just like what his mother had, excruciating pain on his legs
the FOCUS Journal. He was one of the founding editors and could not walk or sleep and had to be hospitalized. It
and only given up the responsibility after ten years being took about two years before he could walk properly.
an editor. He lived and worked in India, Africa, England,
and Canada. His contributions to the Mar Thoma Diaspora This condition forced him to abandon both the projects he
communities and the academic life in these countries are had planned to be involved in. But he put down his ideas
enormous and hence it is worth publishing it for the benefit and observations about how to improve the university
of our readers. The following is the sixth part of an education, ‘moving from teaching to learning and from
autobiographical sketch written by Dr. Titus Mathew and research to scholarship’, rationalized fee structure, and
supplemented by his wife, Mrs. Sara Joseph. We are strategy for globalization of university education. Our
hoping to publish it in several parts over the next two years. daughter Maria, a University professor, edited and
We are very grateful for the help and support of the family published the book with the title “Building World - Class
for helping us with this. The part-IX of the story was Universities”.
published in the January, 2025 issue (FOCUS January
2025, Vol. 13, Issue 1, p22-23). For the Editorial Board] Another happy event he helped to organize and
participated in was the ‘Festival of Favorite Hymns’ at
Days After Retirement- (spouse's, Mrs. Sara Joseph’s, Santhigiri Ashram, Kerala. We both loved singing,
perspective) especially the old English hymns that we learned and sang
in school at college. We were planning to go to Kerala in
Though Titus retired from the University, his mind was still early 2004 for some Ayurvedic physiotherapy treatment
hooked on the Internationalization of University Education for him. So, he came up with the plan to have a reunion of
and Student Exchange Programs. So, he developed an our friends there who also loved to sing, get together for
entity called ‘University College International’ to bring couple of days at Santhigiri and have singing sessions and
students from Africa, Middle East, and India, and offer worship service. He wrote to Zacharias Thirumeni and
them courses and other necessary qualifications to get Professor AM Chacko (his longtime friend) about it, and
admission and degrees from Universities in Canada. This both agreed it was a good idea. Chacko Sir agreed to
involved securing student visas to Canada, getting contact people who wanted to join and make other
permission from educational authorities, developing arrangements there. Thirumeni also was pleased with the
boarding, and lodging facilities, securing financial support idea and gave permission to use the facility and planned
and so on. He got a few others, including people with to attend the program. Though Titus was still recovering
political connections involved in it and had a good start. after his hospitalization, he soon started to work on the
But the economic situations were so bad in Canada and program. He selected about a dozen hymns, searched for
especially in Alberta that getting student visas and any the authors, the circumstances under which they wrote
financial support were very difficult. them and created a short biography of the authors and
other details. He made booklets for everyone along with
He took his long-time close friend and fellow student from the program for the festival. It was held on February13 &
Imperial College, and colleague in the Physics 14, 2004. We had three sessions of singing, and Holy
Department, Professor John Bland and his wife Beatrice Qurbana service on February 14 morning was conducted
to Kerala for a tour. They enjoyed it so much, especially by Thirumeni. (Thirumeni was my classmate and Titus’s
the tour of the spice growing areas and the backwaters was his warden in the Hostel at UC college). Also,
and were going to recommend it to others. This gave him Professor Chacko was my teacher, and his wife Sodari
an idea to establish an arrangement with a touring was my friend and choir mate in UC College. It was such
company in Kerala to organize such a program, so that he a relaxed and blessed time for all of us attended, most of
can publicize it and have people from here go and enjoy whom were former students of UC College, and we
such visits. Moreover, that will provide good publicity decided to have it again after couple of years.
about Kerala, our people, culture, religions, and cuisine.
He formatted a booklet about the various spices grown in The next few years were mostly happy days - kid’s
Kerala with colorful pictures and details, and produced weddings; birth of grandkids; visits to family and friends in
detailed tour programs, for sailing in backwater, visits to Kerala, trips to Australia and New Zealand, and a sight-
different architectural, religious, and cultural sights and a seeing tour of Turkey and Greece with our friends, the
tour of spice lands of Kerala. Kurians. Also, we had the privilege and pleasure of taking
care of our first grandchild, Joshua, for about two years as
Soon after he returned from the tour with Dr. Bland (early an infant, whose parents lived and studied in US. That
2003), he started to develop the ill effects of his long- was an ‘enjoyable change to our slowing down mode.’
standing diabetes. He experienced diabetic Neuropathy,

22 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Joshua is a teenager now, but we still reminisce about used to drive such trucks for fun. I am glad he did not get
those joyful and sometimes challenging days. an opportunity for that.

Though Titus was a devout Christian and a Marthomite, he Looking back, like every other family, we also had good
was always interested in knowing about and studying times, not so good times, expectations that did not
other religions. He respected all religions, and the good materialize, failed business ventures, health issues, and so
values and practices in them, especially Buddhism. He is on. But failures or setbacks did not defeat us. They taught
very much an admirer of current Dali Lama. He had us valuable lessons to correct ourselves and move on.
collected several books and videos on different religions
and kept them away for his retired days. These became Titus is mostly a serious person of serious talk, and fairly
very handy to spend time in a productive way. disciplined. He is an ardent Christian but does not wear it
on the sleeve. With honesty, integrity, and faithfulness as
He also realized that the younger people in our Church did his core values of life, he would not take it lightly if
not know much on the early history of Christianity, its anybody questioned his values. He is grateful to his
development, formation of various churches, reformation grandparents, parents, family, teachers, mentors, Church
and even the Churches in Kerala. So, he got hold of and all his good friends and associates around the world
several DVDs and booklets about these subjects. Every for their influence, love and care in making his life a happy
other Saturday morning, a few of the youth of our Mar and fairly successful one. Above all he is grateful to God
Thoma Church, gathered in our house to watch those for giving him the opportunities and circumstances he had
videos followed by discussions. Of course, the bait was and guarding and guiding him all his life.
‘breakfast by Sarah Auntie’. It lasted for several sessions,
and I think the professor enjoyed it more than the students We had a gathering in Calgary of families and close friends
did. for his 80th Birthday Celebration. Many people from US
also came and he was very happy and grateful to his kids
Titus is a man of ideas but has absolutely no business for organizing it. That was a very happy occasion for him.
skills. Many of his ideas were way ahead of the time by Sometimes I wonder why God joined us together. We
about 5 to 10 years. Also, as soon as he realizes that his were both brought up by grandparents in a very loving and
idea is working, he is satisfied, and leaves it for others to protective environment, and our core values in life are
continue as there are no more challenges in it to tackle. In more or less the same. But we are different in many of our
other words, he is ‘a starter, not a finisher.’ Titu’s words attitudes, behaviors, and habits - maybe because he was
that “Dad is a scientist, not an Engineer” seems to be grown up as an only child with all the attention and
correct. Looking back, this pattern is very true with privileges, whereas I lived with several children of different
several of his activities. Most of the community activities ages in a large joint family where we had to share and care
such as with INCA, Calgary Science Center, University for each other. We had to accommodate for each other’s
affairs, even Mar Thoma Church here, when he saw his agenda as well and make compromises. For him, he was
initiatives are going to be fruitful, and others were joining the only grandchild at the time, and the centre of every
to take care of them, he would become less involved and other’s attention, love and agenda. Titus is an early riser
concerned, but ready to help if needed. Lingering on is not and plans, and does most of the daily matters in the
his policy, let others get opportunity to get involved and morning. I am a mid-night burner and finish all work of the
improve matters. Many professors after retirement, stay day before I go to bed. In some sense he is the ‘planner,
around the departments with all kinds of work, but Titus decision maker and starter’ and I am the ‘finisher’ most of
took it in its real meaning. As the Head of the Department, the time. He needs ‘challenges’ for inspiration and I need
he knew how difficult it was to accommodate retired ‘purpose’ for inspiration. In many ways our rearing in
people’s needs around the department. It’s like ‘my time childhood prepared us well for our life together.
is up, let someone else take charge’. (it is amusing, the
same attitude goes on in household matters these days!) Titus disliked, even hated the visits with doctors, and
hospitalizations, but he had to endure them often to keep
Earlier on he was interested in growing things, mostly his diabetes and associated problems under control. So
vegetables, knocking around the house, making a green even if he was sick, he would not admit how bad the
house, closets, and even finishing the basement of our situation was. About five years ago, a neglected cold and
houses and doing all the yard work. He even invested in cough turned into a very severe pneumonia infection, and
a farm about 200 miles away to enjoy farm life on he was arguing with the Emergency Medical Personnel,
weekends and sold it after two years realizing how called in at the middle of the night, “do I really have to go
impractical that was. He wanted to be active in all waking to hospital?”. Both his lungs were affected and were in
hours and seemed to be enjoying cooking while I was serious condition. Though he recovered from that
away. Another wish he was not able to fulfill was to ‘drive episode, slowly he was experiencing memory loss and
an eight-wheeler truck from Vancouver to Newfoundland,’ lack of interest and concentration in activities. He still
one end to the other end of Canada. His friend Bill Warden reads the news from all over the world early in the morning
at the computer but does not retain much. But he

23 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

remembers clearly every detail from the past. He had first official visit to Rome, reinforcing the strong relationship
started writing his memories, earlier after retirement, but between the Catholic Church and this ancient Oriental Indian
didn’t continue - may be, lost interest and was not able to Church.
finish after the pneumonia episode.
The Mar Thoma Syrian Church traces its origins to the mission
Though sometimes it is frustrating for me to be ‘the of the Apostle St. Thomas in South-Western India in the first
century. Today, it consists of approximately 1.5 million
planner to the finisher’ these days, God provides the
members, primarily based in the Indian state of Kerala. The
strength and means for doing that. The love, care and Church maintains communion with the Thozhiyoor (Anglican)
concern of family and friends make us to laugh and still Church and has ecclesiastical ties with the Old Catholic Church
enjoy life. The fact that Titu, Simona and kids live nearby (Union of Utrecht) and the Church of South India (CSI).
and are of great help and support is a great relief. Additionally, it engages in ecumenical dialogues with various
Churches, including the Syrian Orthodox Church and other
Titus is very happy, especially when grandkids are around Protestant denominations. The Mar Thoma Church is also an
him or call and talk to him. He is not bitter with anyone or active participant in major ecumenical bodies such as the World
anything happened in the past and is a very contented Council of Churches (WCC), the Christian Conference of Asia
(CCA), and the Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA).
person. He has no complaints of any sort and no ill feeling
with anyone. Thankfully he does not feel pain of any sort
now. He is spending his time mostly watching basketball In his address, Pope Francis warmly welcomed the Holy Synod
and extended his greetings to Metropolitan Theodosius Mar
(NBA) and tennis and news from different sources. The
Thoma and the Malankara faithful, expressing gratitude for their
only regret I think he has is “I should not have given up role in bridging Eastern and Western Christianity. “Your Church,”
playing basketball when I came to Calgary.” he said, “rightly defines itself as a ‘bridge Church’ between East
and West.”
I am going to close this write up with a basketball humor.
A very long time, ago one of Titus’s close friends and Reflecting on the progress of relations between the two
basketball buddy in Madras Christian College, Mr. Paul Churches, the Pope highlighted key milestones, including the
Joseph, came to visit us here in Calgary, when he came representation of the Mar Thoma Church at the Second Vatican
to Toronto on business. They were meeting together for Council and the official dialogues that began in Kerala in 2022.
the first time after MCC days. After the initial happy He expressed hope that this “step-by-step approach” would
reunion talk and dinner, we all gathered in living room to eventually lead to unity in sharing the Eucharist.
continue talking and getting to know the family. All of a
sudden Paul asked “Titus, what happened to your “I rejoice at the beginning of this dialogue, which I entrust to the
basketball, are you still playing?” Titus was fumbling to Holy Spirit and which I hope will hasten the day when we will be
able to share the same Eucharist, in fulfillment of the Lord’s
say something. But our second son Joseph, may be nine
prophecy: ‘They shall come from east and west and sit at table’
or ten at the time, quietly answered “no, Daddy swallowed
(cf. Mt 8:11).”
the ball when he came here”! We all laughed.
Pope Francis emphasized two key areas for collaboration
Mar Thoma Church, a “Bridge Church” between the two Churches: synodality and mission. He noted
that synodality is deeply rooted in the Mar Thoma Church’s
Between East and West- Pope Francis tradition and aligns with the Catholic Church’s recent Synod on
Synodality. The Pope reiterated that synodality and ecumenism
are inseparable, as both are grounded in the shared Baptism and
the common faith of all Christians.

Quoting the late Metropolitan of Pergamon, Ioannis Zizioulas,

one of the most influential Orthodox theologians of the 20th and
21st centuries, Pope Francis reminded those present that
Christian unity, while ultimately a future reality, requires a present
commitment “to walk, pray, and work together.”

On the topic of mission, he stressed that ecumenism is not only

a goal but also a means of evangelization. “Working together to
bear witness to the Risen Christ is the best way for us to draw
closer together,” he said. The Pope commended the Mar Thoma
Welcoming the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church to the
Church for its missionary spirit, emphasizing that its dedication
Vatican, Pope Francis praised the progress of ecumenical
to evangelization has much to contribute to the broader Christian
dialogue between the two Churches and reaffirmed that
mission. He concluded the meeting by inviting all those present
synodality and ecumenism are essential for a stronger Christian
to join in reciting the Lord’s Prayer, underscoring the shared faith
witness.
and unity in Christ that binds the two traditions.

During a historic meeting with the Holy Synod of the Malankara

Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Pope Francis marked the Church’s Lal Varghese, Esq.

24 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Islam and Interfaith Dialogue
Revd Dr. M. M. Abraham

Introduction
who demolishes or justifies the demolition of any place
Islam has been greatly misunderstood by other religions of worship is clearly acting contrary to the injunction of
the Quran. Allah would dispel such people and punish
and has been projected as both intolerant and
them as His name is remembered in all these places of
aggressively expansionist. At the political level, Islam and
Hinduism confronted each other and developed a highly worship.3
prejudiced view of each other’s religion. However, at the
level of the masses, Sufi and folk Islam became popular The Second Caliph Ummar did not pray in the church of
Palestine when he visited it during his sojourn to that
and evoked no animosity.1 The Muslim scholar
city. When the Arch Bishop of Palestine inquired of the
Mohmoud Ayoub stresses that throughout history God
reason, the caliph said it is because he does not want
has revealed himself to the prophets in different
the Muslims to claim later that their caliph prayed there.
traditions. Islam, according to him, proclaims more loudly Thus, he took all precaution that Muslims should not
than any other tradition that God’s disclosure is found claim a church for conversion into a mosque. Both the
within the religious experience of humankind. Human
Quran and the practice of the prophet’s caliph are
history is the history of divine revelation; it is the history against demolishing any place of worship irrespective
of prophets who in their lives provided a link between the
of religion.4 However, history reveals that some
temporal life and the eternal.2
Muslims have destroyed some non-Muslim places of
worship.
Islam and Religious Pluralism
The Quran lays down four basic rules or principles that
Islam encourages pluralism and promotes peaceful it considers necessary for the truth claim of any religion.
co-existence with other religions. The Quran The first is that a true religion must be enshrined in a
repeatedly says, “To every nation we appointed acts divinely revealed scripture or sacred law. Secondly, it
of devotion, which they observe, so let them not must acknowledge and proclaim God’s absolute
dispute with thee in the matter, and call to thy Lord” oneness. Thirdly, it must enjoin dynamic faith in God
(22:67). and the last day. Finally, it should foster righteous living.
Based on these four principles, the Quran affirms the
Another verse says, “And everyone has direction to truth of the faith of Muslims, Jews, Christians, and
which he turns (i.e. everyone has a way of worshiping Sabaeans.5 Quran approves of the faith communities,
Him). So, vie with one another in good work “(2:148). which include Muslims, Christians, Sabaeans and any
Surah 109, Verses 2 to 6, says, “I do not worship what other faith community that claims to live by the four
you worship. You do not worship what I worship. I will principles outlined above.
never worship what you worship. You will never worship
what I worship. You have your religion and I have mine.” It must be stressed that the Quran recognizes the
This shows that Quran accepts the diversity in worship. plurality of religious communities and the essential
Quran does not approve of any kind of compulsion in validity of their faiths. The religious pluralism it
religion. The Quran says, “There shall be no compulsion espouses is not subject to any political or theological
in religion” (2:256). Surah 22, Verse 40, says, “Did not considerations. It is rather a fact of divine wisdom
Allah check one set of people by means of another, operating in human history. Nevertheless, this Quranic
there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, view of religious diversity has constituted a serious legal
churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the and political problem for Muslim rulers, jurists and
name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. ideologists throughout Muslim history.6
Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause) for,
surely, Allah is full of strength, Exalted in Might, (Able to Quranic Call for Dialogue
enforce His will).”
The Quranic term for dialogue is jidal, which means ‘to
It is clear from the above verse that Allah’s name is be intimately engaged with someone in discussion or
remembered whether it is in the mosque, the debate.’ This intimate and purposeful dialogue is called
synagogue or the church and that Allah protects all
in the Quran “the best” or “fairest debate” (al- jidal al-
places of worship. Those who do not protect these
places are dispelled by Allah by those who could. Thus, ahsan).7 The Quran enjoins Muhammad’s Call “to the
there is a clear disapproval of non-protection, let alone way of your Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation; and
demolition of any religious place of worship. Any Muslim debate with them in the fairest manner” (Surah 16:125).
This fair dialogue, moreover, must be based on

25 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

common and sincere faith in God and His revelations. Christian.10 Furthermore, tradition reports that while
Quran says, “we believe in that which was sent down still a youth, Muhammad met a Syrian monk called
to us and sent down to you. Your God and our God is Bahirah who recognized him as the “prophet of the end
one, and to him we are Submitters (Muslims)” (29:46). of time.” The Syrian monk is said to have recognized
Quran presents a graphic description of the faith and Muhammad by the seal of prophethood, which he saw
righteous works of the Christians with whom Muslims between his shoulders.
must live in harmony and fellowship of faith.
Quran tells Muhammad, while he was still uncertain of the
Coming after both the Torah of Moses and the Gospel veracity of his prophetic experience, “If you are in doubt
of Jesus Christ, the Quran saw itself not as contradicting concerning what we have sent down to you, ask those
or replacing these scriptures, but as confirming them. who read the scriptures before you” (10:94). The Quran
Quran asserts, “He (God) sent down the Book to you attributes to Jesus the prediction of a messenger who
(Muhammad) with the truth, confirming (the Scriptures) would come after him, “Whose name is Ahmad,” that is
that were before it, and He sent down the Torah and the Muhammad (61: 6). This led Muslim traditionalists and
Gospel afore time, a guidance for humankind” (Surah 3: historians to seek confirmation of the truth of
3 – 4). Quran came to confirm not only the Jewish and Muhammad’s prophetic mission in the books of both the
Christian scriptures but also every Book that God had, Old and the New Testaments.
or may have, revealed before it.
Islam considers all human beings as one family The Christians whom the Quran describes appear to be
consisting of brothers and sisters, irrespective of race, desert monks and other pious men and women who lived
nationality, sex, or creed. Therefore, all people are equal as hermits in the Arabian Desert and whom the prophet
before God. and early Muslims must have observed first hand. The
Quran says, “Those to whom we had given the Book
The only criterion for judging human beings is piety and before it (i.e. the Quran), they believe in it. When it is
recited to them, they say, “We believe in it, it is the truth
good deeds.8 Quran says, “O mankind, we have created from God. For, before it, we were submitters (Muslims)”
you from a single (pair) of male and female, and made you (28:54- 55).
into nations and tribes that you may know each other (not
that you may despise each other). Verily, the most The Quran further discussed about these people of the
honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the Book as steadfast and magnanimous people who avoid
most righteous of you” (Surah 49: 13). vain and contentious talk. Hence, “These shall receive
their reward twofold for their steadfastness. They
Thus, prophets are sent to every nation and the main counter evil with good, and they spend in alms of what
purpose is to settle things among people with justice we have bestowed upon them. Their peaceful
so that they are not wronged. All those who believe in temperament and deep piety are depicted thus: When
one or the other prophet (whoever the prophet, he they hear vain talk they turn away from it and say, ‘To
should be a messenger of God) and adhere to the us belong our actions and to you belong your actions.’
norms of justice are believers. The Quran not only Peace be upon you; we seek not the foolish”(28:54-55).
requires belief in all prophets but also equal respect for
them without any distinction.9 Quran says, “We make Assessing the Muslim-Christian encounter, the
no difference between any of His messengers” (2: protestant scholar David Kerr states that Christians
285). The Quran also requires that a believer should should accept that God’s revelation is universal, and is
accept all His prophets, including those in the past, visible in nature and human history. In his opinion, God
and those sent to different nations, without making any has left no people without witness to his divine
distinction among them. Quran says, “Those who presence. Thus, Muhammad should be seen as
believe in Allah and His messengers and desire to manifestly a sign ‘in the way of the prophets.’11 The
make a distinction between Allah and His messengers Quran witnesses to the universality of divine revelation,
and say: We believe in some and disbelieve in others; reiterating many of the fundamental perceptions of
and desire to take a course in between these are truly scripture.
disbelievers” (4: 150-151).

Muslim-Christian Relations

Muslim-Christian relation is as old as Islam itself. The

prophet Muhammad sought confirmation of the
authenticity of his message in the witness of the
Christian savant Waraqah b. Nawfal, the cousin of his
wife Khadijah, who may have herself been a

26 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

A Muslim scholar Ahmed Shafaat notes that In 1979, a planning meeting was held at Chambesy,
Muhammad’s goal was to draw Muslims, Christians and Switzerland. The continuing suspicion of dialogue
was recognized and the group insisted that dialogue
Jews .together into one ummah (community), united in must never be used as a tool for proselytism. One of
the worship of God.12 Prophet attempted to create a the main concerns was the organized missionary
multi-religious society in Medina. This shows the activities, which generated tensions between
religious significance in the historical links between the Christians and Muslims. In 1980, the first official
three groups. Their histories are part of the same process Muslim-Christian Youth dialogue was held at Bossey
of revelation and linked by the divine will. in Switzerland. In the meeting, the conversionist
missionary activities were criticized. In 1982, a
Many Muslim-Christian dialogue meetings have been conference was held in Sri Lanka on ‘Christians and
arranged by the World Council of Churches and by Muslims Living and Working together.’ The
other organizations at the International level as well as participants expressed the hope that representatives
the local level.13 The first Christian-Muslim meeting of other international Islamic organizations and of the
initiated by the World Council of Churches was held at Roman Catholic Church would become involved in
Cartigny near Geneva in March 1969. The meeting the consultations and dialogue.
stressed the need for Christians and Muslims to meet
and discuss what the two religions have in common. It A number of regional consultations have been held on
looked at the problems that the modern world poses for Muslim-Christian relations. The consultation at Benin in
both religions, and considered the nature and 1986 was on ‘Religion and Responsibility.’ The role of
importance of dialogue. The next bi-lateral meeting was the Islamic state was discussed at Bali, Indonesia in
held at Broumana in 1972. The question of sharing in 1986. In 1987 at Kolymbari, Greece and in 1988 at New
devotions was discussed in this meeting. Another multi- Windsor, U.S.A, questions of religious pluralism were
lateral meeting was arranged at Legan, Ghana, in 1974. discussed.
This meeting was marked by a desire for mutual
awareness and caring. The report states the purpose of Besides the attempts of World Council of Churches,
the meeting, which was to share with their Muslim many study centers in Asia and elsewhere have also
neighbours those facilities and opportunities for been actively engaged in inter-faith dialogues. The
religious, educational, social and economic Henry Martyn Institute of Islamic studies in India and
advancement, which Christians happen to possess. the Christian study centre in Pakistan are the two
major protestant centers, which are practically
The next meeting was held at Hong Kong in 1975. This involved in dialogue with Muslims.14 The Henry
meeting affirmed that both religions had a responsibility Martyn Institute took the initiative for conducting the
to work together for political and social harmony and Muslim-Christian dialogue in the second half of the
should defend each other’s interests. After the Nairobi 20th century. In 1963, HMI invited some Muslim
Assembly of the world council of churches in 1975, a Professors to discuss the question of faith with their
consultation was held at Chambesy in Switzerland in Christian counterparts. Twenty Muslims and
1976, to study the Christian concept of mission and the Christians in the Christian Council of India Lodge in
Muslim understanding of da’wah. While it was Nagpur attended this dialogue. The only problem
recognized that mission and da’wah are essential during this session was that of a joint worship service.
religious duties in the respective religions, the
importance of religious freedom was also affirmed. In After the first dialogue, HMI arranged several occasions
1976, a meeting was arranged at Cartigny, near for dialogue with Muslims on various topics such as
Geneva, to plan the next steps in Christian-Muslim ‘Religion in the Modern Age,’ ‘Man, his Nature and
dialogue. It was especially important as it laid a Destiny,’
foundation for the institutional consultation that
continues to develop. At themeeting, it was agreed that ‘Salvation, God and Secularity,’ ‘Social Justice,’ and
‘Women in Great Religions.’ The last-mentioned
preparation and sympathy for dialogue needed to be
dialogue was held in connection with the International
encouraged at all possible levels within both
communities. women’s year and was mainly meant for women. The
latest dialogue on the topic of ‘Mosque and Church:
In 1977, a consultation was held in Beirut on ‘Faith, Their contribution to Inter-religious Harmony and
Science and Technology and the Future of Humanity.’ A Reconciliation’ took place in New Delhi from ninth to 11
paper was presented by Dr. Wilfred Cantwell Smith, October 1978. This dialogue was unique in the sense
which was titled, ‘A Historian looks at faith, science and that some Muslim women attended it for the first time.
technology.’ Another area was ‘Theological concerns.’ Both Christian and Muslim participants pledged to
This included a discussion of humanity’s relation to continue to work together for interreligious harmony and
nature and of the role of Jesus Christ as seen by reconciliation and hold inter-faith dialogues at short
Christians and Muslims. intervals.

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Apart from dialogue with Muslims, HMI held training Islam both proclaim and worship one and the same
institutes in various parts of India to assist the local God. Zwemer, who stressed on the difference between
congregations and church leaders to understand and the two religions, however, always insisted that Muslims
relate to their Muslim neighbours in a Christian spirit. worshiped the true God. Kennath Cragg insists that
“one and the same God over all was the reality in both
Christian Responses to Islam religions,” but also emphasizes that we must consider
the deep differences in the knowledge of God between
In his assessment of Christian-Muslim dialogue at the Islam and Christianity. Baven Jones urges that we take
Review meeting of the WCC sub unit at Casablanca, account of the possibility that traces of the work of
Morocco, in the year 1989, Dr. Tarek Mitri observes God’s spirit are to be found in Islam and states that it is
that many Muslims still suspect that dialogue is a new with this openness that we ought to study the Quran.
mode of mission and evangelization.15 A further issue Dr. Bijlefeld maintains that the relation between
identified by Dr. Michael Mildenberger from Germany, Christianity and Islam is unique. According to him, no
is the position of Muslim minorities in Christian religion except Islam has been determined in its origin
countries and Christian minorities living in the Islamic and essence by its confrontation with Judaism and
world. Christianity.

Muslim-Hindu Dialogue
Dr. William Bijlefeld summarises a number of views.16
Lutheran theologians developed the view that Islam is the
bulwark of the Devil or the Antichrist. This idea has been Arvind Sharma, quoting Muslim scholars, argues that
expressed repeatedly in the protestant world during the Islam has the space to have dialogue with Hinduism.17
last few centuries and has had a number of advocates. According to the Quran (35:23, 57:25) prophets have
The anti-Christian protest of Islam is a deliberate been sent to all the people of the world. Hence, Muslims
rejection of the Gospel rather than an excusable mistake. should make no distinctions among the prophets (11:36)
This view maintains that Muhammad has deliberately but treat them all on par. Fazlur Rahman says that there
rejected the kerygma and must bear the guilt for this is no mention of any fixed religious communities in the
decision. earlier part of the Quran. Different prophets have come to
different people and nations at different times, but their
The Nestorian patriarch, Timotheus 1, who died in 823 messages are universal and identical. All these messages
A.D, wrote a book in Arabic in which he expressly emanate from a single source “the Mother of the Book”
recognized that the prophet of Islam was a messenger (43: 4; 13:29) and the “Hidden Book” (56:78).
of the one true God, and said that Muhammad deserves
the praise of all intelligent men. Muhammad is said to Since these messages are universal and identical, it is
have followed the path of all the prophets, for he has incumbent on all people to believe in all divine
taught the unity that brought them to the knowledge of messages. This is why Muhammad felt himself
God, the exalted One. Like all the prophets, he obligated to believe in the prophethood of Noah,
teachings concerned the “God, His Word, and His Abraham, Moses, and Jesus for God’s religion as well
Spirit.” as prophethood is indivisible. Indeed, the prophet
declares in the Quran he believes in the Torah and the
Martin Luther formed a radically negative opinion of Gospel, adding, “I believe in whatever Book God may
Islam due to the Muslim’s rejection of Christ’s work of have revealed” (42:15). This is because God’s guidance
salvation. However, he praised the virtues of Muslims. is universal and not restricted to any nation. “And there
Among the reformers, there were also a few exceptions is no nation wherein a warner has not come” (35:24)
to the radical rejection of Islam. One was Luther’s and “For every people a guide has been provided”
younger colleague Melancthon and the other was the
(13:7).18
Swiss reformed theologian Bibliander who had a greater
appreciation of Islam as he studied it more closely. He
listed some points of beliefs, which were common with There is however another passage in the Quran which
Christianity and noted that in addition to these common seems to provide a more solid basis for a Muslim to talk
points of belief, Christians, Jews and Muslims agreed in to a Hindu. Surah 5:48 runs as follows in the translation
believing that salvation was for all mankind. offered by Martin Lings:

The views of certain Christian thinkers and scholars “For each of you we have appointed a law and a way.
along these lines are also notable. A few Christian And if God had willed He would have made you one
writers accept the truth of the words from the Quran, people. But He has willed it otherwise in that He may
“Our God and your God is one” (2:139). Some maintain put you to the test in what He has given to you. So, vie
that Muslims and Christians share one monotheistic with one another in good works. Unto God will ye be
faith. Others accept the idea that in spite of great brought back, And He will inform you about that where
contrasts in the knowledge of God, Christianity and in ye differed.”19

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The above stated verse creates more room for dialogue. humanity, not just Muslims and in this verse, the diversity
Fazlur Rahman identifies this verse of the Quran as the not just of people but also of sexes is clearly alluded to.
Quran’s “final answer to the problem of a multi- Not only is the diversity of the peoples alluded to, but also
community world.” Sayyed Hossein Nasr also shares this there are no qualifications attached to it, such as they are
view. This verse also involves the fact that the revelation Jews or Christians or Sabeans. Moreover, the purpose of
received by each community is mediated through the this diversity is also identified. It is to provide an occasion
prophets. This verse could be used for dialogues for the people to know each other and engage in
between Muslims and Hindus. dialogue, so that it might bring out the best in them.
Hence Muslims and Hindus can talk to each other not just
Surah 49:13 says: because revelation is universal but also because diversity
“O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, is universal – a pervasive feature of the human condition.
and we have made you nations and tribes that ye may
know one another! The noblest of you in the sight of Thus, in the light of few above-mentioned verses of the
Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is knower Aware.” Quran, some Sufi saints, like Abdur Rahim Jan-Janan,
concluded that God had sent prophets among the
According to Arvind Sharma this verse seems to offer the Hindus too and likened Brahma to Adam and accepted
clearest mandate for the Muslim to talk to the Hindu. The the Vedas as the revealed books. Certainly, it would not
verse, a Medina verse, is addressed specifically to be in
keeping with the true Quranic spirit to denounce the “Indian Muslim.” In a speech at Delhi’s Juma Masjid,
Hindus as kafirs, as is often done by some sectarian Maulana Azad said: “Let us take the pledge that this
Muslims.20 country is ours, that we belong to it, and that the
fundamental decision of its destiny will remain
The Sufis found many parallels in the spiritual practices incomplete till we participate in them.”24
of the Hindu Yogis. Once, while Nizamuddin Awaliya, a
great Sufi saint of the Sultanate period, was walking Conclusion
along with his disciple Amir Khusrau along the banks of
the Jamuna, he saw some Hindu women bathing and In the light of the above discussion about the Quranic
worshipping the sun. He promptly said, “for every people verses and traditions, one can say that Quran and
there is their religion and of prayer.”21 When Emperor Islam stans for Interfaith Relations and communal
Akbar adopted a liberal policy towards the Hindus, it harmony between people who belong to different
created resentment among a section of the Muslim religions. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan says that the
nobles, mainly those who were of central Asian origin. teachings of Prophet Muhammad and his exemplary
way of living show that he not only projected the
Indonesia ranks first in terms of the highest Muslim concept of peace, but also developed a methodology
population. The remainder is Christians, Bali Hindus and for peaceful activism. The prophet of Islam was the
Buddhists. Although most Indonesians are Muslims, prophet of peace, in the full sense of the expression.
Indonesia is neither an Islamic nor a secular state, but a All his teachings, directly or indirectly, were based on
pancasila state.22 The 1945 constitution guarantees the peace.25 In the course of his farewell sermon before
freedom of all citizens to profess their own religion and to his passing away, the prophet gave the message of a
worship according to their religion and belief. Moreover, universal and humanistic ethics.26 He said:
all religions should recognize the living reality, namely the
existence of a multi-religious community. They must find “O mankind! An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab
the best way to live together in harmony and to share in and a non-Arab is not superior to any Arab, a white man
developing the community.23 The Muslims in Indonesia is not superior to a black man, nor a black man superior
have been deeply influenced by the Hindu culture. Their to a white man, except by virtue of his conduct. The
national cultural symbols are derived from Hinduism. noblest in the sight of Allah is he who is noblest in
Their national dance is based on the Ramayana. Even in conduct.”
India, there is a remarkable degree of cultural assimilation
This statement of Prophet Muhammad underlines the
between the Hindus and the Muslims, not only in rural but
interfaith outlook and respect of Islam for other
also in urban areas.
religions, culture, and ethnicity.
Maulana Azad’s deep learning was enriched by his
References
appreciation of all facets of India’s cultures. He
synthesized in his profound patriotism, the best of Islam !. Xavier Iruduraj and Sebasti L Raj (Ed) Religion and National
and the best of India’s civilization. He showed the Muslim Integration (Bangalore : Infant Jesus Agencies, 1991) p. 63
2. Dan Cohn-Sherbok (Ed), Interfaith Theology: A Reader
community of India how they could be good Muslims and
good Indians at the same time. He also showed the other (England: One World Publications,2007) p. 3
communities of India the meaning of the expression, an

29 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

3 Asghar Ali Engineer ‘A Cooperative Approach’ in Xavier Obituary Tribute to Dr. Mithra G. Augustine
Irudayaraj and Sebasti L. Raj (Ed), op. cit. p. 64 A Distinguished Layperson with an Ecumenical Heart
4 Ibid Revd Dr. M. J. Joseph
5 Irfan A. Omar ( Ed ), A Muslim view of Christianity (New
Delhi: Logos Press, 2010) p. 2 Let me quote the words of
Richard Puz, "Death leaves a
6 Ibid, p. 191
heart ache no one can heal; love
7 Ibid, p. 201 leaves a memory no one can
steal." The above quote speaks
8 M. Darrol Bryant and S. AAli (Ed), Muslim –Christian
well of the earthly pilgrimage of
Dialogue (Minnesota: Paragon House,1998) pp. 60-61. Dr. Mithra G. Augustine. The
9 Asghar Ali Engineer, op. cit, p. 65. demise of Dr. Mithra (Feb.18,
10 Ifran A. Omar (Ed), op. cit. p. 1 2025) communicated to me by
the Very Rev. Dr. Sham P.
11 Dan Cohn-Sherbok (Ed), op. cit, p. 11. Thomas, the present Director of
12 Ibid, p.18. the Ecumenical Christian Center
(ECC) Bangalore, was received
13 Marcus Bray Brooke, Pilgrimage of Hope (London: SCM
with a sense of loss while
press Ltd, 1992) pp. 216-221 thanking God for the gift of such
14 S. V. Bhajjan, ‘Muslims and Christians in an Indian a great soul for the Church and the community at large. As
the successor to Dr. Mithra, being the Director of ECC during
Context,’ The Bulletin, Henry Martyn Institute of Islamic
1997-2006, I am deeply indebted to him for his legacy of
Studies, Vol. 1, No. 4, Oct-Dec 1978, pp. 40-43.
administrative acumen. I had the privilege to serve the Indian
15 Marcus Bray brooke, op. cit, p. 222 School of Ecumenical Theology (ISET) at ECC under his care
16 J.B. Carman, ‘A New Assessment of the Christian for over two years. He was always courteous and friendly to all.
Encounter with Islam,’ The Bulletin, Henry Martyn Institute So, he is fondly remembered.
of Islamic Studies, Hyderabad, April-June, 1960, pp. 45-
49. Dr. Mithra G. Augustine (94) was well known in the educational
circles in India and abroad as an able administrator. He was
17 Arvind Sharma, Islam for Hindus (New Delhi: D. K. Print principal of the Madras Christian College, (1981-1989). Rev .Dr.
Ltd, 2009) pp. 81-85. M. A. Thomas, the founder director of ECC, invited him to
18 Fazlur Rahman, Major Themes of the Quran (Minneapolis: take the leadership of the ECC in the year 1990, as he was
Bibliotheca Islamica, 1980) pp. 163-164. quite sure that he could carry the torch of Ecumenism for the
glory of God. He served the institution till 1997 with distinction
19 Sayyid Hossein Nasr, “Religion, Globality, and and innovative skills. He was the 4th director of ECC. He had
Universality,” in Arvind Sharma and Kathleen Dugan9eds), A been involved in several ecumenical organizations and
Dome of many colors; Studies in Religious Pluralism, Identity academic bodies in the country and abroad for several years.
and unity (Pennsylvania: Trinity Press International, 1999) p.
154. I too had a long period of association with him since 1988 while
I was serving the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam,
20 Asghar Ali Engineer, ‘A co-operative Approach’ in Xavier
as its principal. His visit to the Seminary for the Convocation
Irudayaraj and Sebasti L. Raj (Ed ) op. cit. p. 66. address is remembered with gratitude. The inauguration of the
21 Ibid, p. 68. ISET courses at the ECC, the release of the ECC Journal,
22 Pancasila is the statement of five basic principles based Theology for Times, hosting of many contextual seminars and
on which Indonesia is founded. consultations, the Human Rights workshops and several such
23 J. Paul Rajashekar and H.S. Wilson (Ed), Islam in Asia national and international events are only a few to mention.
(Geneva : Lutheran world Federation, 1992) p. 96. Above all, he made the required arrangements for the funeral
rites of Rev. M. A. Thomas who passed away on June 25, 1993
24 M. Feroz, ‘An Islamic perspective’ in Xavier Irudayaraj and ,with great care, love and affection. In an article, Dr. Mithra
Sebasti l. Raj (Ed), op. cit. p. 82. qualified M. A. Thomas Achen with the following words of
25 Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, The Prophet of Peace (New praise: "A beautiful life and a beautiful end." The ECC is
Delhi: Penguin Books, 2009) p. 216. indeed grateful to him as he initiated the first M. A. Thomas
26 See AI-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361. Memorial Lecture in July, 1994.

"Let me sum up the narration of my obituary tributes with

Revd Dr. M. M. Abraham is a the oft- quoted words of Bernard Shaw "Life levels of all men;
former director of Henry but death reveals the eminent." Yes, Dr. Mithra G. Augustine
Martyn Institute, Hyderabad has left his several footprints on the sands of time for the
and also a board member of glory of God. Therefore, let us thank God and celebrate his
the Mar Thoma Theological life. We need to remember that we live not to die, but to live. He
Seminary Kottayam. He is has " passed over us". He was laid to rest at the West
also a council member of the Tambaram C. S. I Cemetery on Feb.20,2025.
Study of Religion and
My wife, Dr. Elzabeth Joseph, joins me to send our heartfelt
Society, Bangalore.
condolences and prayers to his beloved wife Beula and other
family members.

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Ecojustice as a Missional Paradigm
Prof. Revd Dr. Alexander M. Isaac

Introduction

Humanity is facing a grave threat which is none other than Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Gregorios affirms the same
the looming ecological crisis. The devastating fires that point when he introduces the dialectical tension between
ripped vast areas of forests and urban regions of Los “mastery” and “mystery.” God's word created the cosmos
Angeles reveals the fury of the power that fire has and we and the ecosystem. Mission entails God's word active in
are spell bound and humbled as we witness this force of history both in the created order of the universe as well as
nature leaving trails of destruction and loss of habitats. As later in the Incarnate God and divine redemption. Gospel is
people of faith, we mourn with those who lost their homes, primarily the proclamation of God's purposes in creation,
places of worship, and loved ones. What is the mission of redemption and restoration. Orthodoxia and orthopraxis are
the church and the faithful in times of distress and loss? the twin objectives of God's mission.
Does the mission of God entail a mission movement that
embraces the ecosystem intact? Traditional understanding of mission is rooted in a well-
considered Trinitarian ontology. The dynamic notion coined
Ecojustice consciousness brings an ethical obligation upon by the early Church Fathers, “perichoresis” was thought of
our sensibilities eliciting responsible responsiveness to as a kind of movement. Some have likened it to a dance
ecological issues. What often happens 'out there' at a where the Trinitarian persons interact in an exchange of
distance affects what is 'near here' prompting a 'butterfly other-embracing, self-giving love. Hopefully leading to a
effect.' Mission of the church cannot ignore the concerns of kind of movement that is less compromised by power and
the ecosystem since missio Dei encompasses the entire dominance and more characterized by self-giving love.
creation of God. The paradigm shifts in missiology is God's creation uniquely reveals the mystery of the Trinity.
concerned with eco-justice as the new mission frontier. The John Hart defines ecojustice as "the act of linking
doctrines of Trinity and that of creation have implications for responsibility linking for the natural world with responsibility
an ecologically conscious missiology. for the neighbour. The good of the revelatory commons and
the common good of the revelatory poor are inseparable."
Missiological Implications of the Doctrine of Creation The category of creatiocentric spirituality that Hart
mentions, covers more ground than Raimundo Panikkar’s
The World Council of Churches took the lead in initiating concept of “cosmotheandric spirituality” linking the ‘distinct,
dialogues on "Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation." but not separable” cosmos, God, and the human. Panikkar
Ecological concerns thus received significant attention considers God, the cosmos and the human to constitute a
along with economic and social justice issues. Ecojustice wider Trinity. The notion of perichoresis is a dynamic one
became an integrating factor connecting social justice, having implications for divine mission for the created
shalom, and ecological justice by taking the integrity of the cosmos and ecosystem since God's mission is patterned in
creation as a serious concern. For Jewish tradition, the the trinitarian perichoresis.
liberative motif of the Hebrew Bible giving importance to
liberation of Israel from the bondage in Egypt. It is after the Missiological Paradigm Shifts: From Missio Dei to Motus
Israeli settlement in Canaan and Babylonian exile that the Dei
Hebrew theologians perceived the liberator God as the
Creator. The Priestly creation narratives in the Bible give a Christian mission was understood as being derived from the
mandate to the human to have dominion over the created very nature of God. It was thus put in the context of the
order. The Yahwist narrative is equally anthropocentric doctrine of the Trinity. The classical doctrine on the missio
when human gets the instruction to till and keep the Earth. Dei as God the Father sending the Son, and God the Father
These texts were viewed with a hermeneutic of suspicion. and the Son sending the Spirit was expanded to include yet
Yet, the biblical stories of creation lead to a series of another “movement,” the three persons of the Trinity
covenants between the human-Earth and God as partners sending the church into the world. Missio Dei perceives
in covenant. The rainbow covenant is particularly significant. mission as participating in the sending of God. The new
missional paradigm of motus Dei perceives the emerging
Doctrine of Trinity, Perichoresis and Mission: Patristic models of mission as a ‘movement’ of the Spirit of God.
Engagements
The edited book Motus Dei: The Movement of God to
When most of the contextual theologies and liberation Disciple the Nations studies the phenomenon of global
theologies in particular ignored the ecojustice issues, the Christian movements. “It is God—not humans—who
doctrine of creation found expression and prominence in determines if a movement happens.” This book details the
Patristic theology. emergence of small and large people’s movements as faith
communities in various parts of the world. Warrick Farah
writes in the introduction to this book, “We are talking about
movements of the kingdom of God. Church planting

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movements. Disciple making movements (DMMs)." The a more just participatory creation impacts all that is
book narrates an incredible breakthrough in the Mission sustained by the divine life force in the cosmos. Righting a
history taking place as disciples of Jesus make more relationship with the entire creation assumes the created
disciples of Jesus around the globe, particularly among the integrity of every living thing that dwells within and sustains
least-reached. The lives and communities are being this vast expanse of space. Accepting the created integrity
transformed by the gospel in those movements. "Ultimately, means we also must acknowledge our transgressions
we are talking about the motus Dei: Latin for the ‘movement against this integrity wherever they occur. Such ecological
of God” (xiii). These Disciple Making Movements are small metanoia is part of the scope for God’s mission for ensuring
yet rapidly growing communities of disciples who are ecojustice.
obedient and passionate followers of Christ. The question is
whether these movements can integrate ecojustice The ecological crisis is prompting us to affirm our inter-
concerns as a new frontier for mission. relatedness within the web of life and ecosystem, in
particular. This also warrants that we commit ourselves to
Missio Dei and Motus Dei are both theological concepts that honour the integrity of creation and ensure eco-justice.
relate to the mission of God. Missio Dei is a Latin term that Ecological concerns demand ethical solicitation compelling
translates to "mission of God" or "sending of God". Motus us to negotiate questions of proximity and distance, having
Dei is another Latin term that translates to "the movement both local and global implications. These are instances of
of God". Thus, the new paradigm for mission is a different ethical quandaries prompting us to take responsibility for
type of movement of God, as a movement that resembles what is happening. As people of faith, we are called to
the dynamic interpenetrating linkages within the persons of acknowledge multiple truths: to grieve with those who suffer
the Trinity to be transformed to a movement of God to the due to natural calamities, to speak truth about what
created order. contributes to and intensifies that suffering, and to strive
toward reparation and healing. This is a time to reflect, pray,
Eco-justice as the New Frontier for Mission and act. The whole creation is groaning for the redemption
of human beings who are the primary cause for ecological
Colonial powers plundered the natural and economic crisis and injustices. Thus, eco-justice is the new locus for
resources thereby depleting the natural commons creating Christian mission both in terms of missio Dei and motus Dei
social and ecological injustice. Missionary enterprise was as paradigms in mission. Mission is a movement of God and
largely a colonial project and thus bears the burden of guilt people of God within the divine order of creation.
in sustaining the ecological crisis. Ecojustice must be
considered as the new frontier for God’s mission in the Works cited in this paper
context of a global ecological crisis.
1. Bas Wielenga, Towards an Eco-just Society
George Mathew Nalunnakkal defines ecojustice as “an (Bangalore: Centre for Social Action, 1999), 155.
interrelational perspective of social justice and integrity of 2. George Mathew Nalunnakkal, Green Liberation:
creation. It also refers to a theology which integrates the Towards an Integral Ecotheology (Delhi: ISPCK/NCCI,
concerns of the poor, Dalits, the tribals, and the women of 1999, xiv.
these communities from an eco-justice framework.” The 3. John Hart, Sacramental Commons: Christian
question of eco-justice operates at the global, national, and Ecological Ethics (Maryland: Rowman &
local levels. Bas Wielenga perceives ecojustice on a wider Littlefield Publishers, 2006), 17, 63.
framework: “The struggles for social, racial, economic and 4. Paulos Gregorios, The Human Presence: An Orthodox
gender justice have to link up with the struggles for View of Nature (Geneva: World Council
ecojustice.” Ecojustice is concerned not only with ecological of Churches, 1978), 78, 88.
5. Raimundo Panikkar, The Cosmotheandric Experience:
crisis but also on economic injustice. Both these issues are
Emerging Religious Consciousness
interconnected, and that environmental concerns and
(New York: Orbis Books, 1993), 150.
human rights issues cannot be separated. The challenge is
6. Warrick Farah, ed., Motus Dei: The Movement of God
to perceive the points of contact between concerns of to Disciple the Nations (Littleton, CO: William Carey
ecojustice and social justice. The missional challenge is to Publishing, 2021), 40-41.
foster ecojustice movements to form crucial alliances.

Conclusion Prof. Revd Dr. Alexander M.

Isaac is an ordained priest of
The doctrines of creation and Trinity have missional the Mar Thoma Church. He is
implications. The perichoretic movements within the Trinity presently serving as a member
as well as those emanating from God as movements of
of the faculty in the
people that take seriously eco-justice as the new frontier for
Department of Theology and
mission relate to the paradigm shift in mission from missio
Dei towards motus Dei. The wider Trinity includes the Ethics at United Theological
nonhuman aspects of creation as well as humans. Righting College, Bangalore, India.
our relationship with ecosystem our neighbour, is righting
our relationship with the entire creation. Participation toward

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Let us Beat the Stones
Mrs. Remya Rachel Thomas

“A great commitment to the Great Commandment and lifeblood of the church, but we find that as least important
the Great Commission will grow a great church” (Rick sometimes. We have the duty to mission to our loved
Warren). ones, our fellow church members, our colleagues, our
friends and even the strangers around us. We have the
The 21st century is the world of AI and Reels. We live in duty to mission to the nomads in the desert, or the
the minute and the instant. People have got used to Paharis on the mountainside. We have the duty to
getting things done in a jiffy and delivered at their mission to the lonely grandma in an old age home or a
doorstep. Infants and toddlers eat food only if they have young orphan who feels abandoned. We have the duty to
a screen in front of them. Kids and teens keep scrolling if mission to the broken hearted and the plastic lives
they get bored of a video which is hardly two minutes around us.
long and go for the next. Adults avoid commitment and
stability to avoid stress but never get to escape it for real. There was an admission consultant I had to talk to a few
Google and ChatGPT have the quickest answers and times over the phone about an online course. Let us call
solutions for which you do not even have to type in the her DD, which are her real initials. She talks about the
questions these days - just ask for it, you get it. Artificial course and answers my questions, but the last time we
Intelligence is taking over our realms of life and humans talked she told how she has been doing this job for the
are falling for its novelty, ignorant of the impacts in the past 30 years and considers it to be a blessing. DD
long run. What is the importance of faith and mission in a continues to say that that particular Sunday, the pastor
world like this? in her church preached about doing your job faithfully
and with full content, which she mentions because she
Our new normal that evolved during the pandemic has wants to emphasize how she tries her best every day to
distorted the framework of our lives. 20 years into the turn be true to her profession and influence people through it.
of the new century, in 2020, the whole world had to hide Her voice and words portrayed God’s love and her
in a nutshell and lost trust in so many things. Our belief commitment, which is something lacking in what we see
system, which was previously being attacked from all around us. I would say, if she talked to me like that not
sides already, got shot from inside as the regular church even aware that I was a priest’s wife myself or even a
attendance and gatherings stopped. Till date, it is sad to Christian already, then I would call DD a missionary of the
say, we have not been able to regain that habit again- 21st century. We need this genuineness, this passion, and
and have added ‘Church-going’ as just an option in our this zeal to touch souls-every day of our lives.
lives, like the many options of cereals in a shopping aisle.
Thus, the number of namesake Christians have increased It is not an easy task to do mission in today’s world. For
statistically. that, we Christians should become Christians all over
again - in its actual sense. We should show others
Our very Christian image of being church attendees every through our lives who a Christian should be - not to be
Sunday has been tampered- not to mention, how we baptized again or join a new church, but stand for the real
have let the world tamper with our faith as well. When we meaning of being a Christian. We allow the whole world
live in such a loose world, based on loose morals and to demean us - and pick on us. How many movie names
queer living, and when every day we accept something and characters depict an evil connotation of Christians -
vile and atrocious as ‘okay,’ how can we bring our villains with evidently Christian names, mob fights inside
thoughts back to our precious souls? How can we focus or in front of a church, Christian songs being remade into
on building back our relation with our Saviour? How can folly and so on. We never bother about these and our
we even think about the Great Commission given to us silence or muffled laughs allow this to happen more. On
2000 years ago? When each and every move by the one side, contemporary gospel songs are recognized at
Church or her leaders are criticized and torn apart on the Grammys, yet the same stage displays
social media, how do we know which is genuinely done choreographies filled with devilish moves and costumes.
or done for popularity? The gyms and parks have more cars parked outside in
the parking lot than our churches on Sundays or for other
Emil Brunner once said, ‘The church exists by missions prayer gatherings throughout the week. We have time to
like fire exists by burning.’ The main issue of today is that tour far and wide, not even thinking to attend a church on
the Church has forgotten this fact. Churches are in the Sundays in the vicinity of wherever we are. We are fine
rat race of becoming Mega-churches and huge with how our children are exposed to the vices and
administrative CEOs that the very basic and raw core is immoralities of this sick world and do nothing about it. If
shaken. It is infected with the presence of power-hungry, we Christians behave like this, then who is going to listen
godless people that treat the church and its activities to us if we talk about Christ in the first place?
worse than a Parliamentary session. Mission is the very

33 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

We have to act fast. “The gospel is only good news if it Theme for FOCUS, July 2025, Vol.13, Issue 3
gets there in time” (Carl F.H. Henry). This is a sobering
reminder that people die every day without ever knowing
‘Women and the Gospel’
about Jesus. Christ followers have been given the gift of
Women have been integral to the proclamation of the
the greatest news in history, the greatest truth, but we
Gospel—the good news of reconciliation between sinful
must get this true news to the unreached before it is too
humanity and holy God through the atoning sacrifice of
late. We must change our ways first and make others see
Jesus Christ on the cross of calvary, and the attendant
Christ though our lives.
promise of abundant, eternal life—from the beginning of
Jesus’s earthly ministry. In Apostle John’s account,
In Luke 19:40, Jesus says, "I tell you, if they keep quiet,
Jesus’s encounter with the (unnamed) Samaritan woman
the stones will cry out." The time has come that if we do
not take action, the stones around us will-nature will is presented early (John 4:1-42). The encounter follows
the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-12)
proclaim the wonders of its Creator - birds will sing of
during the wedding at Cana, the very first of seven the
Jesus and His love. We cannot afford to sit as namesake
“signs” (miracles) recorded in John’s Gospel, with His
Christians anymore - not caring about our fellow beings
mother Mary playing a leading role, letting Jesus know of
- taking reels of the petty things of this world - not
the “no-wine” situation, and instructing the servants,
concerned about the future generations - or whether
“Whatever He says to you, do it”. Jesus broke several
there will be a future generation also. We have to voice
out in the face of injustice, speak for the oppressed and barriers in engaging with the Samaritan woman, since the
Samaritans were despised by the Jews at the time; the
lonely, and share the news of salvation to our fellow
woman was also ostracized by her own community.
beings.
Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to the woman,
who became a witness to her community. Many
The global Church has to wake up from its slumber and
Samaritans also believed in Jesus because of her
bring Christ into our lives and churches again. Henry
testimony, and their own experience, declaring that
Martyn said, ‘The spirit of Christ is the spirit of Missions.
Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. At the end of
The nearer we get to him the more intensely missionary
Jesus’s ministry, the Gospels record that many women
we become.’ Let us gather our gears and march forward
stood by the Cross (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41;
to spread the Good News through our lives and words.
Luke 23:49; John 19:25) at a time when all His disciples
May the gospel reach far and wide - from Norway to
and other followers had deserted Him (Mark 14:50).
Argentina and Alaska to New Zealand. May every ear
hear the name of Jesus and get a chance to listen to the
Christian missionaries, including women missionaries,
most powerful love language of all. Let us all run to the
played a significant role in shaping modern India in
finish line, before the stones rise up and start working in
various ways. Notable examples include: (i) Amy
our places. We do not want that to happen now, do we?
Carmichael (1867-1951), who served for 55 years by
“Whatever we do, we must not treat the Great
opening an orphanage and founding a mission in
Commission like it’s the Great Suggestion” (Charles R
Dohnavur, Tamil Nadu; (ii) Edith Brown (1864-1956), who
Swindoll).
founded the Christian Medical College, Ludhiana,
Punjab; (iii) Ida Scudder (1870-1960), who founded the
Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu; (iv)
Mother Teresa (1910-1997), who founded the
Missionaries of Charity for serving the poor in Calcutta,
West Bengal.

The July 2025 FOCUS Issue will explore the theme,

“Women and the Gospel.” Illustrative questions are:

• Are women in the Church currently playing the

role envisaged in the Bible?
• What must the Church do differently for enabling
women to be co-laborers with men in
proclaiming the Gospel?
• How do Christian women translate the essence
of the Gospel for daily living?
• How has the life and witness of Christian women
influenced you?

Dr. Cherian Samuel and Mrs. Nirmala Abraham

For the Editorial Board

34 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

The 1700th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed
Dr. Zac Varghese

The following faith affirmation during worship service is Though the main chunk of the creed was formulated in
familiar to us. “We [I] believe in one true God, the Father CE 325 it took another 56 years to complete it, as one
almighty. . . And We [I] look forward to the resurrection of recites it today, in the First Council of Constantinople in
the dead and the new life of the world to come. Amen.” 381. At present, the Creed has seven basic affirmations
However, this faith affirmation or creed has 1700 years of the Christian faith. Years later, CE 1054, the Filioque
long history. controversy occurred which divided the Roman Catholic
Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. This
controversy was about the statement whether the Holy
Spirit proceeded from the Father or both the Father and
the Son. The Trinity is already a tough concept to
understand, and it divided the church for centuries as
they attempted to define the three-in-one concept. The
Scripture makes it clear that the Father sends the Holy
Spirit. We see this in St. John’s Gospel: “When the
advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the
Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the
Father—he will testify about me) (Jn 15:26). However, the
western traditions (Roman Catholics and Protestants)
assert the position that the Holy Spirit proceeds from
both Father and the Son and they rely on Jn 16:7 and Gal
4:6.
2025 marks 1700th anniversary of the first ecumenical
Council of Nicaea and the agreement on the Nicene The excellence of the Nicene Creed as a liturgical
Creed. It is a key moment of Christian faith in thanking for expression of the faith of the Church has been
an understanding the unity of the Father , the Son and recognised not only through the centuries, but also in our
the Holy Spirit, and for the ecumenical journey of own part of the one Apostolic and universal Church and
churches. At this first ecumenical Council Christians with in our own generation. It serves as a clear and
different theological understanding were able to come authoritative summary of core Christian doctrines,
together in CE 325, under the patronage of Emperor particularly regarding the nature of God as Trinity—
Constantine, to affirm their faith and to witness to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It provides a definitive
society around them. This anniversary offers an statement of the divinity of Christ, the personhood of the
opportunity to thank God for the ecumenical movement, Holy Spirit, and the reality of the Church as one, holy,
for the world council of churches to establish unity and Catholic, and apostolic. These are not merely theological
our affirmation of the faith through the Nicene Creed, abstractions, but vital lenses through which we can see
understanding of the unity of the triune God and the the world as God’s world and then come together to act
implication of this has for the common witness and accordingly.
service of churches, and it offers an opportunity to think
afresh with others what Nicene Creed means for The great thing about 1700th anniversary of the Nicaean
Christians today. creed is that we have a chance to celebrate what unites
us together and thank God for His grace. In this fractured
That first Ecumenical Council in CE 325 in Nicaea, in what and divided world, it is important that people see the
is now part of modern Turkey, established a clear Church standing as one and speaking as one about the
understanding of the nature of Christ and the centrality of things that most matter to them. This anniversary gives
His life, death and resurrection for our salvation. 381 us an opportunity to speak as one. This is an opportunity
church leaders attended this first Council. It is a time for for churches to demonstrate the love and mercy of Christ
us to thank God for all ecumenical Councils. All of the through social action, meeting the needs of the last, the
seven councils were convened in Turkey. These least and the lost. We hope that we can put aside our
ecumenical councils include the following: the First differences and focus on the thing we have in common,
Council of Nicaea in CE 325, the First Council of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Let this anniversary
Constantinople in 381, the Council of Ephesus in 431, the help us to affirm that we believe in One, Holy, Catholic,
Council of Chalcedon in 451, the Second Council of Apostolic, Evangelical, Charismatic, Radical and Liberal
Constantinople in 553, the Third Council of Church.
Constantinople from 680 to 681 and finally, the Second
Council of Nicaea in 787.

35 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

A 21st century Search of a Paradigm of God’s Mission
Revd Dr. John T. Mathew

It all started off in my salad days, when the word ‘mission’ while he tried to plate the benefits of Scottish mission
warily evoked in me an outlandish aura about something across the globe. Dreadfully ignorant of my first-century
atypical albeit it refers to many things to many people in Apostolic pedigree, he tried to obfuscate the evils of
and outside the church. Colonialism and how the missionary zeal strengthened
imperial objectives. When he learnt that I wouldn’t be a
IBM has its mission to be a catalyst that makes the world supine applauder of foreign missionary charity, our newly
work better. The GM Canada stands together to drive the made friendship halted.
world forward. My first college claims ‘To mould students
into well-meaning citizens of the nation through a socially A ‘foreign minister’ is not a foreigner; but a foreign
committed, intellectually inclined, culture-driven and missionary is a foreigner! Nevertheless, Murphy’s law
future-oriented paradigm of learning.’ Next, one prevails. E. Stanley Jones and Mother Teresa, like several
asserts to educate students to become socially others, were inimitable trailblazers. Primarily the foreign
conscious, ethically responsible, and globally competent mission algorithm goaded to get the natives to welcome
leaders. and appreciate the imperial agenda of the oppressors to
plunder, pillage and reduce the indigenous ways of life to
And for sure, I was all set to be part of seven Divinity rubble.
Schools on both sides of ‘The Pond’ with such
Pollyannaish distinction. First school had a mission to A desire to respond to Jesus’ calling to serve and care
prepare people for ministry and mission through for others is noble. However, everything in this life has a
theological education and training. Second school dark side as we are no different from others. For sure,
reminded me ‘We stand on a history of strength but are hundreds of thousands conscientious disciples diligently
unafraid to challenge assumptions of the past.’ Next one served the global church. And yet, the need to reexamine
‘prepared students to be leaders and engaged citizens the mission paradigm rises out of a genuine need to
through educational excellence.’ Another one with a search for a more perfect model.
‘mission is to advance new ideas and promote enduring
knowledge’ followed by a research center that ‘convenes Whether 12 or 70 or 72, the Gospel narratives inform us
researchers in an ideal setting for interdisciplinary that several times Jesus sent out his disciples to a violent,
inquiries where theology casts light on global concerns, unjust world. They were sent out with a specific task, on
and share our findings to inform public thinking.’ The a holy expedition with power to push the evil spirits out,
mission of the last two schools was analogous which was fortified by his words of caution: “I am sending
‘to promote equality, diversity, and an inclusive culture.’ you like lambs into a pack of wolves.”

Over the past two millennia, denominational traditions Grateful for the missionary swath that covered most of
helped adherents to figure out who they are and where our planet over the last two millennia: Virgin Mary, Mary
they fit in ecclesial ethos. Originally the apostles had a of Cleophas, Mary Magdalene, the Apostles, Mark, Luke,
roadmap for sharing the Good News and creating Paul, Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, Amy Carmichael, Amy
communities of faith that sustained the church’s self- Judson, Esther Ahn Kim, Harriet Tubman, Susanna
recognition. The fledgling spiritual group that began in its Wesley, William Carey, Ida Scudder, Albert Schweitzer,
Palestinian cradle benefited from the imperial recognition C. F. Andrews, Mother Teresa, E. Stanley Jones, David
to become a powerful presence in the wider world. Livingstone, Hudson Taylor and so on who shared the
Good News to many part of the World.
This certainly is more a reformist than a revisionist project
to get to the source of Jesus’ sending of his disciples. He “Thy church, unsleeping
announced his mission repeating the words of prophet While Earth rolls onward into light
Isaiah at the synagogue: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Through all the world, her watch is keeping
me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to And rests not now by day or night” (Clement Cotterill
the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the Scholefield).
captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free
those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Whimsically, ‘mission’ is a common term every so often
Lord's favor.” Therefore, our task is to engage the global used in the former colonies for bridges, businesses,
church examine its underpinnings and theological churches, hospitals, hotels, schools, cemeteries etc. with
guidelines of principles of his mission. utterly little to do with our current topic of discussion! The
term ‘mission’ from the Latin ‘missio’, act of sending, was
Once an African student and I were guests at a local introduced by the Jesuits in the 1590s. Karl Hartenstein
home. The tactful host hinted how fortunate we were in 1934 coined the term “Missio Dei” to discern the

36 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

mission of God apart from the mission of the church or the African churches to develop their own identity and to
‘missio ecclesiae’. define their mission for their time and place. Such a
cultural crackdown was long overdue as nearly all foreign
The legacy of ‘foreign mission’ initiated by the European personnel chose to play a self-appointed role of a boss
churches has its chequered past with both caringly or saboteur.
constructive as well as dismally destructive to the native
ways of several cultures. The process of unearthing the Whatever happened to our ‘Blessed Assurance’ blind
tragic facts of cruelty towards children and women in hymnwriter Fanny Crosby who got the global church to
Canada is still going on. belch out for the past 152 years?

The birthplaces of all major faith traditions are in Asia; ‘This is my story, this is my song
however, in particular, many still have the wrong Praising my Savior all the day long
impression about the unfamiliar bearers of the Good This is my story, this is my song
News! Europe had little to do with it until the emperor Praising my Savior all the day long
welcomed it to his spiritually starved hinterland in the Praising my Savior all the day long.’
fourth century. A Hellenized familiarity of a new faith
awkwardly metastasized to other parts of the church For sure still we hum such uplifting hymns. It was a
soon after the emperor formally welcomed the fledgling tectonic rejuvenation when I was pulled up from my
movement of the Good News ushered in by Jesus of syncretic spirituality, an ancient scrambled liturgy
Nazareth. marinated in watered-down Anglican rubrics and tossed
to John Knox’s anti-Roman Peckish version of their
We, the 21st century disciples, believe in and live by the newfound faith. I attended the Kirk at first, suddenly I
principles of Jesus’ calling. Albeit we have authentic thought something was missing. We are prone to ignore
accounts of the life and work of the first disciples, it is what is present when we pine for what is absent such as
hard for us to imagine how the first-century followers candles, incense, lingering liturgy, as if we are in the
adhered to this commission. The European crusades and company of Moses before the burning bush or Isaiah in
imperial colonialism are both blurring and dismal the smoke-filled temple.
examples of such a pilgrimage.
There I got a rare opportunity to get to know the
Instead of responding or retaliating to the medieval ambiance where traditional missionaries were spawned
European mission prototype, it is helpful to re-examine in the womb of fading European Christendom. To my
the example of Jesus’ sending the disciples into amazement, following my theological studies, the church
neighbouring towns. In other words, a divergent encouraged me to become a ‘missionary’ to my home
theological thinking is required to address the issue. turf! I had no one to turn to gain another perspective on
this incredible offer to serve the church with all its perks
What we have in the Gospel narratives is a template; our and eventually return to Scotland to enjoy my autumn
blueprint is not necessarily a search of a mission years donned in a kilt sipping single malt to gorge haggis
paradigm. Instead of straining to reinvent the wheel, the served with neaps (turnips) and tatties (mashed
church could do well by salvaging the archetype to potatoes). Frightfully flustered and yet hugely grateful, I
connect with people in our day and age. turned it down. Over the decades, I have retraced that
lonely inner turmoil asking myself: Did I make a sound
In the 1960s, the global church had fallen into a nosedive decision? Yes; I refused to perpetuate centuries-old
and in the 1970s a spectacular flameout. Moratorium on colonial abuse of the Good News of Jesus where many
foreign missions came into effect that led to the thing missionaries promoted by and large culpable partnership
called partnerships. Imagine 16th century Europeans with imperial hegemony to accomplish its ‘holy grail’.
empowered to claim ‘first dibs’ on the regions of their
choice as their ‘mission field’ to ‘colonize’ allegedly with Whenever I come across a new ‘invite’ on the social
the help of the Good News of Jesus! The impervious network, I look for the intellectual, social, cultural,
ancient Orthodox Church was the only roadblock they professional activities. Regrettably, some flex their
had as the naïve and docile communities of faiths either muscles, show off a new clunker, new trinkets, or buck-
ignored them or willy-nilly surrendered. naked body parts etc.

The former Christendom has been cratering soon after Such locker room displays happen in fanatic religious
the post-WW2 a surge of prosperity Gospel and capitalist displays. ‘My swanky God is awesome’ similar to ‘my
boom in the affluent nations. John Gatu demonstrated dog is a Great Dane and yours is a Chihuahua mut’ or
immense audacity to escalate a theological global ‘your prelates swagger more glitzy and tacky outfits while
showdown with the European imperialistic mission our priests wear Gandhian diapers’.
strategy. His call for moratorium called for a complete
halt in the sending of and funds from European and North Several former missionaries were apologetic and
American churches to African churches. He encouraged remorseful that they embarked on their quixotic overseas

37 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

career as ‘missionaries’ with no theological or spiritual Almost everything done by the foreign personnel in the
preparation whatsoever. Awfully mortified, my old global church both constructive in education and
classmate returned from Ivory Coast where he was a healthcare and the counterproductive scandals, abuse of
missionary for twenty years, soon after High School; the vulnerable (Indigenous Residential School Scandal
suddenly, theologically clueless he began his basic Still Rocking Canada's Self-Image!) children, help
theology training for the first time! smuggle Kohinoor, patronizing attitude of church leaders
like William Temple have backfired and energized leaders
Far more than a hackwork, as one of the first in my like John Gatu call for moratorium on the century-old
newfound mission-sending denominations in the missions that overstayed its welcome. And we must
Reformed heritage, I explored what God’s mission bristle at such reprehensible realities of our religious
through Jesus and apostles were all about at the Institute baggage where the church had inexcusable complicity.
of Mission Studies, St. Paul and Ottawa Universities. Certainly, such inhuman memories drove up the global
Therefore, my take on a search for a mandated mission church to de-Romanize and de-Hellenize the Good News
paradigm for our day and age is sincere or without wax. of Jesus.

Each generation must rediscover, redefine and reclaim The former sending denominations have never looked in
the faith of our mothers and fathers in God. An inbred the rear mirror to own and repent the destructive impact
faith is always pragmatic and consequential. Potent and of the imperialist impulses that subtly galvanized them to
yet dreamy, King Canute tried to command the waves. keep going as if they were divinely honed. An effectively
Here we attempt to jog our collective memories of tides evocative writing culture is a cornerstone for those who
of historic mission paradigms in order to recapture a are engaged in teaching and those who pursue their
meaningful model for our day and age. studies in all disciplines especially in religion. Our
institutions are undergoing inescapable makeovers and
For sure, it is easier to rehash the mumbo-jumbo like a the faithful are disillusioned by the leadership.
man who claimed, “I am a Christian because I was born
in Scotland”. Another suspected, “You must be a Hindu When pellucid perspectives whip up our imaginations, it
because you were born in India”. They both were stunned helps to change our minds oftener for the better; it is
with my reply, “I am neither Christian nor Hindu because imperative that we bash our best to see - everything - the
I am a Nasarani”. Admittedly, place of birth or citizenship world in and around us in a new light. Suddenly a clearer
has little to do with one’s raison d’ être to believe in and realization of the reality helps us to regard others with
belong to a community of faith. genuine appreciation.

A bona fide yearning to investigate the scriptural It is one thing to be born and bred in one traditional belief
mandate initiated by Jesus being practised by his and totally another to begin to have reservations about
followers has taken a number of expedient as well as the dogmas and views we grew up with. Whatever we
distorted detours. All through such throbbing crises, once believed to be ‘orthodox’ was not quite
disillusioned faithful either negotiate, navigate or cut ‘orthos’/right and valid.
loose. Such an investigative soul-searching itself has
become a ‘mission’ to weigh up, investigate and remedy It is refreshing for me to return to groundbreaking years
has become an exceptional ‘mission’ to rescue the as well as an interval of time when I reviewed a variety of
original purpose of our mandate. For that reason, willy- paradigms of missionary ventures. In the early 1960s
nilly, as Jesus cautioned us, we live in our raging AI age Thomas Kuhn created a game changer known as
but ‘we are not of the world’. We find ourselves in a ‘paradigm shift’ to enlighten a systemic change that
paroxysmal fight or flight, theological, or better replaces a dysfunctional perspective. This now is the ‘call
missiological mess. within a call’ for the church to renew ourselves as co-
workers of God’s mission for God’s creation.
We must embark on a leading edge, futuristic, trailblazing
search of red-hot prototype that is relevant and at the The Revd Dr. John T. Mathew is an ordained minister in
same time faithful to Jesus’ original charge. The United Church of Canada. Besides serving several
urban and rural congregations in the province of Ontario,
Admittedly there exists a yawning Yarmouk, a sacred Canada, since 1975, he also taught in the Department of
chasm between Jesus’ perception of sending his Religious Studies, Huntington/Laurentian University,
disciples to live and share the Good News for and among Sudbury, Ontario. Mathew was awarded the Merrill
the people and the colonial imperial ‘divide and conquer’ Fellowship at Harvard University Divinity School; he
kind of intrusion using the Gospel manifesto. Many a was Pastor-Theologian at the Center of Theological
follower of Jesus claims to own up a ‘concern for the Inquiry, Princeton, NJ. He served at St. Machar’s
mission of the church’; in fact, we forget that Jesus Cathedral, Aberdeen (Church of Scotland) as Ecumenical
commissioned us to be part of God’s mission for God’s Guest Minister and Interim Minister in the Presbyterian
creation. Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

38 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Rethinking the Great Commission: A Post-Colonial
Reflection
Revd Dr. Koshy Mathews

At the end of our visit to India in the late ‘90s, my son, Apostolic Authority, full and free permission to invade,
Ranjit – now an Episcopal priest in the U. S.– was search out, capture and subjugate the Saracens and
grappling with a crisis of faith. At the time, he was a pagans and any other unbelievers and enemies of Christ
college student who had been exposed to fundamentalist wherever they may be, as well as their kingdoms,
Christianity. What he had learned in the campus Bible duchies, counties, principalities, and other property ...
Study group and the church he attended on personal and to reduce their persons into perpetual slavery, and to
salvation and born-again experience made him apply and appropriate and convert to the use and profit
judgmental of those who did not subscribe to the tenets of yourself and your successors, the Kings of Portugal, in
of fundamentalist Christianity. Our visit to India brought perpetuity, the above-mentioned kingdoms, duchies,
him face-to-face with many people who would not make counties, principalities, and other property and
it to heaven based on his fundamentalist understanding possessions and such like
of the Christian faith. I felt his struggle; how can this be? goods ...”([Link]
One day, I brought it up and tried to verbalize what I /vatican-doctrine-of-discovery-colonialism-indigenous).
thought he was grappling with, “Ranjit, do you think all In less than fifty years later, Portuguese merchants and
these millions of Hindus in India are going to hell since missionaries set foot in India followed by other European
they do not believe in Jesus Christ? Do you think a loving nations and began Christianizing India in the Western
God would cast them into hell for not believing in Jesus? tradition.
I find it difficult to believe in such a God.” My words
surprised him - especially since I, an about-to-be- A colonial-era mindset still shapes the Christian mission
ordained priest in the Episcopal Church, was challenging model we follow today. Prof. Keith Bridston, referring to
his fundamentalist beliefs. But that conversation opened this mindset on mission thinking, observed in his book
him to new possibilities. Mission, Myth, and Reality that “They embody a
response to a world that no longer exists and express a
I remember asking that same question many years earlier theological understanding of the relation of the world to
as a student at a fundamentalist Missionary Bible College God that is now fallacious.” It is sad to see still several
in the US. I never received a satisfactory explanation fundamentalist Christian movements in Asia, Africa, and
other than that we are saved because we believe in Jesus South America, supported by their counterparts in the US
Christ. Our mission was to save others to Christ, like the and other Western nations, continue their mission
millions of people in India who are not Christians, from activities as though nothing has changed, almost
eternal damnation as in John 3: 16-18. Jesus’ Great repeating the style and theology of the late eighteenth
Commission of disciples, Matthew 28:19, is understood and nineteenth-century missions. Today, we are
as the Church’s mission to save people not for a life in witnessing a resurgence of fundamentalist Christianity in
the here and now but for a life hereafter. What was ironic America, especially in the recent election of Trump in the
was that the churches and individuals who supported US, and his open allegiance to this brand of Christianity
mission work overseas were practicing segregation at giving currency to their militant Christian theology and
home and profiting from slavery. As I continued to reflect model of witnessing in the world, a throwback to the days
on these verses, I realized that my struggle was not with of imperialism and colonialism. The goal was to extend
the Great Commission but how it was misunderstood the white man’s particular brands of church and increase
and carried out. their numerical strength in the so-called “heathen” lands.

Ever since Emperor Constantine declared Christianity as However, by and large, imperialist colonialism has
the state religion, the Western civilization has been ended, and many of the mainline churches in the US and
appropriating Jesus’ commissioning of his disciples to other Western nations have been reconsidering and
suit their imperialistic endeavors into the non-Christian or revisioning a new way forward. On March 31st, 2023,
‘heathen lands.’ The West used the Great Commission in Pope Francis, invoking the Christian mandate to respect
Matthew 28, along with the Papal Bulls, as a sanction to the dignity of every human being, repudiated and
subjugate the non-Christian people around the world and rescinded the Doctrine of Discovery of 1452. The
take over their lands. Here is an excerpt from the Doctrine Church declared that it stands with Indigenous
of Discovery of 1452 by Pope Nicholas V. Here is an peoples now and strongly supports the U.N.
excerpt from his letter to the King of Portugal, “justly Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
desiring that whatsoever concerns the integrity and which it says can help protect Indigenous rights as
spread of the faith, for which Christ our God shed his well as improve living conditions and development in
blood, shall flourish in the virtuous souls of the faithful ... a way that respects their identity, language, and
we grant to you by these present documents, with our culture.

39 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

[Link] and the salt that flavors. It critiques every culture and is not
doctrine-of-discovery-colonialism-indigenous. At a recent identical to any particular culture, tradition, or even church.
interreligious gathering of young people in Singapore, Pope Jesus did not commission His disciples to impose the
Francis called them to be in dialogue with each other and Gospel like an imperial system.
become better citizens in a changing world. He said to them,
“All religions are paths to reach God. They are – to make a The missioners are the disciples. Another aspect of the
comparison – like different languages, different dialects, to Great Commission we need to reflect on is whom Jesus
get there. But God is God for everyone. If you start to fight called to convey this pain-love of God for humanity in the
saying “My religion is more important than yours, mine is world. Jesus depended on his beloved disciples, who had
true, and yours isn’t, where will this lead us? There is only been trained well in servant leadership. They learned how to
one God, and each of us has a language to arrive at God. be in a world where all are valued, especially the vulnerable
Some are Sheik, Muslim, Hindu, Christians; they are and outcast. At the center of Jesus’ message is the vision of
different ways to God.” Pope Francis, in Singapore, a world as an egalitarian community of beings, not a
September 13, 2024. hierarchy of individuals. Institutions and systems that claim
to be propagators of the Christian message fail to do their
A new wineskin or revisioning is needed to serve the new task mainly because they are not based on the servant
inebriating wine Jesus preached and taught. The previous leadership that Jesus modeled but, on the domination, and
model for Christian mission was too identified with control model.
Eurocentrism and Western colonialism, both of which are
now outdated and outmoded. Without a fresh Lastly, how do the missioners take the message of God’s
understanding of the wine and the wineskin, any attempt to pain-love in the world? In a word, vulnerably, as we see in
fulfill Jesus’ commission will not succeed or be relevant in the Gospels when Jesus sent out his disciples two by two
this post-colonial and post-modern era. Unless we are into the villages and countryside. Gospel tells the missioners
willing to overhaul our blood-stained institutions, systems, to be salt that gives zing and taste to food. It serves its
and structures, we cannot be serious about Jesus’ great purpose when it gives out its saltiness silently without calling
commission. Personal “salvation” cannot be divorced from attention to itself. When saltiness dominates, it fails to
social and systemic implications. function just as the institutional church did when it went into
the ‘heathen lands’ on the authority of the Pope. As
In envisioning a new paradigm for mission, I would like us to missioners, we must find our inner authority through Christ,
take a relook at Jesus’ Great Commission by first reflecting see our purpose in our love for God and neighbor, and
on the authority and content of the mission. Then, reflect on actions of mercy and justice.
who are called to be the missioners and how they are called
to communicate this mission to the whole world. First, True mission is not about conquest, conversion quotas,
mission belongs to God. It is God alone who directs God’s or institutional expansion. Mission is about being joyful
mission in the world. We read in the Gospels that it was God and living joyfully in the world in deep solidarity with our
who initiated the mission of reconciling the world to Himself neighbors. It is about being present, listening, serving,
by sending His Son into the world. Then it was Jesus who and loving in a way that reflects Christ. True Christian
sent out His disciples to the uttermost parts of the world, as missioners do not judge or evaluate our neighbors for
we read in Matthew 28: 19. Referring to the continuing where they fit on our scales or standards. In the upside-
mission of God, John 3:8 reads, "The wind blows where it down world Jesus preached on the mount, the
will, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it
missioners are called to see people who are usually
comes from or where it is going; so, it is with everyone who
forgotten, despised, or excluded in society as blessed.
is born of the Spirit." We are simply instruments in the
Seeing those whom society deems wretched and
hands of God to go wherever the Spirit leads. In the book
of the Acts of the Apostles, we see over and over how expendable leads us to a different way of being in the
apostles ministered to the people of God based on how the world. In our context in India, this means the persecuted,
Spirit of God moved them. Apostles were in dialogue with the differently abled, sexed, and gendered, the outcaste,
the Spirit. The Spirit gave them the authority to testify, the and the exploited masses living in the slums of her cities.
power to witness, and gifts to minister wherever they were When the mission is done this way, it is no longer about
led. We also need to be aware that it was his apostles whom doing but about being. It is time to leave behind the
Jesus appointed to make disciples of all nations, not the colonial mindset and embrace a mission that truly reflects
institution of the church, which came into existence only the heart of Jesus.
years later.

The content of the Great Commission needs to be Revd Dr. Koshy Mathews is a
understood in light of the great commandment of the Bible,
“to love one another,” as God is love. The good news is that retired Episcopal Priest. He is
God so loved the world that He made Himself vulnerable, now living with his wife,
became one of us, lived among us, and died a painful death Susan, in the Bay Area,
for us. God’s mission is a pain-love mission. The Great California.
Commission and the Great Commandment go hand in hand.
The Gospel is not a competing ideology; it is the light that
illuminates its surroundings, the yeast that rises the lump,

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Decoding Disruption as a Mission Strategy
Revd Abin Srampickal Abraham
Reading John 4: 1-26 through the Lens of Disruption
Disruption, initially a term with a negative connotation, Samaria was indeed the shortest and quickest.
gained prominence in the 1990s with the Disruptive However, it was also the most avoided one, as the
Innovation Theory by Clayton M. Christensen, which Jews often took the desert road from Jerusalem to
primarily deals with innovations in science and Jericho and up the Jordan valley. This avoidance is
technology that disrupt the market and the world, due to deep-seated ethnic and religious hostilities.
often creating new markets and in the process altering Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel,
individual and community product preferences as well was the seat of idolatry, hosting the temple of Baal.
as worldviews, perspectives, value systems, attitudes, Later, under the Roman empire, Augustus handed it
and behavior.i A creative destruction of the old by the over to Herod who beautified it and made it a strong
new. fortress. The phrase “had to go” signifies that Jesus’
journey through Samaria was an intentional act. Jesus
When we look at the Bible or the history of our faith, abandons the Jewish conventional practice,
one thing is clear: our God is a disruptor. From the very disregards their communal history and ignores the
act of Creation, God has been disrupting life, of both possible risks of being in enemy territory. The
individuals and communities. Jesus, is in fact, the intentional act of moving out of our comfort zones is
great Disruptor in the history of humanity: often viewed with disgust, but is perhaps the first step
of disruption that is needed for mission.
He disrupted the law and gave us grace (Gal. 3:23)
He disrupted sin and gave us salvation (Rom. 10:9) History, tradition, status quo are often deterrents, not
He disrupted death and gave us life (Rom. 6:23) just in doing mission, but also for personal and
He disrupted time and gave us eternity (John 1: 1-2, communitarian growth in faith. We tend to follow the
14; 3:16)ii ‘beaten path’, hesitant to make even a small detour,
when the need of the hour may be to chart a new
The gospel of John, considered to have been written course. Intentional disruption that Jesus manifests
to a Judean community living in Ephesus in the late through his journey to Samaria provides the basis for
first to the early second centuries CE, presents the true missional outreach, for going beyond with the
geopolitical dynamics within the Roman empire. It tells gospel. We as individuals and the Church must adopt
the story of “a counterculture Messiah who embodies the posture of intentional disruption, engaging with
the subversive wisdom of God, and through his death spaces and communities that have been avoided or
and resurrection drives out… the spirit of domination ignored, using means and tools that may be scoffed or
and empire.”iii A postcolonial reading of the gospel scorned.
brings out the envisioning of an alternate community
that disrupts the discourse imposed by the imperial Dr. Philip John Kottaram, from the family of Adv. K T
power on the colonized. John Ch. 4 is considered a Thomas, was an oncological surgeon at RCC,
missional text due to the account of Jesus’s trip to Thiruvananthapuram. On receiving the call from God,
Samaria, the encounter with the Samaritan woman he left his job and shifted with his family to do mission
and the subsequent participation of the Samaritans in in the remote villages of Malkangiri, Orissa. Born in the
the worshipper’s community. The Samaritan woman is Middle East amidst the luxuries of life, enjoying the
generally thought to be the first missionary due to her respect and privileges of his medical profession, Dr.
active witnessing of her new found faith. So how did it Philip’s intentional choice to abandon it all for the sake
all come to be? of the gospel is a rarity among our youths today,
calling us to disrupt our life’s trajectories for Christ.
Let us look at Disruption as a Mission Strategy
2. Intersectional Disruption
1. Intentional Disruption
Following the colonization of the Babylonians and the
In verse 4, we read “But he had to go to Samaria.” Persians, there was a huge rift between the Jews and
Jesus and his disciples were making the trip from the Samaritans. This persisted through the Hellenistic
Judea to Galilee. Geographically, with Judea in the and Roman eras. The Samaritans faced a complex
south, Samaria in the middle and Galilee up north, for social and religious situation due to their
the travel from Judea to Galilee, the path through displacement, mixed population, and distinctive

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religious beliefs and practices. Their heterogeneity our vulnerability through dialogue opens new vistas of
was viewed with disgust by the relatively homogenous engagement for mission.
Jews, who therefore isolated the Samaritan
community religiously and socially. The Samaritan Christ’s offer of life-giving water is misunderstood by
woman’s question in verse 9 highlights the differences the Samaritan woman (v15). She also confronts Jesus,
between them. Jesus, a Palestinian Jew, by interacting attempting to undermine him (vs 11, 12, 20). Jesus
with a Samaritan woman breaks barriers at various rejects the use of rhetoric and foregoes attacking the
levels – ethnic tensions, religious divide, gender life and beliefs of the woman. Instead, he sees the
dynamics, traditional expectations, and social norms. misunderstanding as well as the confrontation as
Heterogeneity and difference are often viewed as opportunities to inform her of the inbreaking of the
problematic. The Church needs to come out of the Kingdom of God. Jesus adopts a posture of
mould of homogeneity and embrace multiplicity for vulnerability and humility. He acknowledges her life
mission to be possible. The multifarious differences, struggles, without ever judging her. Rather than
the various intersections of individuals and embracing egoistic or paternalistic holier-than-thou
communities are pivotal in their engagements with the attitudes, Christ deconstructs power dynamics, and
[Link] Mission cannot be a superficial engagement. guides her to reach her own conclusions, fostering a
An intersectional disruption paves the way for a transformational change within her, leading her from
holistic relationship between the parties involved. being a recipient to an agent of mission. Disrupting
traditional strategies of mission and dialogue, Jesus
3. Invitational Disruption makes the mission encounter a life-affirming
experience.
In verse 10, we see Christ offering the Samaritan
woman, living water – the gift of God. It was an Throughout his encounter with the Samaritan woman,
invitation to the Kingdom of God. Mission, many a we see Jesus disrupting our traditional strategies of
time, is linked with gifts and freebies - inducements for mission. By embracing disruption, as Christ did,
conversion. It is a sad fact that many of our missions missionaries can reimagine their approaches to
are surviving on such incentives to attract and retain address systemic injustices, engage with marginalized
members. However, what Christ offers is much greater communities, and foster transformative change.
than any physical gift. It is an invitation fraught with Unless we change our approaches and strategies,
risks and dangers to embody the Kingdom values and mission will be a farce. Cosmetic changes or minor
hopes in the here and the now. This is not an attractive upgrades will not suffice. Disruption is the way to go.
proposition by worldly standards. Jesus also shows
this reality to his disciples (Mk. 10: 38). This is a References
challenge for us – not to paint a beautiful picture, but
to present the Kingdom of God amidst the harsh 1. Clayton M. Christensen. The Innovator’s Dilemma:
realities of life, and to invite individuals and (New York: Harper Collins: 2000), xvi-xxviii.
communities, not just to be part of that eschatological 2. Mark Deymaz, Disruption: Repurposing The Church
vision or hope, but of that unsettling living reality that to Redeem the Community. (Nashville: Thomas
disrupts life in its entirety. Nelson, 2017), 23.
3. Bert Newton, Subversive Wisdom: Sociopolitical
4. Dialogical Disruption Dimensions of John’s Gospel. (Oregon: WIPF &
STOCK, 2012), 11.
Jesus initiates the conversation with the Samaritan 4. Catherine Keller and Laurel C. Schneider,
woman by asking water to drink. The shocking effect “Introduction” in Catherine Keller and Laurel C.
it has upon her is evident in her question in verse 9. Schneider, Polydoxy: Theology of Multiplicity and
Jesus begins the conversation by stating his thirst and Relation. (New York: Routledge, 2011), 1.
his need for water, in other words, from a state of 5. Miguel H. Diaz, The Word Became Culture, (New
vulnerability. There is often the misunderstanding that York: Fordham University Press, 2024), 4.
for mission to succeed we need to show ourselves as
better, that we need to place ourselves in a state of Revd Abin Srampickal Abraham
power, of superiority. But Christ upends this missional is serving as a member of the
fallacy and shows himself as vulnerable, and needing faculty in the Department of
the help of the Samaritan woman. Mission
conversations and encounters are never a show of
Theology and Ethics at Dharma
superiority. It is a crossing into the lives of suffering Jyoti Vidya Peeth Faridabad,
people and sharing their vulnerabilities.v Expressing India, a Seminary under the Mar
Thoma Church.

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Leveraging the Missions Landscape of the 21st century
Ms. Simy Kuruvilla

We, as 21st century Christians are at the crossroads of a With the passage of time, we can observe how God
crucial juncture in history. According to the most recent unfolds his narrative to give it more shape and form.
world migration report, there are about 281 million Many years after his promise to Eve, God goes onto
international migrants in the world. vi As of 2022, Europe make another profound promise to Abraham that all the
was the leading destination with 87 million international families of the earth will be blessed through him. As
migrants, followed by Asia with 86 million migrants, and British theologian John Stott remarks, “The nations are
America being third in line with 59 million international not gathered in automatically. If God has promised to
[Link] We are witnessing global migration trends bless “all the families of the earth,” he has promised to
happening at a pace like never before. These trends are do so through Abraham’s seed.”ix Stott goes on to say
evidence of a field that is ripe for gospel harvest. If we fail that the expression, “all the families of the earth” is what
to view this as a blessing where God is calling us to reveals the God of the Bible to be a missionary God. If
partner alongside him for the Great Commission, we are our God is a missionary God, then our calling is to be
missing the mark. mission minded people with a global vision and mindset.

One might ask, ‘How do I play a part in the Great As 21st century Christians, we in the West and the
Commission since this is a task for those who are called developed Eastern hemisphere are the most fortunate
to be missionaries?’ Although not every Christian is recipients of a plethora of opportunities, experiences and
called to be a missionary who is sent out, we have a resources to help us fulfill the Great Commission. In light
responsibility to share the good news of the gospel with of the prevalent migration trends, we can leverage these
those around us. We are called to live transformed lives opportunities and resources by engaging people of
by the renewing of our minds into the likeness of our Lord various ethnicities whom we encounter in our
and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth for the sole neighborhoods and workplaces. Also, a vast majority of
mission of setting people free from their sins, so they can us are digital Christians who access smartphones, some
be holy as he is holy (Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:16). We form of social media, and use the internet to do life. We
were created to worship and glorify God. Habakkuk 2:14 have been endowed with the hope of the second coming
says, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of of Christ which gives us an end goal and this should
the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” awaken an enthusiasm in us to work towards this very
American theologian John Piper notes, “Missions is not goal. This will be the fulfilment of the promise where “a
the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Mission exists great multitude that no one could count, from every
because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not nation, tribe, people and language, is standing before the
missions, because God is ultimate, not man.”viii throne and the lamb worshipping and glorifying God
(Revelation 7:9-11).” Considering the opportunities and
It is paramount to pause and reflect on those truths, promises that we are bestowed with, I am going to
which beg the question, ‘How does the whole earth explore how we should leverage our time and resources
worship God and bring about His glory, in a world that is for God’s mission. After all, it is the great English
marred and fractured by sin?’ We as the imago dei have missionary William Carey who said, “Expect great things
been called not only to have dominion over the fish, birds, from God, attempt great things for God.” We can partner
and animals of the earth, but we are called to love the with God for His great commission by engaging in the
Lord our God with all our being and love our neighbors following:
as ourselves (Genesis 1:26; Mark 12:30-31). If we believe
this, then we must do all things in our ability to honor the 1. Be a diaspora missionary – The word diaspora
God of the Universe by ensuring that we do our part to refers to any group of people who have spread
rescue our fellow humans from venturing into an eternity or become dispersed beyond their traditional
without God. homeland or point of origin.x Besides sharing the
gospel, diaspora missions entail ministering to
Even after the first humans rebelled and sinned against the various diaspora communities by helping
God, he never gave up on His plan of rescuing people. them adjust to life in the host nation. For
He promised that he would redeem the world right from instance, diaspora missions could be helping
the beginning in Genesis 3:1 by giving the people learn the language of the host nation, job
protoevangelium (first good news of the gospel). God assistance, or with transportation, etc. Being a
addresses the serpent by saying, “I will put enmity diaspora missionary in the resident country can
between you and the woman, and between your be advantageous when compared to a traditional
offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, missionary who travels to a foreign country.
and you shall bruise his heel.” Here we see the first There is a ton of logistical labor that needs to be
proclamation of the future coming of the Messiah, Jesus undertaken for a traditional missionary
Christ, to conquer death, hell, and the devil. considering moving overseas to a foreign land for

43 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

 missions, whereas a diaspora missionary does people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one
not have to travel far. They can engage people who heeds wisdom’s instruction (Proverbs
with the Gospel message in the vicinity of their 28:18). We have hope and can take comfort in
work or neighborhoods. the fact that we have been put here on earth by
God with a grand purpose, which is to know him
Theologian Sam George classifies diaspora and make him known. If we are to pursue
missiology into three paradigms, firstly, Mission missions with that mindset, then we can rest
to the Diasporas which focuses on ministering to assured that we are not meandering away from
unreached people groups who live in the the path that God has carved out for us.
Christians sphere of influence. Secondly, Mission
through the Diasporas is where the Christians In order for us to get a glimpse of the Kingdom
engage their own and other people groups in to come where a multitude of from every nation,
their adopted homelands, and thirdly, Mission tribe, people and language will stand before the
beyond the Diasporas is where the diaspora throne and worship and glorify God, we must
Christians reach the people of the host nation. xi make every effort to use our appointed times and
Those of us who are diaspora people have a places on earth as our training ground practicing
unique vantage point in sharing the good news how we will be conducting ourselves in the
of the gospel with our migrant friends. Kingdom to come. When we maintain the right
perspective on missions, we get to witness the
2. Leverage digital technology – According to the beauty of the diversity of different people groups
2021 World Bank Data, 60 percent of the world worshipping and praising God according to their
is connected to the internet. The continents and cultural background and in their heart language.
regions that are most connected include the
Americas, Europe, East Asia, and the Middle So, in surveying these great things that have been
[Link] Digital technology broadly encompasses bestowed to us as 21st century Christians, we need to ask
the internet, smart phones, social media etc. The ourselves, ‘Are we going to sit passively on the sidelines?
onset of the COVID-19 pandemic altered the Or are we going to work the fields of Yahweh that are
framework of Christian communities worldwide, ready for harvest so we can sxiiiee his Kingdom come and
paving the way for the so-called virtual church his will be done on earth as it is in heaven?’
services, online Bible studies, small groups,
digital conferences and gatherings. In that sense, Endnotes
God has used the pandemic to bring the global 1. [Link]
do/foreword/foreword
church together.
2. [Link]
the-move
Digital technologies have revolutionized the use 3. John Piper, Let the Nations be Glad! The Supremacy
of Bibles. People now have access to mobile of God in Missions (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
apps for the Bible, Christian devotionals, and Academic, 1993), 11.
social media platforms that provide many 4. John R. W. Stott, “The Living God is a Missionary
opportunities to engage with God’s word at their God,” in Perspectives on the world Christian
fingertips. The presence of online church and movement, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C.
Bible teaching ministries, testimonies on Hawthorne (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library,
YouTube, and YouTube channels of Bible 2009),9. Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. “Oxford
University Press,” accessed February 27, 2025,
teachers and pastors have a way of attracting 5. [Link]
many non-believers who might never consider ies&q=diaspora
stepping foot inside a physical church building. 6. [Link]
We can be bold and creative by using our social the-move
media accounts such as Facebook and 7. [Link]
Instagram as a platform to share the gospel connectivity
truths in order to glorify God and edify those in
our social media spheres of influence without Ms. Simi Kuruvilla is currently a
travelling too far. To do this however, Masters student in Christian
necessitates we spend time in prayer, reading Apologetics at the Talbot School
the word and being ministered to by mature of Theology, Biola University,
Christians, so we can do this in a winsome California. She lives in Nashville,
Tennessee, and works as a
manner.
Human Resource specialist for an
American Farm retail chain store.
3. Pursue missions with the eschatological hope in Simi teaches Sunday School at
mind – When we pursue missions with an end her local church and plans to
goal in mind, it brings us true joy, purpose, and serve the Lord full time after
fulfillment. After all, where there is no revelation, completing her degree.

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Reviving Christ’s Mission
Dr. Mathew T. Thomas

Introduction

Christian mission paradigms vary. This is so because uniqueness of this commissioning was that it
although Jesus the Christ remains central to significantly reinterpreted the then traditional norm of
Christianity, for over 2000 years Christians have an exclusive God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, who
disagreed, divided, and subdivided due to ideological, was reserved for the Jews, to become the God of all
doctrinal, racial, linguistic, ethnic, and other people.
differences. Today’s Christians do not resemble those
that followed Jesus Christ during his time on earth. Jesus’ Mission Lost
This essay offers some perspectives on how to revive
Christ’s mission in our contemporary context and is Soon after Jesus Christ’s time on earth, his words, his
intended to encourage conversations that look beyond mission, and the thrust of his disciples’ work were
dogmatic, doctrinal, and denominational edicts that repeatedly reinterpreted, misinterpreted, and often
overwhelmingly govern today’s Christianity. hijacked. Post-Jesus cultures, sects, and
denominations seemingly devised self-righteous
Jesus’ mission as noted through some of his direct justifications to ignore or modify Jesus’s words,
statements recorded in the Gospels “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only”
(Matthew 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:13). Every sect and
First, let us look at some of Jesus’ wordsxiv on what he denomination added additional elements to enhance
“came for,” or “did not come for.” We note that Jesus their claim of possessing the truth, when in fact, as
came to “preach” not only to his people but “to the Pope Francis states, they fail to realize “the TRUTH
nearby villages” (Mark 1:38). He came “to bring fire on possesses us.”xv
earth” (Luke 12:49) and thereby disrupt the status quo
and rekindle the Jewish understanding of God Dr. James Edwardsxvi in an address on October 7,
Almighty. He came in his “Father’s name” (John 5:43) 2021, at the Theology Matters conference at
“to do the will of him who sent” him (John 6:38). He Providence Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island,
came into this world “so that the blind will see” (John South Carolina, reflected on the early part of the first
9:39) the glory of God. He came that people “may have century, examining the rudimentary elements of the
life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). He came “into Jesus movement portrayed in the Gospels. There you
the world as a light, so that no one who believes in” see Jesus as an itinerant teacher leading a small
him “should remain in darkness” (John 12:46). movement with no name. It consisted of an inner circle
of twelve men but was augmented by many other men
Jesus also stated some things he did not come to do. and women disciples mostly in rural Palestine. It was
He did not “come to abolish the Law or the Prophets… centered in the northwest quadrant of the Sea of
but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). He desired “mercy, Galilee; it was ethnically Jewish, spoke Aramaic in
not sacrifice” and did “not come to call the righteous, public but Hebrew when reading and discussing
but sinners” (Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32). He Scripture. It celebrated Passover, worshipped in
“did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew synagogues on Sabbath (on Saturdays), and read from
10:34) that would pierce the hearts of people, and he Scrolls.
came “to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter
against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her Dr. Edwards then reflects on the status of the “church”
mother-in-law’” (Matthew 10:35). in Ephesus or Magnesia on the west coast of present-
day Türkiye about 100 years later. The church is
The text in John 15 conveys Jesus’ mission and located in cities to which Ignatius of Antioch wrote six
message to his apostles and disciples. It reminds them letters during his imprisonment. Hundred years later,
that “had [he] not come and spoken to them, they the movement founded by Jesus in rural Galilee is now
would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no thoroughly urban. It is no longer confined to Palestine
excuse for their sin” (John 15:22). but pulsated throughout the Roman Empire,
particularly on the Antioch-Rome corridor. The church
In Mark 16:15, Jesus tells his disciples, “Go into all the had more Gentiles than Jewish people. It abandoned
world and preach the gospel to all creation.” This was Hebrew and Aramaic and shifted to Greek. Jesus’
the commission of the risen Christ to His disciples. The followers no longer met in synagogues, but in

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“churches.” Churches were not superintended by Christian mission is in jeopardy. Missionaries must
Apostles anymore as in Jesus’ day, but by bishops. commit to preaching to all creation and not just
Worship services were no longer just held on the preferred groups. They should reach out in peace and
Sabbath (Saturday), but more frequently on Sundays. moral authority and genuine love to deliver the “good
The celebration of Passover yielded to the celebration news,” and explain the relevance of the Kingdom of
of the Lord’s Supper. Sacred scripture was no longer God here on earth. They should avoid pitfalls of self-
limited to the Old Testament – Pentateuch, Wisdom aggrandization and steer clear of distractions that lead
Writings, and Prophets – but augmented by them astray from Christ. The late lamented Rt. Rev. Dr.
specifically Christian scriptures – the four Gospels, the Philipose Mar Chrysostom Metropolitan of the Mar
epistles of Paul and Peter, and a Christian apocalypse. Thoma Church affirmed that “evangelism is possible
These scriptures were no longer contained in heavy only by permeation.”xvii Evangelists must share their
clumsy scrolls, but in the most radical form of richest experiences of recognizing Christ within all
information technology to hit the world at the time – a creation, rather than consider evangelism as mere
reader-friendly volume of leaves of paper bound on Church agenda.
the edge and written on both sides that offered easy
access to any part of the writing. Christ’s mission should be understood as a calling
from God, and not simply as a vocation taken up on
While the details of this contrast presented by Dr. behalf of a religious organization, or for fulfilling a
Edwards might be incomplete or debatable, they family’s vows. Christ’s mission must attempt to unify
suggest that roughly seventy-five years after Jesus’ the followers of Christ who ought to be enlightened to
time on earth, there was a Christian community that give up their lives so that they might gain it. Christian
did not exactly conform to the movement that Jesus mission must not be an attempt to Westernize or
began. Hence, we can speculate the extent to which Easternize societies but a mission to localize the
the Jesus movement has morphed over the following message of Christ and uplift the spiritually blind
2000 years, with many more transitions, arguments, irrespective of their financial standing. Christian
reorganizations, and breakups. Contemporary mission, while focused on uplifting the poor and
Christianity, while still claiming to be centered around vulnerable, should never be approached with any
Christ, often ignores Christ’s teachings, or reinterprets sense of superiority but a sense of humility. Christian
his teachings to suit conveniences, or attributes varied mission should focus on sharing what one has with
priorities to Christ’s teachings. Christians who often others and serving those in need. Christian mission
took pride for not being like the pagans are now should not be focused on building political power but
covertly or overtly harboring and practicing significant focused on delivering spiritual power for glorifying
pagan beliefs and faith practices. Such Christians offer God. While material and financial assistance are
apparently intelligent as well as ridiculously foolish essential aspects of mission the goal ought to be to
justifications for everything they follow in the name of empower the served community to gain their own
Christianity, even when their actions do not align with financial and material independence. Most importantly
what Jesus “came for” and “did not come for.” Sadly, Christian mission work must follow the fundamental
many Christian communities and establishments are teaching of Jesus – “Worship the Lord your God and
focused on preserving their denominational doctrines serve him only” (Matthew 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:13).
and cultural traditions. They grow their personal
finances, global outreach, and political power to In order to engage in meaningful mission, one must
influence and implement policies that keep them in deny the self and the status quo. This requires a vision
control and promote their “brands” as if they were that is beyond the status quo, a vision that is open to
business enterprises. changing the status quo and not play-safe and
maintain the status quo because the consequences
Can Jesus’ Mission be Revived? will be hard. Is this possible? For instance, is the
denial of denominationalism possible to fulfil Christ’s
Reviving Jesus Christ’s mission is extremely difficult mission? The late Brother E. Stanley Jones eloquently
but possible. It requires an earnest desire to return to addresses this topic. He points out that in Acts 2:44
the basics and understand and apply the universality we see that “The believers all kept together.” Now they
of Christ’s teachings, which cannot be achieved keep separate – “you in your small corner, and I in
without denying the self and the status quo. mine. Then they were Christian minded – now sadly
we are denominationally minded.”xviii Brother Jones
There will be almost universal agreement that Christian goes on to say, “These hesitations should come to an
mission work must reemphasize the person of Christ end. The idea that any particular denomination is the
and the teachings of Christ. If Christ is not the Gospel exclusive, or even particular channel of God’s grace is
and His teachings are not the “good news,” then as dead as Queen Anne.” “God sometimes works

46 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

through the denomination, sometimes in spite of it, but people to experience the light of Jesus that dispels all
never exclusively or particularly in any one of them. If forms of darkness from around them and glorify God.
that hurts your denominational pride, it may help your Missionaries must follow the law, practice mercy (not
Christian humility. In a divided world seeking unity a just sacrifice), and reach out to the sinners instead of
divided Church not seeking unity has little or no moral surrounding themselves with self-righteousness. Their
authority. But it must more than seek unity; it must messages should pierce the hearts of those that hear
achieve unity.”xix Unity in Jesus the Christ and his them. Churches and missionaries must return to
teachings can help achieve meaningful Christ- Jesus’s words, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your
centered mission. All others fall short. heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment. And the
History documents that missionary activities extended second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All
from the deep-rooted unconditional love for Christ and the Law and the Prophets hang on these two
his kindness, like that shown by Mother Theresa of commandments” (Matthew 22: 37-40).
Kolkata. Missions inherently connote that missionaries
impart spiritual virtues and material benefits to those End Notes
they serve. Mission work includes evangelization as I. Texts are selected from the New International
well as actions that demonstrate social responsibility. Version (NIV).
During Jesus’s earthly ministry, He fed the hungry, ii. Let Us Dream - The Path to a Better Future by
comforted the troubled, and healed the blind, people Pope Francis; 1 December 2020
with disabilities and the sick. Hence, Christian
missionary work includes efforts to address the needs iii. [Link] R. Edwards
of people through charitable and life-enriching works. iv. Metropolitan Chrysostom on Mission in The
Missions often undertake responsibility for clothing Market Place, edited by Jesudas M. Athyal and John
the naked, educating the poor, offering medical J. Thatamanil (2002).
assistance to the clinically and physically ill, and v. The Way to Power and Poise 1949; page 153
building homes for those who cannot afford a roof over Vi. The Christ of the American Road 1944; page 112
their heads.
Dr. Mathew T. Thomas is a medical
We live in an era when the entire global community is doctor who retired from USFDA after 34
frequently fed with misinformation through agenda plus years in regulatory, management,
and leadership positions. His illustrious
driven entities. Unfortunately, such entities include career included appointment as a senior
churches. As a consequence, mission activities suffer diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in New
setbacks. Sceptics perceive missionaries as meddlers Delhi, where he was the USFDA India
crossing land and sea to amass wealth and gain Office Country Director (2015 to 2017),
converts to consolidate socio-political influence. and the U.S. Health Attaché (2016 to
Sadly, missionary work has at times associated with a 2017). He is a member of the Mar Thoma
Church of Greater Washington and has also served the North
kindly side of imperialism, or concealed approaches
American Diocese as a Council Member for nine years, and the
for “westernization” of communities through their Chief Editor for the Mar Thoma Messenger for over 10 years.
schools, hospitals, and other charitable organizations.
Missions could thus become strategies to propagate
political ideals or covertly promote business interests.
Thus, there is a danger of “mission” being “used”
(abused) for furthering various individual, communal,
institutional, or political agendas. This is a major cause
for concern because of the potential of poisoning
innocent and unsuspecting minds and leading them
astray.

Conclusion

Mission work in the 21st Century must reintroduce

Christ to Christianity. Missionaries must share their
richest experiences of recognizing Christ within all
creation, rather than considering evangelism as mere
Church agenda and denominational propaganda.
Missionaries must not be a source of blinding
vulnerable followers but a source of enlightening all

47 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Missionary Contribution to Kerala: A Selective Review
Dr. Cherian Samuel

Introduction. This essay provides an introduction to a and historical notices of the several Protestant missions,
digitally archived collection of documents, a resource from 1556 to 1839 - Vol 2 -1840; (vi) The fathers and
that could be valuable for assessing the contributions of founders of the London Missionary Society – 1844; (vii)
missionaries to Kerala. The essay is complementary to Missions in South India - Joseph Mullens – 1854; (viii)
the FOCUS Issue theme, “In Search of a Mission Native life in Travancore - Samuel Mateer, 1883.
Paradigm for the 21st century”, since learning from the
past is useful for informing the present and guiding the Christian Missionary Society. The CMS was founded in
future. The essay is divided into two sections. The first 1799 as the Society for Missions to Africa and the East,
section presents an overview of the digitally archived as part of the Anglican Church, was renamed as The
document collections related to missionary activities in Church Missionary Society for Africa and the East in
Kerala. The second section provides a summary of the 1812, and currently known as the Church Mission
evidence related to the outcomes of missionary activities Society. The first CMS Missionary to Travancore was
in Kerala, offers reflections, and concludes the essay. Thomas Norton in 1816, followed by the “Kottayam Trio”
I missionaries: Benjamin Bailey (1791-1871), Joseph Fen
Pioneering Archival Digitization by Shiju Alex. (1790-1878), Henry Baker (1793-1866). The CMS
Between 2009 and 2021, Shiju Alex undertook and led an focused their efforts on the central and northern parts of
extraordinary pioneering voluntary effort for the Archival Kerala.
Digitization—digitizing and archiving of historical
documents for public access—of Kerala-related The Missionary Documents page provides links to the
documents, creating more than 2,000 records and following digitally archived histories of CMS [6]: (i) The
documents and over 120,000 pages [1]. The Missionary History of the Church Missionary Society – Volume 1 –
Documents page is part of this effort, with links listed for 1899; (ii) The History of the Church Missionary Society –
various Kerala-related missionary documents. The Volume 2 – 1899; (iii) The History of the Church
Missionary Documents relate to the Christian Missionary Missionary Society – Volume 3 – 1899; (iv) The History of
Society (CMS) and the London Missionary Society (LMS). the Church Missionary Society – Volume 4 –
Shiju has been also associated with the Gundert Legacy Supplementary Volume – 1916; (v) One hundred years:
Project that digitally archived the contributions of the being the short history of the Church Missionary Society
German missionary, Hermann Gundert (1814-1893) to – 1899.
Malayalam and other South Indian languages.
His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma (1894-
London Missionary Society. The LMS was founded in 1976), the late lamented Metropolitan of the Malankara
1795 as a non-denominational organization for preaching Mar Thoma Syrian Church (Mar Thoma Church), provides
the Gospel, and has become part of the Council for World important historical details regarding the CMS
Mission (CWP) since 1977. The LMS was established missionaries in his 1952 book on the history of the Mar
following the late 18th-century evangelical awakening in Thoma Church [4]. While the British East India Company
Great Britain, led by John Wesley (1703-1791), Charles emerged as the dominant Western power in India
Wesley (1707-1788), and George Whitefield (1714-1770). towards the end of the 18th century, following the Dutch
The awakening transformed Christianity from a State and the Portuguese, they did not encourage missionaries
religion to a religion of the people. focused on individual other than own chaplains.
conversion [2]. The first LMS missionary to Travancore
was William Ringeltaube in 1806 [3]. The LMS work was However, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the
focused on the areas between Kanyakumari in the south princely states of Travancore and Cochin entered into a
and Quilon in the north. treaty relationship with the British to protect themselves
from the attack of Tipu Sultan—ruler of the Kingdom of
The Missionary Documents page provides links to the Mysore—that stipulated a British Resident living in
following digitally archived histories of LMS: (i) The story Travancore. In 1810, Colonel Munro—a devout Christian,
of the L.M.S., 1795-1895-1894; (ii) The story of the interested in the Syrian Church—became the second
L.M.S., 1795-1895 - Second Edition – 1895; (iii) A Resident of Travancore, following Colonel Macauly. Rev.
Hundred Years in Travancore, 1806-1906 – 1908; (iv) The Claudius Buchanan, a Chaplain of the East India
fathers and founders of the London Missionary Society - Company, had visited Travancore in 1806—when
with a brief sketch of Methodism, and historical notices Macauly was the Resident—with a keen interest in
of the several Protestant missions, from 1556 to 1839 - bringing the Syrian Church and the Church of England
Vol 1 – 1840; (v) The fathers and founders of the London closer [5]. He arranged for the printing of the scriptures in
Missionary Society - with a brief sketch of Methodism, Syriac and translated the four Gospels into Malayalam.

48 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Overall, the Syrian Church was in a state of spiritual links to the digitally archived copies of The Church
stupor at the time, steeped in superstitious practices of Missionary Gleaner (1831-1903).
the non-Christians, notwithstanding the grand resolve of
the Coonan Cross Oath in 1653 for maintaining the The Church Missionary Intelligencer. The Church
heritage and faith practices of Saint Thomas Christians, Missionary Intelligencer was a monthly journal published
and repudiating the Portuguese efforts to enforce Latin between 1850 and 1904 that provided information about
Catholic practices. The CMS sent missionaries to CMS missionary activities across different regions of the
Travancore in 1816, as a “A Mission For Help” for the world, including progress, challenges, and stories from
Syrian Church, responding to Colonel Munro’s appeal the field. The Missionary Documents page provides links
and the efforts of Claudius Buchanan. The CMS to the digitally archived copies of The Church Missionary
missionaries were welcomed by the Syrian Church, Intelligencer (1850-1904).
allowed to work among the people, visit and preach in
the churches. The Church Missionary Society Atlas. The Church
Missionary Atlas provided an account of the various
During the first decade of their work (1816-1826), the countries where CMS ministered and details of
relationship between the CMS missionaries and the missionary operations. The Missionary Documents page
Syrian Church remained cordial, with the clear provides links to the digitally archived copies of The
understanding on both sides that the purpose of the Church Missionary Society Atlas (1857-1896).
Mission of Help was to help the Syrian Church restore its
worship and discipline, rather than adopt the liturgy or Archival Digitization as a Research Tool. The Archival
the discipline of the Anglican Church. However, between Digitization initiative also became a research tool in
1826 and 1833, the first batch of CMS missionaries— February 2020, when C. J. Sibu, a volunteer friend of
Bailey, Baker, Fenn—had to return to England, and Shiju Alex, discovered Benjamin Baily’s tomb at the St
Dionysius IV (Cheppat Mar Dionysius), who had never Peter and St Paul Church, Sheinton, United Kingdom
been friendly with the missionaries, became the (UK). Benjamin Bailey had retired to the UK in 1850 due
Metropolitan of the Syrian Church in 1830. to poor health, after serving 34 years in Kottayam and
making significant contributions to Kerala, including the
During 1833 and 1834, Rev. Joseph Peete and Rev. W. Malayalam language. He died in the UK in 1871, aged 80.
J. Woodstock arrived as the two new CMS missionaries, However, little was known in Kerala about Baily’s life
albeit different from the Kottayam trio. Matters came to a since his departure in 1850, until the discovery by C. J.
head in 1836, when the Syrian Church convened a Sibu of Bailey’s tomb, at the behest of Shiju Alex and Dr
Council at Mavelikkara, and decided to end the Mission Babu Cherian, the Executive Director of the Benjamin
of Help with the CMS. The Syrian Church and the Bailey Foundation, Kottayam, Kerala. There are
Missionaries parted company, following a mutually headstones behind the Church, commemorating the
agreed arbitration between the two parties for the Benjamin Bailey and his wife, Elizabeth Bailey (1787-
division of money and property. Thereafter, the CMS 1859). Benjamin Bailey had served as the Rector of
missionaries began evangelic work among low-caste Sheinton from 1856 until his death in 1871, and as Rural
Hindus and tribals. There were also some Syrian Dean of Condover, Salop (1862-1871). His post-Kerala
Christian families and priests who followed the teachings life in the UK for over twenty years (1850-1871) remains
of the CMS missionaries, and established churches at shrouded in mystery, in sharp contrast to Bailey’s prolific
Mallappally (1854), Mavelikkara, and other places, and significant contributions for over thirty years (1816-
culminating in the formation of the Diocese of Travancore 1850) when he lived in Kerala.
and Cochin in 1879 as a branch of the Church of England. II
Outcomes
Juhanon Metropolitan’s book on the Mar Thoma Church
The Missionary Register. The Missionary Register records grateful appreciation for the CMS Missionaries,
includes information about missionaries' service, such as particularly their efforts for the Syrian Church. The
when and where they served, as well as personal details. Missionaries made significant contributions to primary
The Missionary Documents page provides links to the and secondary education in the state by establishing
digitally archived copies of The Missionary Register schools, especially for girls and low-caste people. They
(1813-1855). also served as great examples for the Syrian Church for
proclaiming the Gospel to non-Christians. Their
The Church Missionary Gleaner. The Church emphasis on developing a personal relationship with
Missionary Gleaner publication includes articles, reports, relationship with Jesus through prayer, Bible study, and
and stories from missionaries and others involved in participation in worship and sacraments marked a
mission work. It covers a variety of topics: progress of departure from the faith practices of the Syrian Church at
missionary work in different countries; challenges the time. The Missionaries’ teaching regarding the need
missionaries face; impact of Christianity on local for people to read the Bible and worship in their own
communities. The Missionary Documents page provides language was foundational as well, marking a distinct

49 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

departure from the Syrian Church worship in Syriac, great landmark in the history of Kerala’s social
using Syriac Bibles, with limited access. renaissance [7]. The LMS and CMS missionaries
proclaimed the Gospel and raised voices against the
Though the CMS Mission of Help formally ended in 1836, social evils of slavery, untouchability, pollution, and
it had broader impact on the Syrian Church through the forced labor in Travancore. The missionaries also
reformation efforts led by Palakunnathu Abraham Malpan established educational institutions for the education of
(Professor) of Maramon (1796-1845) and Kaithayil the oppressed classes, as the way forward for social
Geevarghese Malpan of Puthuppally (1800-1855), who progress.
were priests in the Syrian Church and teachers at the
Kottayam Syrian Seminary, established in 1813. Both the The LMS and CMS missionary activities addressed the
Malpans had close personal relationships with the socio-economic backwardness of the lowest sections of
Missionaries and were influenced by them. While the Kerala society. They were instrumental in abolishing
Mission of Help had ended, the Malpans were unwilling slavery and bonded labor system in Travancore. The
to leave the Syrian Church and join the Missionaries, but introduction of Western education also created new
keen to undertake reforms in the Syrian Church. opportunities for illiterate, poorer sections of society,
leading to social transformation, including conversion to
In September 1836, 12 senior priests of the Syrian Christianity.
Church submitted a memorandum to the British
Resident, Colonel Fraser, enumerating 23 unscriptural Discussion
customs and practices in the Church adversely The history and record of the CMS, LMS, and other
impacting Church life, including: praying for the dead, missionary societies show that the impetus for preaching
keeping of relics of saints in churches, and failure to use the Gospel has been an outflow of the revival movements
the Scripture for instruction. Church historians regard the in Europe, especially in Great Britain, obeying Jesus’s
memorandum as the Trumpet Call of Reformation in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), following the
Syrian Church, with Abraham Malpan considered as the martyrdom examples of Jesus’s disciples, Apostle Paul,
Martin Luther of Kerala. Though nothing came out of the and the Early Church. The transformative power of the
memorandum, Abraham Malpan, with support from word of God and the finished work of Jesus on the cross
Geevarghese Malpan, started using the revised liturgy for have been the drivers of Christian missions.
celebrating Holy Communion; a Holy Qurbana Service in
Malayalam was conducted for the very first time at his
The emphasis of CMS and LMs missionaries on
Maramon home parish in August 1836.
education unleashed sweeping social and economic
changes in Travancore, especially for the
Abraham Malpan passed away untimely at the early age
underprivileged. The pioneering educational initiatives of
of 50 in 1845, disappointed by the slow progress of
the Christian missionaries played a significant role in
reformation in the Syrian Church. However, Lord
Kerala achieving superior Human Development
Almighty worked providentially to birth the Malankara
outcomes and high rates of migrations and remittances.
Mar Thoma Church in 1889—more than 50 years after
Abraham Malpan’s passing—following the Travancore The establishment of the printing press and translation of
Royal Court Judgment. The Mar Thoma Church has the Bible into Malayalam had profound effects on Syrian
followed the reformation principles enunciated by the Christians, renewing minds and uplifting spirits. The
Malpans and has become a Global Church, albeit from current efforts to translate the Bible into more languages
small beginnings, with full possession of only three should draw inspiration from the past, as well as the
churches (Maramon, Kozhencherry, Kottarakara) and five promise in His word that it will accomplish the sent-out
churches for worship on alternate Sundays. purpose, not returning empty (Isaiah 55:10-11).

The other enduring legacy of the CMS Missionaries The individual stories of CMS and LMS missionaries are
relates to the Church’s role in social and economic exemplary examples of personal sacrifices for the
matters, based on a Christian liberal outlook, and salvation of the people served and the glory of God.
preaching the whole gospel to the whole person, Several European missionaries perished during travels to
ministering to physical, mental, and spiritual needs. India and other countries; many had to return home due
Currently, Kerala Christian Churches operate a vast to poor health during missions; some died in the mission
portfolio of institutions that provide a range of fields, like: Thomas Norton, the CMS missionary buried
educational, medical, theological and development in Alleppey, Kerala; Joseph Peete, the CMS missionary
services to the community. They also run dedicated buried in Mavelikkara, Kerala.
mission outreach programs for preaching the Gospel.
These outcomes could be regarded as the fruits of the Going forward, Archival Digitization should be a priority
toils of the CMS Missionaries. Likewise, in a series of for Kerala Christian Churches, building on the Missionary
essays, historian Ayyappan Balakrishnan has elaborated Documents work. Creating awareness regarding the
the contributions of LMS and CMS missionaries among need for Archival Digitization among Kerala Christian
the oppressed sections of Kerala Society, terming it as a Church leadership and laity is critical. It will be useful to

50 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

establish an online master index of digitally archived [5] Claudius Buchanan’s speech at the CMS Anniversary
records and documents to avoid duplication and in 1809 and his book, "Christian Researches in Asia",
conserve resources. Archival Digitization initiatives are drew the attention of the British people to the Syrian
also crucial for preserving the heritage of Saint Thomas Christians of Travancore.
Christians, with the past loss of historical records
following the June 1599 Diamper Synod serving as a [6] In addition to the Missionary Documents collection,
powerful motive. other digitized documents related to Kerala Christian
Churches include: (i) Malankara Edavaka Pathrika
Conclusions collection (163 issues); (iii) Malankara Orthodox church
collection (913 documents); (iv) The Church Weekly
As we ponder the issue of a new mission paradigm for collection (240 issues). The collection also includes the
the Church, relevant and material to lived experiences, 1889 Travancore Royal Court Judgment that led to the
we must pay attention to the Lessons of Experience from formation of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church.
earlier Mission initiatives. This essay has provided a peek ([Link]
into a rich resource base of Missionary Documents— 1889/)
based on voluntary Archival Digitization efforts—from the
early 19th century, related to LMS and CMS missionary
[7] “The Role of the London Missionary Society and
activities in Travancore. The evidence suggests that
Church Missionary Society in the Abolition of Oozhiyam
missionary activities laid the foundation for the
(Bonded Labor Service) in Kerala”, Ayyappan
remarkable social and economic progress of Kerala.
Balakrishnan, Journal for the Study of Religion 33, 2
They also had a lasting impact on reforming the faith
(2020)
practices of the Syrian Church, which has evolved
globally, commensurate with the migration of Kerala
Christians.

As Christian witnesses in a watching world, we must

heed Jesus’s call to be Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16).
We must be ready to give an account of the Hope we
have in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). For His Glory. And Our
Good. We may be the only Jesus that many may ever
see!

Notes and References

[1]In December 2021, Shiju Alex

([Link] decided to shut down the
Digitization Initiative, given the challenges in sustaining it
as a personal project. Following Shiju’s announcement
however, well-wishers came forward to support the
Digitization Initiative on an institutional basis, through a
non-profit foundation, the Indic Digital Archive
([Link] based in Bangalore, India, and
expand activities with more resources.

[2] The oldest Anglican missionary society dates to 1698,

when the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge
(SPCK) was founded. The Society for the Propagation of
the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG) was founded in 1701.

[3] Travancore was a former princely state that merged

with Cochin (Kochi) and areas of the former Madras state
to form the Kerala state in 1956. A treaty brought it under
British protection in 1795.

[4] “Christianity in India and a Brief History of the Mar

Thoma Syrian Church”, The Most Rev. Juhanon Mar
Thoma, 1952, Published by K. M. Cherian, Madras.

51 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) – A MISSIOLOGICAL
REFLECTION
Revd Dr. M. Mani Chacko

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of about the faith. But it is important to remember that these
computer systems capable of performing tasks that tools should support, not replace, the personal aspect of
typically require human intelligence. Artificial Intelligence sharing the Gospel.
(AI) is changing how we live and interact, offering new
ways to communicate, learn, and solve problems. In AI and Contextualization
Christian missions, AI brings opportunities to share the
Gospel with more people than ever before. However, One of the key principles of Christian missions is to
using AI in missions also raises practical challenges. How engage with people in a way that respects their context
can we use AI to spread the Gospel without losing its true and cultural background. This means understanding and
meaning? How can we contextualize the Gospel by honoring the traditions, values, and beliefs of the people
respecting different cultures when using AI technology? we are engaged in mission enterprise. The message of
Jesus is universal, but it must be communicated in a way
AI and Proclamation of the Gospel that makes sense within each unique culture. This
process is called Contextualization.
The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, a message
of hope, love, and salvation. It is more than just AI can help in understanding and engaging with different
information; it is about a relationship with God that cultures. For instance, it can analyze social media,
changes lives. Traditionally, sharing the Gospel has books, and other sources to identify common beliefs,
involved personal interaction, where one person speaks values, and questions within a culture. This can help
to another, answers questions, and builds a connection. missionaries understand what people care about and
This personal touch is important because the Gospel how they think, which can inform how the gospel is
calls for a response from the heart, not just an intellectual presented. AI can also help translate materials into local
agreement. languages, making the message more accessible.
However, using AI to engage with cultures also has its
AI, on the other hand, is a tool that can process and challenges. AI can analyze data and identify patterns, but
deliver information. It can answer questions about it cannot fully understand the depth and complexity of
Christianity, provide Bible verses, and even simulate human cultures. Culture is not just a collection of facts; it
conversation. However, AI cannot feel, believe, or is a lived experience shaped by history, relationships,
express genuine love and empathy. It lacks the human and emotions. Engaging with a culture requires empathy,
touch that is often essential in sharing the gospel. When respect, and a willingness to learn and adapt. It involves
someone is struggling, AI can provide a Bible verse, but building relationships, listening to people’s stories, and
it cannot offer a comforting presence, listen with understanding their joys and struggles.
empathy, or pray in a heartfelt way. The Gospel is about
more than words; it is about showing God’s love through There is a risk that relying too much on AI for cultural
actions and relationships. engagement could lead to a shallow or formulaic
approach. If we use AI to decide how to present the
There is also the concern that using AI might make the gospel without real human interaction, we may miss the
Gospel seem like just another piece of information to be deeper aspects of what makes each culture unique. True
consumed rather than a life-changing message. The cultural engagement involves more than just presenting
Gospel is not just a set of facts to be learned; it is an information in a different language or format; it involves
invitation to a relationship with God. While AI can help connecting with people on a personal level,
people learn about the Christian faith, it cannot lead them understanding their worldview, and finding ways to
into a personal relationship with Jesus. The work of the communicate the gospel that resonate with their
Holy Spirit in convicting, comforting, and transforming experiences.
hearts is something that AI cannot replicate.
AI should be used to assist in this process, not replace it.
However, AI can be a useful tool in certain areas. It can It can provide valuable insights and tools, but the real
help make Christian teachings more accessible, work of cultural engagement requires human
especially in places where there are language barriers or involvement. Missionaries need to be present in the
a lack of resources. For example, AI-powered translation culture, building relationships and learning from the
tools can help people read the Bible in their own people they are trying to reach. AI can support this work
language. AI can also provide answers to common by providing resources and helping to overcome
questions about Christianity, helping people learn more

52 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

language barriers, but it cannot replace the human Easter: A Celebration of Hope and New Life
connection that is at the heart of effective ministry.
Easter is a time of reflection on the profound
Conclusion
meaning of Jesus' resurrection and its impact on
It is impossible to tell how the use of AI will develop in the our lives. It brings a message of forgiveness,
future and how it will affect the mission of the church. A redemption, and the promise of eternal life.
‘maximal’ view of AI’s potential sees it transforming
economies and automating many current careers out of Easter Reflections
existence, freeing up time and resources for ministry.
Even in a moderately optimistic view, AI will provide huge The Power of Resurrection
advances in ministry personnel development and training
Easter reminds us that death is not the end but a
through computer-assisted learning programs; it will
transition to new life—both earthly and eternal.
transform medical mission through Machine Learning-
assisted diagnosis and telemedicine. At the same time, I
believe the increase in automation and the ‘human-like Hope in the Midst of Darkness
but non-human’ communication of chat bots will deepen Jesus' resurrection offers hope in times of
an existing epidemic of loneliness and provoke a suffering and despair, assuring us that even in our
yearning for real human connection and community darkest moments, new beginnings are always
which must remain at the heart of mission. The gospel is possible.
a message of love and transformation that calls for a
response from the heart. AI can assist in this process, but
Redemption and Forgiveness
it cannot replace the human touch and the work of the
Holy Spirit. By using AI thoughtfully and ethically, we can Easter calls us to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and
support the mission in a way that honors God and the gift of forgiveness, allowing us to embrace a
respects all peoples. fresh start and live with renewed purpose.

Revd Dr. M. Mani Chacko, PhD The Importance of Faith

(King’s College London) was a Faith in Christ is at the heart of Easter, for through
former General secretary of the faith, we find salvation, strength, and the promise
Bible Society of India. of eternal life.

Living a Life of Service

The message of Easter urges us to live with love,
compassion, and selflessness, mirroring the
example of Jesus.

Celebrating New Beginnings

Easter marks a time of renewal—both spiritually
and personally—encouraging growth,
transformation, and a deeper relationship with
God.

Finding Joy in the Everyday

By embracing the joy of Easter, we can find
gratitude in life’s daily blessings and sustain hope,
no matter the challenges we face.

The Enduring Truth of Easter

The Easter story is a timeless reminder of God’s
love and the enduring truths of the Christian faith,
offering meaning and hope in a world often filled
with pain and uncertainty.

FOCUS
Editorial Board

53 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

Obituary Tribute to Mr. T. K. Mathew
Dr. Cherian Samuel

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished Station in Periyakulam (Tamil Nadu). It was in
Periyakulam that TK met his life partner, Mrs. Mary
the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth
Mathew; they were married for 60 years, until her passing
there is laid up for me the crown of in February 2023.
righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, will award to me on that Since the Tamil Nadu Government job did not provide a
day, and not only to me but also to all who sustainable career, TK left after three years. He moved to
Jaipur (Rajasthan) as the Garden Superintendent at the
have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Jaipur Metals and Electrical Company, but left after
twelve months, dissatisfied. He joined the DLF Group in
Delhi next, advising their farm house owners. TK left after
three years to join Caritas India—development agency of
the Catholic Church—since DLF was focused on real
estate development rather than agriculture, marking the
start of what TK states in his 2019 memoirs as a serious
chapter of his professional life (“Memoirs of TK Mathew,
A Pioneer Social Entrepreneur”, Sam K Chacko,
PRADAN, Delhi, 2019).

Though reluctant initially, TK worked at Caritas for

fourteen years, fully embracing the role as God’s call for
a ministry of social service. He transformed the
organization and was promoted as the Program Head,
the highest-ranking laity position in the organization. This
was a tremendous professional achievement for TK,
particularly as a non-Catholic. He developed a great
admiration for the Catholic Church through the Caritas
experience for their commitment to humanity, and vigor
and enthusiasm for pastoral care and social activities for
the promotion of the kingdom of God. He also wrote a
book on project management for training social workers,
published by Caritas India (“Project Planning,
T. K. Mathew: An Exceptional Life of Service and Formulation and Evaluation: A Manual,” Caritas India,
Significance Delhi, 1979).

Mr. T.K. Mathew (TK), the well-known Indian Social TK was invited to join the ASSEFA (Association for Sarva
Entrepreneurship Pioneer and a beloved member of the Seva Farms), a Gandhian institution, in July 1978, while
Sehion Mar Thoma Church in Venmony (Kerala), passed serving Caritas India. He was impressed by ASSEFA’s
away in March 2025 in Venmony, where he lived among work for the poor communities, application of Gandhian
his Keerikattu Tharayilethu family. He was 89 years old. values, promotion of grass root approaches, simplified
TK Mathew was the son of K.M. Koshy and Saramma life, and results-oriented approach. The co-founders of
Koshy, the oldest of seven children, four brothers— ASSEFA—focused on helping landless families with
including Padma Bhushan laureate Dr. T.K. Oommen— farming, who had received land through the voluntary
and three sisters. His father worked for the Kerala State Gandhian land reform program (Bhoodan)—S.
Electricity Board, while his mother raised the family. TK’s Loganathan and Giovanni Ermiglia, an Italian living in
dedication to family, community, and the Mar Thoma India, were instrumental in recruiting TK, who spent nine
Church has been exemplary and enduring. years at ASSEFA during a period of phenomenal growth
for the organization.
TK attended the Venmony Mar Thoma Secondary School
and the nearby Kodukulanji High School. Afterwards, he The founding of Deepalaya (Abode of Light), a Delhi-
went to Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum (Kerala), for based NGO (nongovernmental organization,
Intermediate studies. He received an Honors Bachelor’s [Link] on July 16, 1979, marks the
degree in agriculture from the Bansilal Amrithlal College pinnacle of TK’s philanthropic initiatives, the magnum
of Agriculture, Anand (Gujrat). Upon graduation, TK got opus. It was a humble beginning; a beginning full of
his first job as a Fruit Assistant at the Fruit Research sincerity of purpose, commitment and sense of
proportion. It was also the beginning of a journey (Yatra);

54 | Page FOCUS, Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025

a beginning based on FAITH, practice of distributive with State governments and other agencies that
justice, and contribution to Nation Building. therefore impacts policy making at the State level.

The genesis of Deepalaya dates back to the 1977-79 TK and Mrs. Mathew returned to their roots in Venmony
period, when three of the seven founders (TK, Y about 10 years ago, following the retirement from
Chackochan, P. J. Thomas) were office bearers at the St. Deepalaya. They immersed themselves in the affairs of
Thoms Mar Thoma Church in Karol Bagh (Delhi) as family, church and community. TK served as the
Secretary, Trustee, and Accountant respectively. As they President of the Keerikattu Kudumba Yogam,
met regularly, they were convicted that their Christian volunteered in the Pakal Veedu (day home) for the elderly,
faith was isolated from the public, and not fully relevant, and participated actively in parish activities. At the time
since the faith practices were limited to believers within of his passing, TK was serving as the Finance Committee
the church, the faith characterized by Apostle James as Chair, raising funds through his vast network for the
dead faith, faith without works (James 2:26). Venmony Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School Building
project.
As they set out, the three Deepalaya founders pondered
three questions: (i) How was their faith relevant to the TK’s charitable spirit and action has also been a guiding
people of Delhi? (ii) How could they practice distributive force for the extended Tharayilethu Kizhakkethil Family
justice; and (iii) How could they give back to society what through the family trust, TKS (Tharayilethu Koshy
they had received? They were also cognizant of their own Saramma) Nidhi—established in 1980 as an endowment
Sunday School lessons, based on Jesus’s teaching that and registered as a trust in 1998—for honoring the
a Christian must be: (i) salt of the earth; (ii) light on the parents K.M. Koshy and Saramma, when they celebrated
mount; and (iii) seed in the soil. All the three metaphors their 70th and 60th birthdays respectively. The TKS Nidhi
are self-effacing, underscoring the centrality of serving awards scholarships to students on a merit cum means
others as the foundation for an abundant Christian life. basis, and supports other needs of the less privileged,
The insight is also at the heart of TK’s motto for life: “Be with the Corpus expected to receive one-day-income
content with what you have, but be discontent with annually from the earning members of the Family.
what you can for others.”
During his lifetime, TK received numerous awards in
They were later joined by four other friends—Grace recognition of his enormous contributions to the Indian
Thomas, C. M. Mathai, Punnoose Thomas, T. M. NGO (nongovernmental organization) sector, including:
Abraham–from the Karol Bagh Mar Thoma Church as Rotarian of the year, Karamveer Puraskar, Malankara Mar
founder members for establishing the Deepalaya Thoma Church Manav Seva Award in 2007 for service to
Education Society, with TK Mathew as the Secretary and Humanity, Platinum President Award of the Rotary Club
Chief Executive. The school had five children, two under Rotary District 3010, Cancer Foundation Award,
teachers and an investment of Rupees 17,500 from the Vijaya Gujral Award for excellence in Education, Man of
seven founding members—contributing Rupees 2.500 Achievement Award, Man of Courage Award.
each—with a focus on pre-school education. The
overarching principle was facilitating access to TK’s unexpected passing is a great loss. May his motto
education, given its power to transform the lives of of being content with what we have, but being discontent
people and empower them. with what we can do for others, inspire us. May it spur us
into action to Love and Serve others.
Over the years, Deepalaya has grown by leaps and
bounds, expanding beyond Delhi, moving into other TK is survived by: (i) Koshy (son), Reena, Aaronne; (ii)
sectors, to become the largest operational NGO Joseph (son), Chris, Kathryn, Caleb, Josaiah; (iii) Saro
(nongovernmental organization) in the Delhi National (daughter), Tharyan, Amal; (iv) siblings (Dr TK Oommen,
Capital Region. Deepalaya has established projects in TK Abraham, TK Simon, Chinnamma, Annamma,
Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Ammini).
Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
The projects span the following sectors: Education May his soul rest in peace. And rise in glory.
(Formal/Non-Formal/Remedial), Women Empowerment
(Reproductive Health, Self Help Groups, Livelihood,
Microfinance), Institutional Care, Community Health,
Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD),
Vocational Training, Environmental Sustainability and
Differently Abled. The beneficiaries of Deepalaya
operations include: more than 3,78,145 children;
vocational training to 24,870 adults; more than 1,616
self-help groups formed, with 17,892 women who have
established more than 8,431 micro-enterprises.
Deepalaya’s operating model is based on collaborating

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