Christian Mission in India: Contributions of Some Missions to Social Change
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CHRISTIAN MISSION IN INDIA: CONTRIBUTIONS OF SOME MISSIONS TO SOCIAL CHANGE By Colin F. Blair B.Sc., London School of Economics, 1975 M.Th., Fuller School of World Mission, 1983 D.Miss., Fuller School of World Mission, 1989 Post-Bacc. Dip., Community Economic Development, Simon Fraser University, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment ofthe Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Colin F. Blair 2008 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Fall 2008 All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in whole or part by photocopy or other means without permission ofthe author. Approval Name: Colin F. Blair Degree: Doctor ofPhilosophy Title of Thesis: Christian Mission In India: Contributions of some missions to Social Change Examining Committee: Dr Wade Parkhouse, Chair Dean ofGraduate Studies Dr. Michael Howard, Senior Supervisor Professor, Sociology and Anthropology Dr. Mahmood Khan, Supervisor Professor Emeritus, Economics Dr. Robert Anderson, Examiner Professor, Communications Dr Geoffrey Brian Hainsworth, External Examiner Professor Emeritus, Department of Economics, University of British Columbia Date Approved November 24th 2008 11 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Declaration of Partial Copyright Licence The author, whose copyright is declared on the title page of this work, has granted to Simon Fraser University the right to lend this thesis, project or extended essay to users of the Simon Fraser University Library, and to make partial or single copies only for such users or in response to a request from the library of any other university, or other educational institution, on its own behalf or for one of its users. 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Simon Fraser University Library Burnaby, BC, Canada Revised: Fall 2007 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY THINKING OF THE WORLD STATEMENT OF ETHICS APPROVAL The author, whose name appears on the title page of this work, has obtained, for the research described in this work, either: (a) Human research ethics approval from the Simon Fraser University Office of Research Ethics, or (b) Advance approval of the animal care protocol from the University Animal Care Committee of Simon Fraser University; or has conducted the research (c) as a co-investigator, in a research project approved in advance, or (d) as a member of a course approved in advance for minimal risk human research, by the Office of Research Ethics. A copy of the approval letter has been filed at the Theses Office of the University Library at the time of submission of this thesis or project. The original application for approval and letter of approval are filed with the relevant offices. Inquiries may be directed to those authorities. Bennett Library Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, canada last revi:s~: Summer 2007 Abstract The thesis follows the development of selected Christian missions in India as a form of NGO activity. The thesis examines the development ofthis form ofNGO activity seeking to find factors that have made for success in areas of Christian expansion but also the resultant social and economic development spheres. It then discusses the value of these contributions to the wider area of NGO development activity. Christian NGO activity is based on an altruistic motivation. In itself this motivation has not been sufficient to yield success. Success has come from ministering to people who are in crisis exhibiting distinct areas of need. To meet this need a holistic model as opposed to a narrow evangelistic model must be adopted even if it requires some revision to the original theological or ideological outlook. A sound development model suited to the needs of these people has to be adopted. This is seen to be one with roots in the thinking of the Reformation period by Luther and Calvin. Max Weber the German sociologist also noted this linkage giving it the title The Protestant Work Ethic seeing it as one of the foundations of the modem world and the economic progress that has been enjoined. This Reformation based model was first proved in the early mission activity amongst Dalit people in Tamil Nadu. The modem equivalent has been developed by the Aroles in Maharastra and widely adopted by the present NGO network. Further there is the need to develop sound organizational and institutional methods to ensure continuity. These same basic principles are shown to be effective when secularized and utilized by other religious and non religious NGOs with similar desirable effects. 111 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my friend and mentor, the late Dennis Clark, ofVictoria, BC, Canada. It was Dennis who challenged me back in 1956 with the idea that some of us should seek to become better educated. I was a discouraged university dropout, unsure of myself despite a good record in high school. I accepted his challenge by completing UK A-levels, went on to experience a meaningful and useful 20 years ofpart-time study, which resulted in a Doctorate from Fuller Seminary, in 1989. On return to Vancouver in 1995, I began another course ofstudy, which brought me to this Ph.D. dissertation. Dennis you were a worthy guru. I can follow you as a shargird or chela (disciple) and, perhaps one day, aspire to guru status myself. IV Acknowledgements The first tribute must go to my faithful and patient wife, Janette, who has always given her full support and interest to this project. In common with all who attempt to write a dissertation, I am indebted to my supervisors, Dr. Michael Howard and Dr. Mahmood Khan, for their patience perseverance and assistance, to Dr. Barry Kirkwood of Auckland University, New Zealand and to and Dr. Senyo Ajibolosoo of Trinity Western University who offered valuable time and support as well. To the many in South Asia who gave their time and interest, lowe a great debt. They represent a wide range of people: in Christian NGOs, like EFICOR, ACTs, EHA projects; Dr. Aroles in Jamkhed; the group of Swamis and others belonging to the Ramakhrishna Mission, in Calcutta and Narendrapur; those who took me out to Ralegan Siddhi, outside of Pune; the people connected with Sarvodaya, at Moretuwa, outside Colombo in Sri Lanka; and to many of the people of Islam, who shared their vision and interests at the Institute of Objective Studies and the Jamaat al Hind in Delhi, as well as those in Hyderabad and Bangalore, together with those in different NGO ministries around Dehra Dun in North India. v Contents Approval ii Abstract iii Dedication iv Acknowledgements v Contents vi Tables and Figures viii Abbreviations ix CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1 Synopsis I Statement ofthe Thesis ~ 4 Introduction 5 CHAPTER 2 THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTIAN IDEAS ABOUT THE NA TURE OF MISSION 9 Early Concepts of Development 9 Christian Concepts of Empowerment. 22 CHAPTER 3 THE CHRISTIAN MISSION IN INDIA 28 India: Historical Background 28 The Significance of Marginalized Groups 38 Responses to the Christian Ministry by Dalit and Tribal Communities 43 A BriefHistory of the Christian Mission in India 47 CHAPTER 4 FOUR CASE STUDIES 56 Effective Protestant Missions in Modem India 56 Missions to Tribal Peoples 61 The Malto Tribe in Bihar 64 The Ministry ofthe Friends Mission Prayer Band 67 Comprehensive Rural Health Project 71 The Arole's Health Care Vision for Village India 78 The Emmanuel Hospital Association 95 Summary 116 CHAPTER 5 EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL MISSIONS IN INDIA 118 Summary ofFindings and Some Preliminary Conclusions 118 Comparison with Programs Undertaken by Other Faiths 122 Leadership and Organization in Effective Missions 129 Conclusions 156 Vl APPENDIX: REFLECTIONS ON ALTRUISM 160 The Origin ofAltruism 161 Understandings ofAltruism 163 A Religious View ofAltruism 167 Conclusion 177 Take-OffPoints 186 BIBLJOGRAPHY 194 Vll Tables and Figures Table I: Scheduled Castes and Tribes 200 I Census 39 Table 2: Domestic Indian Missionaries 50 Table 3: Activities ofIndian Missionaries 53 Figure 1: Pre Aryan Civilization 1500 BC 28 Figure 2: Gupta Empire AD 320-600 30 Figure 3: The Mughal Empire 800-1500