Nationalism and Nation Building
The context in which Indian Theology addressed deeply is the
socio-political revolutions. Nation building efforts preceded by the
independence struggle, is perhaps the most influential secular context (next
only to religious pluralism) which has shaped the Indian Christian theologies.
A theology of nationalism (in the sense of nation-building), of liberation and
social justice are the key motifs of this context. The whole question of the
secular interpretation of the Christian message, and the development of
relevant Christian ideologies will occupy several years or decades of future Christian
thinkers in India. Indians Christianity was inevitable part of colonial rule.
To be Christian means to identify with the culture, tradition and ethos of
colonial power. Regardless there was a remnant group who discerned the
shallowness of colonialism and supported positively to the freedom movement and
the cause of nation building. As Christian faith got minority character the
contributions of these remnants are not highlighted both in Indian history and
in Christian history.
Indian
Christian have more opportunities in free India rather than enslaved India
under colonial rule. His nationalism focused on building of a nation on
non-violence that leads to establishment of justice. Christian realized that
truth is part of every faith at the same time all faiths have its own
limitation therefore, we need to respect each other’s faith and create harmony.
Many Christian like K.T. Paul was committed to political nationalism,
seeing in it also a self- awakening of India which would transform the totality
on India’s traditional life. Nationalism had a different meaning for him, for
him Indian nationalism is not Indian politics but a great social revolution of
which politics is but a part. The secret spring of nationalism was different
from unity in regard to religion, language and government, but was recognition
by individual persons of something as their common interests, some great object
which over-rides individual interest. They identified the importance of Indian
cultures and encouraged others not to reject their cultural legacy. Biblical
study especially the Old Testament prophets with their prophetic ministry
helped them to comprehend that politics is mere one aspect of social life.
The substance of Indian
nationalism is that Christ coined the Phrases “Christian Nationalism” and “New
Dharma of Citizenship”, and many consider him to be the first Christian
statesperson of India. K.T. Paul was convinced of both his Christian identity
and national identity tried to integrate both without rejecting anyone and to preach
gospel based on Indian identity. Recognizing the social reality discerned the
spirit of nationalism as the pulse.
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