THE 36-YEAR-OLD CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT (EVANGELISM, UNITY, THEOLOGY)

This thesis reviews the emergence of the Church of South India, and looks at the context in which she grew. It explores the origin of the Church in India from St. Thomas to Independence, and examines the factors leading to denominational divisions and the forces that brought them together as a united Church of South India.;The thesis also highlights the dreams of the C.S.I. with regard to its ecumenical expression, contextualized theology, vigorous evangelism and social justice. I have traced the concern of the Major Christian denominations in India to unite visibly for the one great purpose of diffusing the Gospel of Christ throughout India, and bringing it under the leadership of Christ.;The main thrust is 'unity and evangelism.' The thesis examines the characteristics of the united Church, its achievements over the first thirty-six years of its existence as a pilgrim church, its needs, and its weaknesses which require specific attention so that the C.S.I. may grow to its full potential.