Christian community Quote by Shashi Tharoor
““Kerala’s Christians belong to the oldest Christian community in the world outside Palestine. And when St Thomas, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles, brought Christianity to Kerala, it is said he was welcomed on shore by a flute-playing Jewish girl. St Thomas made converts among the high-born elite, the Namboodiri Brahmins, which meant there were Indians whose families had practised Christianity for far longer than the ancestors of any Briton could lay claim to.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Harvard University Commencement, 2015
Kerala’s Christians trace their roots to St. Thomas, predating Western Christianity.
In simple terms: Ancient Christian community in Kerala from St. Thomas.
Key Takeaway
Recognize diverse historical origins of faith.
Themes
history
religion
cultural identity
Mood
thoughtful
informative
Type
historical
cultural
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- education
- heritage tourism
Key Concepts
apostolic tradition
colonial narratives
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this history mean for modern identity?
- How do we verify ancient traditions?
A Different Perspective
Historical claims can be contested by scholars.
