Book review: Christians in the Largest Democracy’ by Dr Steven Menezes

  •   Wed, Jun 11 2025
  •   By Kishoo Barkur

June 11, 2025

It's with a mix of nostalgia and genuine curiosity that I sit down to review the book ‘Christians in the Largest Democracy’ by Dr Steven Menezes, a book that resonates deeply not only for its scholarly depth but also because, as it happens, I knew him from our childhood days. We both are born and brought up in Barkur, a historical town in coastal Karnataka, where we spent our childhood attending the same schools and church. To see someone I once knew as one of the finest comedy actors in those churchyard plays, to produce such a thoughtful work feels like discovering an unexpected treasure from someone familiar. This carefully researched book offers a compelling, nuanced exploration of the Christian experience in India, weaving together historical analysis, personal reflection, and contemporary insights into a narrative that is both enlightening and heartfelt. Below, I offer a detailed review, highlighting its considerable strengths while noting a few areas where it might have ventured further.

Comprehensive Historical Journey

One of the book's most impressive accomplishments is its sweeping historical narrative, tracing Christianity in India from its origins with St. Thomas's arrival in 52 CE through its complex evolution during colonial and post-independence periods. The chapters on Christianity's origins (Chapter One) and its arrival in India (Chapter Two) are particularly captivating, offering readers a vivid journey from Jesus's teachings in Judea to the establishment of the St Thomas Christian communities in Kerala. Steven’s ability to connect ancient texts, such as the Acts of Thomas, with archaeological evidence like Roman coins discovered in Kerala, anchors the narrative in both tradition and historical credibility. This thoroughness ensures that readers, whether newcomers to the subject or those already familiar, gain a deeper understanding of Indian Christianity's ancient foundations, effectively challenging the notion that it is merely a colonial introduction. Though I wonder if some historians might debate certain interpretations, the overall picture is convincing.

Balanced and Thoughtful Perspective

Dr Menezes’ approach is refreshingly even-handed, a quality that distinguishes this book in a field often influenced by ideological positions. He neither avoids documenting the concerning rise in violence against Christians—citing data from the United Christian Forum (UCF) and Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), such as 834 incidents in 2024—nor does he overlook the problematic aspects of certain Christian missionary activities. His acknowledgment of aggressive conversion tactics, financial incentives, and mismanagement of foreign funds by some denominations (Chapter Nine) demonstrates intellectual integrity. This balanced perspective is particularly evident in his discussion of the ‘Ghar Wapsi’ re-conversion movements, where he presents both the Hindu nationalist viewpoint and Christian concerns about coercion without clearly favoring either side. This neutrality makes the book a reliable resource for readers seeking to understand the complexities of religious dynamics in India, though occasionally I found myself wishing for slightly more of his personal perspective.

Personal Narrative as Cultural Connection

The personal thread woven throughout the book—Dr Steven's own story as a Christian raised by a grandmother, influenced by Hindu Jyotish, and shaped by interfaith childhood experiences—adds a touching, relatable dimension. His reflection on growing up in Barkur, where children of all faiths played together and shared festivals, contrasts meaningfully with the current climate of religious tension, creating a gentle nostalgia that reinforces the book's appeal for interfaith harmony. This personal lens, especially knowing Steven from childhood, feels like a quiet revelation; it's as if the boy who once ran through Kacchur Village has distilled years of observation into a narrative that bridges Christian theology and Indian cultural heritage. His engagement with both Christianity and Jyotish exemplifies the syncretic approach he advocates, making the book not just an academic study but a heartfelt appeal for unity. I do wonder sometimes if childhood memories might paint the past in rosier hues than reality, but the sentiment rings true.

Data-Supported Analysis

The book's reliance on solid data, particularly in Chapters Nine and Ten, strengthens its arguments considerably. Dr Menezes draws on reputable sources like the Pew Research Center, UCF, and EFI to provide concrete figures, such as the 2011 Census showing Christians as 2.3% of India's population or the 2024 UCF report documenting daily attacks on Christians. The inclusion of tables in Chapter Ten, detailing perceptions of religious freedom and diversity, adds clarity and accessibility, helping readers grasp the scale of India's religious landscape. These statistics ground the narrative in verifiable reality, making it a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists alike. The data seems comprehensive, though I occasionally wondered about potential biases in some of the source organizations.

Emphasis on Social Contributions

Dr Menezes excels in highlighting Christianity's contributions to Indian society, particularly through education, healthcare, and social welfare (Chapter Seven). He details how Christian institutions, from schools to hospitals, have served Indians of all faiths, often in underserved areas. This emphasis effectively counters narratives that portray Christians as foreign or divisive, instead showcasing their integral role in India's social fabric. The discussion of figures like Pandita Ramabai, who blended Christian faith with advocacy for women's rights, illustrates the community's progressive impact, reinforcing the book's argument that India's strength lies in its pluralism. These examples are compelling, though perhaps a bit more critical examination of institutional failures might have added balance.

Solutions-Focused Conclusion

The conclusion stands out, offering practical recommendations for addressing religious tensions: ethical conversion practices, rejection of violence by nationalist groups, government enforcement of constitutional protections, and interfaith dialogue. Dr Steven’s call for dialogue, informed by his own interfaith experiences, feels both pragmatic and hopeful. His vision of an India that embraces diversity without demanding uniformity is a powerful conclusion, aligning with the constitutional ethos of religious freedom while acknowledging the challenges of implementation in a polarized climate. Though the recommendations seem overly idealistic, I feel those are the need of the hour.

Engaging and Accessible Writing

Despite its academic depth, the book is written in an engaging, conversational style that draws readers into the narrative. Dr Menezes' use of phrases like 'Let me take you through this incredible journey' or 'It's like going to an ice cream shop with 50 flavors' makes complex historical and sociological discussions approachable. At times he becomes witty with retorts like 'The East India Company was more interested in making money than saving souls.' This accessibility broadens the book's appeal, making it suitable for both academic audiences and general readers interested in India's religious dynamics. The tone strikes a good balance, though occasionally the informal language feels slightly at odds with the serious subject matter.

Cultural and Theological Awareness

The exploration of the ‘Indianization’ of Christianity (Chapter Two) and the caste question within Christian communities (Chapter Three) demonstrates Dr Menezes' sensitivity to cultural and theological nuances. He details how Indian Christians have adapted their faith to local contexts, from incorporating temple architectural elements to developing Dalit theology. This focus on inculturation respects India's diverse heritage while affirming Christianity's adaptability, making the book a valuable contribution to global discussions on religious pluralism. The theological discussions are generally accessible, though some readers might benefit from more detailed explanations.

Timely and Relevant

Published during a period of heightened religious tension, as evidenced by the 2024 Christmas-time violence, the book is remarkably relevant. Dr Menezes' analysis of Hindu nationalism's impact on minorities, coupled with international perspectives like the USCIRF's concerns, situates the Christian experience within broader global debates on religious freedom. This timeliness ensures the book's resonance beyond India, speaking to universal questions of identity and coexistence. The international dimension adds important context, though more analysis of how global perceptions affect domestic dynamics might have been valuable. 

While Christians in the Largest Democracy is an accomplished work, a few areas could have been expanded to enhance its impact:

Broader Minority Comparative Analysis

The book excels in analyzing the Christian experience but could have devoted more attention to comparing it with the experiences of other religious minorities, such as Muslims or Sikhs, beyond Chapter Three. While Dr Steven briefly addresses these communities, a deeper comparative analysis could have enriched the discussion of India's religious pluralism, especially given shared challenges like anti-conversion laws and communal violence. This omission, though understandable given the book's focus, slightly limits the scope in addressing the broader minority landscape.

Greater Internal Christian Diversity Exploration

Although Dr Menezes discusses various Christian denominations (Chapter Seven), the book could have explored further the theological and cultural differences among them, particularly how these shape their responses to persecution. For instance, the distinct experiences of Pentecostal versus Syro-Malabar communities in facing violence could have been examined more thoroughly. A more detailed examination might have added depth to the portrayal of Christian diversity within India.

Historical Context Balance

While Dr Menezes' personal anecdotes enrich the narrative, some sections, particularly in the conclusion, rely somewhat heavily on his childhood memories to contrast past harmony with present tensions. While these recollections are evocative and meaningful, this approach might risk oversimplifying the historical context of interfaith relations. Supplementing these personal reflections with more comprehensive historical data on pre-modern interfaith dynamics could have strengthened the argument about changing social conditions.

Conclusion

‘Christians in the Largest Democracy’ is an impressive achievement that combines scholarly rigor, personal insight, and a compassionate vision for India's pluralistic future. Dr Steven Menezes has crafted a work that not only documents the challenges and contributions of India's Christian community but also encourages readers to envision a society where diversity strengthens rather than divides.

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Roman Catholic Bishop of Udupi diocese, highlights in his appreciation for the book: ‘What stands out is your balanced perspective, shaped by your personal faith journey, academic pursuit and lived experience within India’s pluralistic society. By addressing both achievements and challenges with honesty and integrity, your book fosters understanding and dialogue at a time when such efforts are urgently needed’.

Bishop of Mangalore diocese, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, echoes these sentiments: ‘Your dedication to presenting the Christian presence and contribution within our pluralistic and democratic society is both commendable and inspiring. I deeply appreciate the effort, the research and prayer that must have gone into producing such a valuable resource’.

Knowing Steven from childhood, I'm struck by how his journey—from Barkur, a coastal village in Karnataka, to a scholar bridging Christian and Hindu worlds—mirrors the book's message of cultural synthesis and understanding. While deeper exploration of non-Christian minorities and internal Christian diversity might have enhanced its scope, these are modest suggestions for an otherwise exemplary work. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand religious dynamics in India and beyond, offering a thoughtful beacon for a more inclusive world.

 

 

The book is available in Kindle and Hardcover version at https://amzn.in/d/6p6994H.

 

 

 

 

 
By Kishoo Barkur
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Title: Book review: Christians in the Largest Democracy’ by Dr Steven Menezes



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