The Social Impact of the Christian Mission in...

The Social Impact of the Christian Mission in Southern Part of Tamil Nadu

Author Name : Dr M S Thangam

ABSTRACT

The Christian Missionaries travelled to different parts of the world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and did social services for the emancipation of the poor. When the missionaries came to South Tamil Nadu, they concentrate more on social reforms than gospel works. They were astonished to see the social evils prevalent in South Tamil Nadu. As far as their religion was concerned, fear and superstitious beliefs characterized their life. The stratification of society along caste lines was another dominant factor and everyone’s identity was through the solidarity of his or her caste. This made them to change their mind and they attempted to reform the society first and to propagate their Christian religion after that. The first organized Protestant mission in the south was launched in 1706 by the Lutherans under the patronage of the King of Denmark at Tarangambodi. The German Lutheran pastors, Ziegenbalg and Pluetschau were engaged in this mission. Zieganbalg the first Protestant missionary himself had pioneered in starting girls’ school at Tarangambodi. To begin with only Christian girls went to school. Then others also followed. For a long time Christian women were the most literate.

KEYWORDS: Christian Missionaries, Reforms, Education, Health care