This volume brings together fifteen insightful essays that delve into the vital relationship between Indian Christianity and the democratic process. With a firm belief in the faith’s historical and theological affinity for democracy—especially in empowering India’s marginalized communities—the author explores how this tradition can actively contribute to shaping a just and inclusive society. Drawing from the rich heritage of the Catholic Church, the essays call for a renewed commitment to public theological discourse and interfaith collaboration. Together, they offer a compelling vision of how Indian Christianity can help animate a transformative political imagination rooted in democratic ideals. This book is an invitation to scholars, faith communities, and citizens alike to engage deeply with the promise of democracy through the lens of lived faith.

Contents

In Gratitude…
Introduction

Part-I: Democracy, Civil Society and Indian Christianity

1. Modernity, Democracy and Indian Christianity

2. Being Indian, Being Christian: A Theo-Political Existential

3. Indian Christianity, Civil Society, and the Democratic Process in India

4. Being a Minority ‘Other’: The Case of Indian Christians Today

5. Human Rights and Religion in India: The Communitarian Turn and its Challenges

Part-II: Public Theological Potentials – The Catholic Wellspring

6. Faith and Reason: John Paul II’s Fides et Ratio and Religious Studies in India

7. Post-Vat II Catholic Theologies in India: A Bird’s Eye View

8. Civic Communitarianism and the Catholic Social Teaching (CST): An Indian Appreciation

9. Pope Francis, Culture of Encounter, the Common Good, and Dharma: Public Theological Conversations Today

10. Pope Francis and Political Engagement: A Public Theological Model

11. The Synodal Church Engaging Civil Society: Journeying together, towards Frontiers...

Part-III: Religions, Public Conversations, and Strivings for Freedom

12. Interfaith Dialogues: New Horizons and Pathways

13. Public Theological Conversations on Cities

14. Ayya Vazhi’s Emancipatory Potentials

15. Tamil Buddhist Strivings for Freedom: Exploring the Religious Initiatives of Pandit C. Iyothee Thasar

Bibliography

About the Author

Gnana Patrick (b. 1962), Ph.D., formerly Professor and Head of the Department of Christian Studies, University of Madras, holds a doctorate in Christian Studies. In 2024, he was awarded a Visiting Scholar fellowship at DePaul University, Chicago, and in 2013 he was awarded the Fulbright Nehru Visiting Lecturer Fellowship to teach a course at the Divinity School, Harvard University, USA. His published books include Public Theology – Indian Concerns, Perspectives and Issues (USA: Fortress Press, 2020), Indian Christianity and Its Public Role (edited, New Delhi: Christian World Imprints, 2019), and Wings of Faith – Public Theologies in India (New Delhi: ISPCK, 2013).