The development of Christianity in Sri Lanka has been a long and complex process. Christianity has been instrumental in the development of modern Sri Lankan politics and culture. In this paper I will attempt to map the development of Christianity on the island and assess its resultant political implications. I will also attempt to prove that Christianity has played a major role in the political development of present day Sri Lankan democracy.
I. Background
Christian development in Sri Lanka could have started as early as AD c.50 when, according to legend, St. Thomas the Apostle set foot upon the island to preach the message of the gospels.1 Since then, Sri Lanka has experienced several stages of Christian development- which can be loosely mapped as a transition from Roman Catholicism to Modern Denominationalism- primarily orchestrated by the ruling power that happened to be enjoying occupation of the island at the time. Because each of these powers (namely the Portuguese, Dutch and British) attempted to impose their own brand of Christianity on the region and met with varying degrees of success, modern Sri Lankan Christianity is a rich tapestry of denominational beliefs including, in order of primacy, Catholicism (over 85%), Anglicanism, Dutch Reformism and Non- Conformism (including Baptists and American Congregationalists).2 The number of Christians in Sri Lanka is considerable; of 20,064,776 residents, 6.2% (roughly 1.25 million) consider themselves Christian (2001 census data).3 Furthermore, Christians comprised over 10.6% of the population during the high British colonial period (c.1900). Thus, as a large minority group, Christian development inherently affected- and still affects- the development of Sri Lankan politics as a whole. The study of such development is thus important in order to better understand the evolution of Sri Lankan society and politics, and the present political situation of Sri Lanka and its’ people.
II. Study
It is possible that St. Thomas the Apostle did actually preach in Sri Lanka. By tradition, it is alleged that he was killed in India, stabbed with a spear sometime around AD 72.4
1 Jones
2 De Sampayo
3 CIA World Factbook
4 Jones
Table of Contents
I. Background
II. Study
Methods of Christianisation and conversion
Christianity as a socio-political catalyst
The role of Christianity in Sri Lankan democracy, AD 1948 - 1997
Changes since the 1997 and the impact of the 2004 Tsunami
III. Conclusion
IV. References
V. Notes
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the historical development of Christianity in Sri Lanka and evaluates its profound influence on the island's political landscape, specifically focusing on how it has shaped and challenged modern democratic structures.
- The evolution of Christian denominations through successive colonial occupations.
- The role of education as a tool for Christianisation and social engineering.
- The socio-political emergence of the Burgher community as a Christian-aligned class.
- The impact of Christianity on electoral politics and national identity in post-independence Sri Lanka.
- The shifting relationship between Christian communities, the state, and the Buddhist majority.
Excerpt from the Book
Methods of Christianisation and conversion
The methods by which “invading” western powers brought and disseminated Christian ideals amongst islanders are very important, as methods of Christianisation (realigning political and social structures to conform to the will of the Church) and religious conversion shaped attitudes towards the invading parties by existing religious sects and individual islanders alike. The earliest invading western powers put much emphasis on the spread of Christianity. The chief aim of the Portuguese was to convert islanders to Christianity,13 and so missionaries were zealous and conversion methods more radical. As aforementioned, the result was that the Portuguese became a hated power and cultivated much political unrest. Later, under the Dutch, more emphasis was put on fostering the economic development in the region,14 with the spread of Christianity being for the most part a desirable side effect. Accordingly, the Dutch missionaries went about their task with considerably less zeal than their Portuguese counterparts and as a result the Dutch
Summary of Chapters
I. Background: Provides an introduction to the arrival of Christianity in Sri Lanka and outlines the island's transition through various colonial religious influences.
II. Study: Investigates the historical and legendary origins of Christianity on the island, questioning the validity of early traditions versus archaeological or written evidence.
Methods of Christianisation and conversion: Analyzes the diverse strategies used by Portuguese, Dutch, and British powers to spread faith and the differing societal reactions to these conversion efforts.
Christianity as a socio-political catalyst: Explores the long-term impact of Christian-led educational institutions and the emergence of the Burgher class as a significant political entity.
The role of Christianity in Sri Lankan democracy, AD 1948 - 1997: Evaluates the political influence of Christians in the post-independence era and the resulting tension between minority rights and the Buddhist majority.
Changes since the 1997 and the impact of the 2004 Tsunami: Discusses the recent rise in sectarian tensions and examines how the 2004 Tsunami relief efforts have shifted public perception of Christian communities.
III. Conclusion: Synthesizes the finding that Christianity has been a fundamental, albeit complex, factor in shaping the modern political and bureaucratic infrastructure of Sri Lanka.
IV. References: Lists the academic and historical sources used to substantiate the paper's claims.
V. Notes: Provides detailed citations and references for the claims made throughout the text.
Keywords
Sri Lanka, Christianity, Colonialism, Political Implications, Education, Conversion, Democracy, Burgher, Buddhism, Socio-political, Minorities, Western Influence, Post-independence, Denominationalism, Social Reform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this academic paper?
The paper explores the historical development of Christianity in Sri Lanka from its alleged beginnings to 2005 and analyzes its significant impact on the island's political development and social structure.
Which historical periods of Christian influence are addressed?
The study covers the initial Portuguese arrival, the Dutch reformist period, the British colonial era, and the subsequent developments in the post-independence Sri Lankan democracy up to 2005.
What is the primary objective of the author?
The author aims to map the development of Christianity and demonstrate that it has played a crucial, disproportionate role in the political evolution and democratic foundation of modern Sri Lanka.
What research methodology is employed by the author?
The paper utilizes a historical-analytical approach, drawing upon existing historical texts, census data, and academic secondary sources to interpret the political and social influence of the Church.
What role did the education system play in Christianisation?
Education served as a primary tool for introducing Western ideals, moral frameworks, and political thought, often incentivizing conversion through the promise of quality schooling and administrative career opportunities.
Which terms best characterize this work?
Key thematic terms include Sri Lankan politics, Christian-minority influence, socio-ethnic classes like the Burghers, and the ongoing tension between religious majoritarianism and democratic pluralism.
How does the author explain the rise of the Burgher community?
The author identifies the Burghers as a new socio-ethnic class formed through intermarriage between European colonialists and local castes, which was then systematically favored by the British, granting them significant political power.
How did the 2004 Tsunami affect Christian relations?
The author suggests that the Christian role in post-Tsunami relief efforts acted as a catalyst that helped to slightly abate anti-Christian sentiment and encouraged a reconsideration of missionary roles by the Buddhist majority.
- Citation du texte
- Andrew Lythall (Auteur), 2005, The development of Christianity in Sri Lanka and its political implications, AD 50 - AD 2005, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/55239
