Apostle Thomas: Early Christianity in India - "Ends of the Earth"

Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts2 minutes read

Fort St. George in Chennai is the first British fortress in India, with Saint Mary's Church inside, now housing the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Shiva, features Dravidian architecture and dates back to the 7th century A.D., showcasing Hinduism's long history in India and the arrival of the Gospel through Apostle Thomas in 52 A.D., significantly impacting human history.

Insights

  • The establishment of Fort St. George in 1644 marked the beginning of British influence in India and played a pivotal role in the urban development of Chennai, with Saint Mary's Church within its premises serving as a historical landmark now hosting the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
  • The presence of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, constructed in the 7th century A.D., exemplifies the rich tradition of Hinduism in India, with its focus on achieving moksha, contrasting with the introduction of a new worldview through the Gospel by disciple Thomas in the 1st century A.D., which had a profound impact on human history, including in regions like present-day Chennai.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of Fort St. George in Chennai?

    It was the first British fortress in India, leading to the city's growth.

  • What is the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai dedicated to?

    It is a Hindu complex dedicated to Shiva.

  • How long has Hinduism been present in India?

    Hinduism has existed in India for about 1500 years.

  • What is the goal of Hinduism?

    Hinduism aims to achieve moksha.

  • Who introduced a new worldview in India in the 1st century A.D.?

    The disciple Thomas introduced a new worldview in India.

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Summary

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Historical landmarks in Chennai, India

  • Fort St. George in Chennai, established in 1644, served as the first British fortress in India, leading to the growth of the city around it. Within its grounds lies Saint Mary's Church, the oldest British building in India, now housing the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
  • The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a Hindu complex dedicated to Shiva, built in the 7th century A.D., showcases Dravidian architecture with its colorful carved towers. Hinduism, existing in India for about 1500 years by the time of Jesus, aims to achieve moksha, breaking free from the mind and uniting with the cosmos, while the arrival of the Gospel in the 1st century A.D. introduced a new worldview through the disciple Thomas, who preached in India from 52 A.D., including in present-day Chennai, impacting human history significantly.
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