The History Of The Church Of Malabar, From The Time Of Its Being First Discover'D By The Portuguezes In The Year 1501: Giving An Account Of The ... With Some Remarks Upon The Faith And Doctr

When European empire first encountered an ancient apostolic community on the Malabar coast, conflict over power, ritual and belief reshaped a whole church. This is history with consequences. Michael Geddes, a learned Anglican divine, offers a vivid narrative of the Saint Thomas Christians of 16th century Malabar India, from their first sustained contact with the Portugueze in 1501 through the controversial Synod of Diamper 1599. Drawing on contemporary Portugueze sources, he lays bare the pressures, persecutions and violent methods used by Roman prelates to force an Eastern community into submission during the Counter Reformation in India. Alongside detailed malabar church history, Geddes examines the faith and doctrine of these Christians, highlighting striking convergences with the Church of England and sharp contrasts with Rome, making this a cornerstone text for anyone interested in Anglican Catholic controversies and Portuguese colonial India missions. Both a gripping work of christian historical nonfiction and a rigorous church history reference book, it remains invaluable for church history students, for theology researchers and for general readers seeking early modern religious history told at human scale. Out of print for decades and now republished by Alpha Editions. Restored for today's and future generations. More than a reprint, a collector's item and a cultural treasure for readers drawn to the Saint Thomas Christians, the Synod of Diamper 1599, and the long, contested story of Christianity in the Indies.