Why Anthony de Mello Is Important For Indian Christianity

The book, though mainly meant for the Christian clergy, became immensely popular with all seekers of the '80s cutting across religions.

De Mello openly acknowledged the sources and their distinct spiritual greatness with gratitude. In the introduction to the book, he wrote:

Two years later he would elaborate and make both Jesus and Judas complementary movements of this vast cosmic dance of the Divine.

At the same time, he was clear about his religious identity. This he communicated to his readers in no uncertain term—particularly when he wrote for readers of all religions and no religion.

One should observe two important aspects here:

One, the marginalisation of historic-centricity that so characterises, and forms a significant basis of, Christian theology.

Second, the placing of Jesus as not the only but one among the spiritual personalities of the world.

Both are highly significant leaps.

His legacy continues to live like a breeze. And then the Empire struck back.

On 24 June 1998, the day considered as the birth day of John the Baptist, the 'Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith' (CDF) which was formerly known as the 'Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition', issued a ‘notification’ – 'Concerning the writings of Fr. Anthony De Mello SJ':

When a Catholic priest wants to publish a book concerning religion, the book should have the the Imprimatur ('Let it be printed') of the authority from Catholic Church (Bishop or in the case of Jesuits the Provincial of the Order or Congregation).

The phenomenon of Anthony de Mello and the subsequent response of the Church showcase both the opportunities and problems in the Hindu-Christian encounter.

The Indian Catholic Jesuit’s closeness to Krishna may mainly be because of the non-rigidity and the accommodative space of theo-diversity Hindu culture has cultivated through and around Sri Krishna.

The entire Anthony de Mello phenomenon then can be considered as showing this feature - at varying levels of dormancy and manifestation, among Indian Christians. Though they might be Christians for generations, the very fact of them being immersed in the inescapable Hindu ocean of theo-diversity with all its colours of festivals and celebrations, rituals and art forms, has created a synthesis. A synthesis which the global Christian community can make use of: to adapt itself to the post-colonial world. A world where the cosmic visions unveiled by science demand a universal religion. A religion which is qualitatively different from a monopolistic expansionist faith and which should even include and recognise atheism as a spiritually valid way of life.

On the other hand, recognising the flowering of many more Anthony de Mellos and not trying to restrict and control them, can benefit humanity at large beyond the religious boundaries and Church herself.