Social Influences of The Synod
Synod of Diamper condemned multitude of Hindu beliefs, especially those related to Transmigration, Fate and Astrology. Hindu ceremonies and customs related to matrimony, death, birth and purification on touching lower castes which were prevalent among the Christians of St. Thomas, were abandoned altogether. They were even banned from frequenting to Hindu Festivities including Onam. The Synod also condemned the belief that every man might be saved by his own Laws, all which are good and lead to heaven, irrespective of his religion. The Synod banned Christian teachers from installing or using any Hindu idols in their schools. Polygamy and Concubinage were forbidden and clergymen were banned from marital relations, military services to Hindu Princes and other secular indulgences. Hindu Musicians used to conduct programmes in Christian churches and the Synod banned it out rightly.
Portuguese impositions had much more serious consequences on the social status of Syrian Christians. Dr. Buchanan on his interview with a senior priest in Mavelikara, in the year 1806, elicit a brief account of the degenerated social status of Syrian Christians. According to him, once self-sufficient community had to seek the protection of Hindu Princes and the dispersed Christians further became the victims of encroachment by other communities. But it is notable that even in such a degenerated condition of the community, Dr. Buchanan was introduced with a Brahmin man who had opted to become Syrian Priest.
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