Dr M.M. Thomas was renowned thinker who formulated different and unique ideas in Theology. He was staunch spokesman of Ecumenical movement and a good humanitarian. Dr. Thomas started his association with the church by becoming the first general secretary of Yuvajana Sakhyam in the early 1930s. The foundation of his vision was social commitment based on spirituality which attracted the youth towards him.

When the college campus in the 1940s was influenced by politics and independence movements, Dr. Thomas was able to carve out a different set of ideas which was noticed. He was born on May 15, 1916 in Madathilparmpil, Kozhencherry to M.M. Mammen and Mariamma.

Dr. M.M.Thomas always believed that church should work for the upliftment of the downtrodden, those suffering from pain and exploitation. Through his works and words , Dr Thomas reminded that the Christian church should work independently and responsibly for justice in political and social spheres beyond the pull of any religion.

His books – The acknowledged Christ of the Indian Renaissance, the secular ideologies of India and Secular meaning of Chirst, Bhagavat Gita – Oru Christiya Aswadanam – helped create foundation of Indian Theology.

The church was greatly influenced by Dr. Thomas’s writing to give land to the destitute. Devanandachari was an independent preacher in West Travancore who had many followers. But after his death, his followers were scattered in many places. Dr. M.M. Thomas who was studying in University College, Thiruvananthapuram at that time and Dr K.K. George met these people who were without a leader and worked for their spiritual growth. The Mar Thoma church was inspired by this and Mission Fields of Mar Thoma Church was formed in West Travancore which later led to the establishments of many parishes.

Dr. Thomas thought ahead of his times and his spiritual thinking was modern. The post colonial philosophies which were prevalent in the 19th century in Europe and in third world countries was based on modern concept of humanity. This later transformed into liberation theology, black theology, dalit theology and feminist thinking . Dr Thomas played a big role in the new vision becoming the testimony of Indian churches. Dr. Thomas always followed the new philosophy of Mar Thoma Church which has a history of protesting against the Portuguese aggression and cultural invasion by foreign forces. It was this conviction that put Yuhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan, Advocate T.K. Thomas and T.M. Varghese in good stead while protesting against the demand for creation of independent Travancore and against enforcement of emergency.

Dr. Thomas’ constructive criticism and his strong opinions about the church went a long way in presenting the knowledge of discretion for the Christian churches in India.. Dr. Thomas formulated certain usages like Open Church and Secular Koinonia which later became popular. He had written about the chances of Open Church in the book on Abraham Malpan.

Dr. Thomas was Mar Thoma Church’s gift to world Ecumenical movement. It was a great recognition to his personality that he was chosen as moderator of Nairobi assembly. His teaching, thoughts and vision are an inspiration not only for Mar Thoma Church but also for the World Christian Council.

Though applied for ordination in the Mar Thoma Churh, it didn’t materalise. Even then he was able to able to achieve what many others could only dream of. His contribution towards Mar Thoma Church’s Ecumenical movements is priceless and will always be remembered. His wife Penamma, his sister Shoshamma and her husband K.M. Thampi inspired Dr. M.M. Thomas in his work.

Dr. T.V. Philip, Dr. T.K. Thomas were also influenced by Dr. M.M. Thomas. The teachings, ideas and thoughts of Dr. Thomas, who died on December 3, 1996 should be discussed in the society. Through these discussions, it is right way to pay tribute to a great thinker on his birth centenary year.

(This appeared in Manoramaonline on May 15, 2015)