MM

15, 2015 marked the birth centenary of Dr.M.M.Thomas, the renowned theologian, social thinker,
May
and practitioner of new humanity. Dr. M.M. Thomas was India's precious gift to the world in
prophet,
twentieth century. He presented varied and new visions in theology and was a strong
the
of the ecumenical movement and an exemplary humanitarian. As one whose life
spokesperson
his message, MMT began his church life as the first General Secretary ofthe Mar Thoma
embodied
Sakhyam in the early 1930s. As a
Yuvajana
par excellence, he was a true model for the youth. He gave Yuvajana Sakhyam a visionary
visionary
model, the basis of which was a theology with deep-rooted social commitment. In the 1940s,
working
interpretations of political and independence ideologies made an impact on college campuses,
when
M.M. Thomas had a unique role in forming a distinctive stream ofthought. It is worth noting the role
Dr.
U.C. College, Aluva, in moulding great people with visionary ideologies made an impact on college
of
Dr. M.M. Thomas had a unique role in forming a distinctive stream ofthought. It is worth
campuses,
the role of U.C. College, Aluva, in moulding great people with visionary background and
noting
them to the society. It had its influence on Dr. M.M. Thomas as well.
presenting
on May 15, 1916 as the son of Madathipparambil M.M. Mammen and Mariamma of
Born
and growing up in the spiritual, social, and educational milieu of Kerala, spreading
Kozhencherry,
across the large horizon of universal humanist philosophy, yet being an iconic figure of ideals
wings
humble lifestyle, In world history, the twentieth century is considered an era of change. National
and
progress of science, impact of education, commitment to value-based democracy,
consciousnesses,
new trends in communication, all have contributed to change in all aspects. In the early years
and
last century, faith and hope in the imminent Kingdom of God was clear and active in the hearts
ofthe
But the II World War shattered those dreams. Even though many nations became
ofpeople.
they later fell prey to dictatorship and military rule. Despite the realization of Gandhiji‘s
independent,
for an independent India, his dream ofa new India where the oppressed,the exploited, the
dream
and the marginalized will enter the mainstream of independent India and make a Ramarajya
voiceless,
summarily elusive.
remained
in the world as well, there was a pervading feeling of hopelessness, frustration, and in
Elsewhere
amid questions of what needs to be done. It is in this global context and especially from the
security
of the tragic events of the II World War there emerged a Theology of Resurrection like a Phoenix
ashes
fluttering its wings of hope. The emergence of this stream of thought in theology provided a
bird
Theology of Liberation to the Christian Church, with Dr. M.M. Thomas being its leading
Christocentric
spokesperson, and practitioner. This thought pattern spread across the world in the form of
prophet,
DR. M. M. THOMAS: PROPHET OF NEW HUMANITY
IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
The Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma, Metropolitan, Marthoma Church.