By Rev. Dr. John Kalathil

Message By Bp. Stephen Athippozhi

This world we live in is the contribution of ever so many great men and movements. I am immensely pleased and much gratified to state that this is one book that draws our attention to certain fact that led to the state of the world as it is today and to the advancement of mankind hitherto. Pointing out the retrogression and humanity before and after Christ, the author is trying to convince the readers of the social disparities in the two periods. As ever so many expert historians assert, with the advent of Lord Jesus into the world, it is constrictive transition that has come about in human life. Through Christian culture, the world is still enjoying the transition today.

It is a simple fact acknowledge by everyone that with the coming of the Church, manifold constrictive mutations have been effected in every sphere of the global society. Thus humanity has been able to expand into creative and progressive strata of resultant Christian Culture. The another has dealt with each and every causal plane explicitly in this his work. Since it is quite obvious that only after deep deliberations and intense studies can one handle subjects like these. Rev. Fr. John Kalathil definitely deserves compliments and benisons for his attempt. The author has gone through all areas of Christian cultural influence and it is really enlightening and beneficial to all the readers.

The author explicitly explains the reality that the basic Christian concept-the entire humanity, as children of the Heavenly father, are brethren and hence, alike- has influenced the world a lot and has been instrumental in its formation. Besides, underlining the fact the author points out that the Christian teaching and perceptions have turned out to be real challenge to many a social evil. The author's observation that 'the Church, the light of the world and the salt of the earth, overcoming all the evils for the benefit of human advancement, is instilling in every one insight to perceive all on earth as belonging to a single society' is certainly very precise and to the point.

Thus, extending apposite services in various fields for the benefit of inhabitants in diverging climes, beyond borders of caste and creed and brining to an extent, an end to inhuman social evils, augmenting human advancement are the greatest contributions the Church has made. Going through this volume every one will become aware that it is in the backdrop of unparalleled and unprecedented selfless services the Church has extended for the progress of mankind that we exist today! I think this is the first treatise in Malayalam that so alluringly presents before the world the noble, magnificent contributions of the Church.

To this book and to the author, my paternal and prayerful blessings!

Bp. Stephen Athippozhi,

Bishop of Alleppey

14-05-2003