The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity Paperback – April 20, 2018

I know a few “Thomasist’s” (my word) from India that have noticeably different approaches to Catholic spirituality than regular Catholic Priests who are considered diocesan. I enjoy their approach to spirituality. The one thing I did not realize, until reading this book, was the history behind the formation of Thomasist’s. While I have questions about Christ’s living in India after his death, the book describes the “proof” that he was there. The proof is pure circumstantial at best, but it is intriguing just the same.I have visited the grave of St. Thomas in Spain, and I wondered why his basilica looked “different" than most basilica’s in Europe, and to me, the decoration and design looked “far eastern.” I have never been to India but have seen many sites in video and in print and looking back at my pictures I took in Spain, they look very similar to Indian art, heavy on color and design and darkness.This is a quick read but those who are not informed on Indian spirituality, which I was not, this book may make the reader unsure of what he/she is reading. But it is still a good read and may open the door to read more about Indian Spirituality.

I worked for a chemist from India. He told me that Jesus lived in India. I spent several years looking for information to prove or disprove. I found another book which verified the things my former boss said. This book also verifies this information. I have also found a lot of information on Google. I have found India is beginning to promote this information. The Indians say Jesus’ tomb is in India. Sounds crazy, but I now sm open to the possibility this is true.

I have some words of warning and some words of encouragement. George Burke makes many statements without even attempting to support.(I don't mean not providing a reference source, I mean simply explaining the concept.) On the positive side of that is that he can provide a lot of information without getting the reader too overwhelmed with proof, a lot of quotes and historical information. It is an easy read because he chose not to do this,. He also provides interesting facts, sometimes without elaboration. For example, there is one sentence that states that the followers made the sign of the cross differently than we do today. I have read a few other "Scholarly" books about the life of Jesus and the words of the Bible and some of this references are not completely correct. If you are Buddhist or Hindu, I would not suggest reading this book. Burke, although he is very, very knowledgeable of both principles, often refers to them as the same. Why did I read the entire book?? I found it interesting and tried to keep an open mind. I am part of a religion that broke off Indian Christians and came to America. The group is referenced once.I gave it 4 stars, rather than 3, because I enjoyed reading it, despite my perceived flaws.

Abbot George Burke seems to have a knack for tackling not only complicated spiritual concepts but as is evidenced with his most recent publication, “The Christ of India,” controversial concepts as well, which in this case will no doubt raise more than a few eyebrows. The matter of Jesus the man and Christ the anointed one are rarely separated within western Christian comprehension, yet in Burke’s look at “The Christ of India,” we begin to denote a separation wherein a viable theory may open up as to time spent in India by Jesus the man (and even the child in early training) during his lifetime on earth.This may be a difficult theory for any westerner to even open up to, much less to grasp, as the Hindu historical accounts, names and places can be a bit difficult themselves to comprehend to the eye that has yet to study any Hindu or Sanskrit. Burke in his usual conversational manner is able once again to bring order to chaos. His presentation is so real, his arguments so valid, that one cannot help but wonder could this time in India have actually been a possibility that Jesus did in fact experience? There is much that is agreeable in that there are so many similarities in the major belief systems of Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism and that not only Jesus, but the Apostle Thomas, could have had exposure to these, thereby developing a following for which it appears there is strong documentation.Regardless of religious beliefs, the information presented in “The Christ of India,” does in fact offer a possible explanation of so much that has been shrouded (no pun intended) for two-thousand years. As any serious seeker of truth should do, we must overturn every stone, look and search in every nook and cranny, to uncover all that is hidden. Only in doing so will we further evolve in our growth, awareness, understanding and enlightenment, so it is therefore only natural that we give consideration to “The Christ of India,” whatever it may teach us. After all, it is not the facts per say that we seek but rather it is teachings that are true and earnest and for the betterment of all.

This book does have some very interesting information. There are areas where arguments don’t properly sight their sources or reference sources that no longer exist and therefor can’t be cross checked. But over all the. Uggest srawback is the fact that the actual content is the book is only 1/2 the pages. The second half is all just basically ads for their other books. It’s only like 60 pages of actual content and it’s not even in a particularly small font or anything.

The Christ of India by Abbot George Burke is essential for those who would truly understand the eternal teachings (Sanatana Dharma) of Jesus which he imparted to his students. These teachings as understood by Christ's Apostles and furthered by Saint Thomas form the basis of Saint Thomas Christianity which is still taught and practiced today.Wonderful book. Well written and easily understood. Gives all necessary information (historical, philosophical, and theological) that one may become acquainted with this Christian tradition.