Things as They Are: Mission Work in Southern India

A missionary account written in the early 20th century. The text explores the realities and challenges of missionary work among the Hindu communities in Southern India, presenting a stark portrayal of the social and spiritual struggles faced by both the missionaries and the people they seek to serve. At the start of the narrative, Carmichael introduces the difficulty of accurately representing the harsh realities of life in India, emphasizing the complexity of the caste system and the deeply entrenched traditions that hinder the acceptance of Christianity. Through her observational lens, we meet various characters, including both native Hindus and fellow missionaries, as they navigate the intricate web of cultural barriers and spiritual opposition. The author candidly describes the urgent and often painful nature of their mission, revealing stories of individuals caught between the allure of the Gospel and the heavy weight of societal expectation. Overall, this opening sets the stage for a critical exploration of faith, culture, and the human spirit's struggle under the burdens of tradition.