What is the reason Malayalee Christians so orthodox and conservative, even though they are well-educated & literate and have a good exposure otherwise?

What is the reason Malayalee Christians so orthodox and conservative, even though they are well-educated & literate and have a good exposure otherwise?

A2A

The Constitution declares India to be a "sovereign socialist secular democratic republic".

But often people use Secularism and secularization which are entirely different (What is the difference between secularism and secularization?)

• Secularization is the change of society from close recognizable proof with religious qualities and organizations toward nonreligious qualities and secular organizations.
• Secularism is the guideline of the partition of government organizations and individuals ordered to represent the place from religious dignitaries and religious establishments.

The question is about Secularization of marriage .

Why her parents object?

In cases where a Catholic is marrying someone who is not a baptized Christian(Hindu/Muslim/Buddhist) it is known as a marriage with disparity of cult.

I can take a liberal stand and say

• All religions teachers the same.
• Love has no religion and no boundaries.(as you have mentioned)

But the fact is ‘The girl is no more a Christian if she marries you’. The family don’t want that to happen, hence they hesitate.

This is not specific for Christians in Kerala. It is the same worldwide, for all are practicing Christians(not name sake).

It is a matter of faith and being a Malayali, educated, literate etc have nothing to do with it.

Irrespective of your nationality, ethnicity, age etc it is the Code of Canon Law which act as the guidelines for marriage to Catholics(Most Christian denominations around the globe follow the Canon law) .

Reference -: Disparity of worship [disparity of cult (Disparitas Cultus)]

— LONG ANSWER —

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. As such, it is a supernatural institution, as well as a natural one. The Church, therefore, restricts sacramental marriage to men and women who meet certain requirements.

In order to get married in the Catholic Church, one must be:

• A Baptized Christian

Both partners do not have to be a Catholic in order to be sacramentally married in the Catholic Church, but both must be baptized Christians (and at least one must be a Catholic). Non-Christians cannot receive the sacraments.

For a Catholic to marry a non-Catholic Christian, express permission is required from his or her bishop. A Catholic can marry an unbaptized person, but such marriages are natural marriages only; they are not sacramental marriages. The Church, therefore, discourages them and requires a Catholic who wishes to marry an unbaptized person to receive a special dispensation from his or her bishop. Still, if the dispensation is granted, a non-sacramental marriage is valid and can take place inside of a Catholic church.

What does Canon law say?

The Catholic Church calls the union of a Catholic to someone who has not been baptized a disparity of cult.

A non-baptized person is not a part of the Christian family. When it involves someone who has not been baptized then the marriage requires an express dispensation from the bishop in order for the union to be considered valid.(as in your daughters case)

THE UNION BETWEEN A CATHOLIC AND A NON-BAPTISED SPOUSE IS NOT CONSIDERED SACRAMENTAL. (even if it happens in a Church)

In cases where a Catholic is marrying someone who is not a baptized Christian – known as a marriage with disparity of cult – “the church exercises more caution,” A “dispensation from disparity of cult,” which is a more rigorous form of permission given by the local bishop, is required for the marriage to be valid.

Reference -: Interfaith marriage in Christianity - check inter religious)

• If you are Hindu in India we have The Hindu Marriage Act,1955
• If you are Muslim in India we have The Muslim Marriage Act

Similarly

• If you are Christian in India we have The Indian Christian Marriage Act of 1872

In India there is Special Marriage Act, 1954 in case of a inter-religious marriage.

In your case it is Hindu-Christian marriage similar to the case below.

• Ciril J Thundiyil's answer to My parents are Hindu. I am trying to figure out a way to tell my family that I am in love with a Catholic girl. How do I go about it in the best way?
• Ciril J Thundiyil's answer to Is it necessary for me to convert from Islam into Christianity to marry him?
• The Consequences of Interfaith Marriage::Syro Malabar News Updates(explain in detail about the issue)