With the present and needed emphasis on global evangelicalism, Christianity should also reflect and study those who have substantially contributed to shaping global Christianity. One such figure is Sundar Singh of India, an itinerant preacher and missionary who significantly influenced both the Indian and Western Church. Professor Eric J. Sharpe claims, “[I]t is true that no Indian Christian has exercised an influence even remotely comparable to Sundar Singh’s.” A Google search of Singh’s name reveals approximately 163,000 results, including biographies, quotes, and collections of works about the Indian Christian. However, Singh died before his fortieth birthday, lost his family inheritance, never planted a church, did not associate with any denomination, owned negligible material possessions, and battled constant sickness, but garnered international acclaim in his short life. Almost a century after his mysterious death, why does Sundar Singh continue to be such an impactful figure in Indian Christianity?
The thesis of this paper argues that Sundar Singh remains influential among Indian Christians because of his maverick missiological nature in personal spirituality, indigenization, and embrace of suffering. To advance the thesis, the paper first discusses Singh’s mystical approach to personal spiritual life. Second, the paper examines Singh’s contact with the West and his push for indigenous Christianity in India. Third, the paper considers Singh’s interactions with other world religions. Fourth, the paper explores Singh’s view of suffering and his mysterious death. The paper concludes with Singh’s overall effect on Indian Christianity. Sadhu Sundar Singh continues to be a highly influential figure in the history of Indian Christianity.