Roberto de Nobili

Roberto de Nobili was an Italian Jesuit missionary in 17th-century India who sought to spread Christianity by respectfully integrating into local culture. He adopted local customs, language, and social practices to build trust and communicate more effectively with his Hindu and Muslim neighbors. His approach emphasized understanding and respecting local traditions rather than rejecting them, which helped foster dialogue and cooperation. De Nobili’s methods represented a shift toward culturally sensitive evangelism, aiming to share religious beliefs without alienating the communities he served. His work is seen as an early example of intercultural engagement and respectful missionary tactics.