P. Solomon Raj

P. Solomon Raj (born 1921) is a pastor of the Protestant Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church Society headquartered in Guntur with major contribution to theological research and arts. The Old Testament Scholar, Victor Premasagar wrote about Solomon Raj as a Pastor, Professor of Communications, Creative Artist, sculptor, Poet and a Theological Writer.

The Church Historian, K. L. Richardson of the Andhra Christian Theological College, Hyderabad, India in Towards Self-Reliance: A historical survey of the programmes and efforts of Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church from 1927–1969, Published by D. Christopher and T. Kanakaiah, Vijayawada, 2003 has highlighted the contribution of Solomon Raj with special reference to Indian liturgy and music. Richardson writes,

(Adapted) During 1960s, Rev. P. Solomon Raju contributed very much to the AELC on indigenous methods through his writings, seminars and other special efforts. Many Christian plays, Burra kathas and Hari Kathas were written in Telugu by the distinguished writers and musicians including Solomon Raj.

Much like Theologians of India believing in the Indian ethos akin to A. B. Masilamani, D. S. Amalorpavadass, Victor Premasagar, M. Victor Paul and others, Solomon Raj believes that it is only that form of Christianity, deeply etched in the diverse cultures of India, that can affect Christianity in India. While A. B. Masilamani promoted Indian liturgy in the Christian Hymnal in Telugu, D. S. Amalorpavadass advocated for vernacular liturgy. Similarly, Victor Premasagar had recognised the contribution of indigenous movements.M. Victor Paul rooted for indigenous churches in place of institutionalized ones. It is in such a setting that Solomon Raj's contribution gains credence in the light of his doctoral dissertation on the Bible Mission Movement by Father Devadas which Roger E. Hedlund writes as,