Saturday India celebrated Diwali, the second big festival in as many months (last month it was Darsa). Like Darsa, Diwali centers around a mythological tale of good over evil. The god Rama returns after 14 years of exile killing the evil god Ravna. Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is marked to welcome Rama’s return. The tradition of lighting lamps and shooting off fireworks is symbolic of light over darkness, a path for a brighter future. Hindu’s in the north also celebrate this day as a pooja (worship) to Lakshimi, the goddess of prosperity.
The question for Christians in this country is should they join in this festival? The students in my anthropology class are divided on the subject. Some of them are adamant that it is not appropriate for Christians to wish people “happy Diwali,” as they argue it is giving credence to other gods. Others don’t see any harm. My students are always interested in the professor’s opinion on the matter.
When I lived in Delhi my landlord, a cultural Hindu, asked why his servant girl, a Pentecostal, would not wish him happy Diwali? He thought it was rude that she would not. She told me her pastor said it was wrong for them to do so; therefore she would not wish him glad tidings on that day. “Is that what all Christians believe,” he asked?
My argument on the subject is much like using the word Allah as a reference to God with Muslims. I am well aware that the Jehovah of Christians and Jews is not the same as the Allah of the Mohammedans, but for me it is merely a linguistic title. I use a lot of cultural titles of god that are not the same as my perception of God or Lord. Swami, Senor, Mungu are all language references to the Supreme Being. While some Christians want to argue the etymology of words, I contend that most Hindu’s and Muslim’s don’t have a concept of the origin of words anymore than Christians know the meaning of the word “Christ.” It’s a title, a tag word for identification only. Refusing to use words of culture does not enhance our witness as Christians.
My landlord was gracious to wish me “Happy Christmas.” He doesn’t understand the story, but out of respect for my faith he is willing to acknowledge it. He is not compromising his faith by being courteous, nor I when I wish him a Happy Diwali.
Bringing people to an understanding of our faith is a process, sometimes a very long process. While I am uncomfortable with accommodating some cultural and religious practices, I want to choose my battle lines carefully. Diwali is not the place to draw a line in the sand. In fact, by wishing someone a happy Diwali may be an avenue for further discussion about evil, good and Jesus.
11 comments:
I completely agree with you mr lewis
i wish my hindu ,muslim and parsee friends on their festivals to connectn culturally with them. They all know my stand on other religionds, my world view etc.Its not that I am hiding anything from them.
the hindus and muslims know that i will not accept any food which has been offered to the gods or chanted over, they respect that and keep aside anything food they entettain me with.I don 't havbe to ask them about it.
Your stand on asuch things should be very clear and you can enjoy the cultural adn human side of it and reach out through friends.
On my blog i
I have photos and a video of Diwali shopping in my city.
Interesting I should read your writing today. As part of my centurions training, tonite I teach on a subject that incorporates this very principle. What a confirmation!
Blessings,
Lorna
In my opinion, a willingness to engage with the celebrations of others is an indication of God's enormous grace - not to mention a personal interest in developing the relationship based on their interests and customs instead of my own. The same is true for "Happy Hanukkah", "Happy (Chinese) New Year", or even "Happy Birthday". I agree with the neighbor that refusing to do so is simply rude.
Simply ask yourself what would Peter (from the Bible) or Paul (from the Bible) do in a situation like this.
Mr Lewis, Please do not influence people with your thoughts & Likes, let them know the truth.Long ago God used to visit people and spend time with them later when Sin increased God could not come to his people coz of the Sin. Today due to rebellious nature of people they are thousands of Religions all over the World. Can we say that they are all true?? to not offend their beliefs?? or would you tell them the truth? Their is only one God and he is Jesus(Jehova=Jesus=Holyspirit). If one want to argue with this wait till Jesus comes with all his glory then dare to face him. We all are living in a false world where people ruling over people while God made us all equal. God is coming to set everything right. The feeling of people loving each other irrespective of how they related to you, no more relations like Husband,wife brother , sister etc. There would be no more sorrow,pain,struggle. There is nothing to do with religion, its one of the major deviation of Lucifer to rebel God. That is the reason why we dont wish them on their religious festivals but we do care and love people and give them Gospel.
Amen Brother Dsouza
Thank you for your insight Mr. Lewis but I have also stumbled upon an article regarding this matter while in search for an answer. Would you mind sharing your thoughts about this? Thank you http://www.christianmessenger.in/is-it-wrong-for-a-christian-to-greet-his-friends-of-other-faiths-on-their-festivals/
Even though I love my neighbor and when he celebrates his festivities I need to remember the clear instructions in the scripture about to whom the unbelievers are praying to or worshiping
Compromising is easy
The simple thing to ask your self......
“WOULD JESUS WISH MY NEIGHBOR ON HIS FEAST DAY”?????
Then do the same!!
Sick people won't let people alone until they don't start following the same religion. Every religion thinks theirs is the true one, idiots!! Wishing people from other faith won't make your God angry, because God doesn't have the same pea size brain that you have.
I agree with Ravish. The hatred and disgust for other religions is sickening.
Idiots!
Well everyone die is utter truth of world. if someone body die then it takes birth as well. If Jesus die then only way he can come with new birth. Then freak adamant people will abuse the same jesus and will stand by with their jesus with no qualities of jesus. God came in every era in different form to enlighten the world. But people taking path of hate ,disrespect instead of love and faith . So by doing Hate we are choosing satan path not the Jesus path. which side you like to follow mr John?
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