Christianity in the Himalayas

Posts

Highlight

Biography: Pastor Robert Karthak, an eminent figure in the tapestry of Nepali Christianity

February 11, 2024

Pastor Robert Karthak, an eminent figure in the tapestry of Nepali Christianity, peacefully departed this earthly realm in the early hours of the morning, marking the end of a remarkable journey that spanned an impressive 95 years. Born into a devout Christian family on January 10, 1926, in Darjeeling, India, Pastor Robert's life became a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to the growth of Christianity in the unique cultural landscape of Nepal. The transformative chapter of Pastor Robert's life unfolded in 1946 when, at the age of 21, he experienced a profound spiritual conversion that set the course for his life's purpose. Responding to what he believed was a divine call, he dedicated himself to the service of Christ, embarking on a journey that would significantly impact the Christian community in Nepal. In 1956, a pivotal moment in the history of Nepali Christianity occurred as Pastor Robert, along with a group of 11 individuals, undertook

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Navigating the Complex Landscape: A Deep Dive into the Interplay of Openness and Conservatism in Nepali Hinduism and Its Encounter with Christianity

February 01, 2024

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Nepali Christian Congregations Thriving in the Heart of South Korea's Spiritual Landscape**

February 01, 2024

Book Reviews History Mission Nepal Christianity

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Characteristics of Nepali Christianity: A Blend of Faith, Culture, and Community Dynamics

February 01, 2024

Nepal Christianity Theology

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Koinonia Patan Church: 35 Years of Faith, Growth, and Community Service

February 01, 2024

History Nepal Christianity

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

The Inspiring Journey of International Fellowship of Nepal (INF): Bringing Life in all its Fullness

February 01, 2024

History Mission Nepal Christianity

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

United Mission to Nepal

February 01, 2024

History Nepal Christianity

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Early Christian Activities in Nepal

February 01, 2024

History Nepal Christianity

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Dashain for Nepali Christian: An Opportunity to show our true discipleship

October 12, 2020

Bible Study Nepal Christianity Theology

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Namaste Vs. Jay-Mashi: An Invention of Indigenous Christian greeting in Nepal

Namaste Vs. Jay-Mashi: An Invention of Indigenous Christian greeting in Nepal By: Pabitra M. Bhandari Anyone who enters in Nepal will be greeted with Namaste, a common greeting in Nepal, but if you enter in a Nepalese church or any Christian gatherings you will be bombarded with the word ‘ Jay-Mashi. ’ Yes, in form and action, it is similar to namaste, they join their two hands in front of them and bow their heads little for you, but in words, they will be saying Jay-Mashi instead of Namaste. What ’ s the need or logic behind such tradition? Being my self a Nepali Christian, I give my reflection on this new indigenous Christian greeting of Nepal. Nepal is a land of greetings. Greetings is people ’ s identity. People greet or receive greetings according to their status and recognition in society. For example, when you meet the elders of the society on the street, you greet them politely. Such as teachers, political leaders, and pandits (Hindu priests) get the respectable gre

Dashain for Nepali Christian: An Opportunity to show our true discipleship

Dashain, the grandest festival in Nepal, holds a special place in the hearts of many Nepalis, drawing families together from cities and abroad. It symbolizes joy and celebration, embodying a festive spirit across the nation. However, the religious undertones associated with Dashain, rooted in Hindu beliefs, pose a dilemma for Nepali Christians who strive to uphold their faith. This conflict often leads to a conscious avoidance of Dashain, creating a divide between Nepali Christians and their families and communities. Historically, Nepali kings were revered as divine figures, intertwining religion with the political and social structures. This deep connection between governance and spirituality has shaped the Nepali identity. The arrival of Christianity, seen as a potential threat to this established system, led to the expulsion of early Catholic missionaries. Foreign missionaries were subsequently barred from entry, reflecting the resistance to external religious influences. The politi

Signs of Hindu Elements in Nepali Christianity

The growth of Christianity in Nepal is primarily attributed to the efforts of native Nepali Christians rather than the missionary work conducted by foreign missionaries, although it was initially introduced by them. Due to governmental restrictions, missionaries mainly focused on social work, and it was the Nepali-speaking Christians from India who played a significant role in establishing churches and spreading the gospel, particularly in the capital area of Kathmandu. As the gospel resonated with Nepali people, they began sharing it, leading to rapid church growth nationwide. Despite this growth, Nepali Christianity has placed relatively little emphasis on theology and its contextualization. While moral teachings are highlighted, the primary focus is on the cultural identity of their faith rather than its theology. Nepali Christians distinguish themselves from Hindus through clothing, jewelry, weddings, festivals, and funeral practices. The emphasis on differentiation from Hindu trad

Baikuntha to Sworga: Changing Lyrics of a Nepali Christian Hymn and Theological Consciousness of Nepali Christians

Nepali Hymnals (Blue Older version, Brown- Newer version) Baikuntha to Sworga: Changing Lyrics of a Nepali Christian Hymn and Theological Consciousness of Nepali Christians By: Pabitra M. Bhandari In Nepali Christian communities, Nepali hymnal takes a central stage. There are very few Christian meetings in Nepal that do not start with singing hymns. [1] And you will find very few Christians who would go to church without a hymnal along with his Bible. [2] One of the earliest forms of contextualization of Christianity happened in the Nepali Christian songs. Rather than depending on translated hymns alone, from the beginning, Nepali Christians created Nepali Christian hymns they are very traditional in melody and sung with Nepali traditional instruments. John Barclay, who wrote an account of early church growth in Nepal states that the development of such Nepali indigenous songs was one of the factors that cause the growth of Nepali Christianity. [3] Among many indigenous

Christianity, the Platform to Unite Nepali People

Nepal, a nation that outwardly appears unified, harbors internal fragmentation stemming from divisions entrenched in its social fabric—caste-system, ethnicity, gender, and economic and educational disparities. Many marginalized groups voice their discontent against discrimination and injustices perpetrated by the dominant segment of society. Despite political initiatives to address these issues, such as reserving a percentage of political offices for the underprivileged and unrepresented, the persisting rifts are more evident than ever. The challenges faced by women persist and evolve across various dimensions, both physical and economic. The caste system shows no signs of disappearing, with various ethnic groups seeking differentiation in the name of promoting their distinct cultures. Although geographically united by Great King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who envisioned the nation as a unified garden of multiple flowers, the declared oneness has remained superficial and one-sided, failing

Browse by Topics

History Mission Nepal Christianity Philosophy Theology