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 to resonate with the general populace. While Nepal's constitution aims to rectify societal injustices, it lacks the essential elements of love, respect, and cooperation among diverse groups. In this context, Christianity emerges as a potential unifier, bringing individuals from different backgrounds into a shared identity as Nepali Christians. This representation spans ethnic groups, castes, and genders, providing a haven where individuals, especially those from lower castes, find respect and love absent in broader society. Christian women also navigate a space free from discrimination dictated by traditional beliefs and customs. However, the crucial question lingers: Can Nepali Christianity truly be deemed the unifier of the Nepali people?
For the majority of non-Christian individuals, Nepali Christianity is often perceived as an imported division within society, prompting calls to block its presence in the country. Many Christian organizations inadvertently mimic various caste, ethnic, and women's groups by demanding political representation, recognition of customs, and political justice. Despite the voluntary migration of individuals to Christianity, there appears to be a lack of concerted Christian efforts to mend societal divisions. While Nepali Christians do not actively promote discrimination, their passive stance makes them silent observers in a society grappling with the injustices of the caste system and gender disparities. The need for Nepali Christians to become proactive in addressing these issues is evident, even if it entails stirring controversy—a path reminiscent of Jesus, whose presence was often scandalous in society (1 Cor. 1:22-23).
In the Nepalese context, Christianity not only espouses the gospel of love and peace but also inadvertently imports denominational divisions prevalent in the West. These divisions seep into Nepal through donations, support, or various Christian projects. The identifiers of being Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Methodist, and more have become prominent, emphasizing denominational distinctions not originally intended for Nepal. When financial interests become intertwined, these divisions exacerbate rifts within Christian organizations, hindering rather than promoting unity. Within Nepal itself, Nepali Christians and Christian leaders find themselves grouped into various organizations that often contribute to rifts within churches instead of fostering intra-church or inter-denominational cooperation.
To envision unity in Nepal, it is imperative to recognize that God desires Christianity to serve as a model for a unified community (1 Cor. 1:10). While the existence of various organizations and denominations may not inherently be problematic, their current independent functioning isolates certain Christian groups from the broader Christian body. Nepali Christian organizations must transcend their individual interests and embrace a more collaborative approach to truly become a transformative force in the larger Nepali society.
In essence, Nepali Christians find themselves at a crossroads, where unity becomes not just an option but a necessity for their presence to be meaningful and transformative within the complex tapestry of Nepali society.
-Pabitra M. Bhandari