Text and Context in Dialogue

Letters to the Editor
from Pabitra Mani Bhandari
at Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology
in Seoul, South Korea.

Dear Sir,

As a Christian converted from Hinduism, I found that the subject of the article Lifting the Yoke is very relevant to me and many other Christians like me. In twenty two years of my life as a Hindu, I never realized and encounter the various aspects of Dashain which you pointed out in your article. I totally agree with your conclusion that tika is more of a social phenomenon rather than the idolatry which is mistaken by many Nepalese Christians. However, your last statement that "The church of Nepal cannot expect further blessing until it does so", is not appropriate. Concerning the food offered to the idol Paul also warned his readers to be careful.

1 Corinthians 8:9 - Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

This passage is from the same context of the food offered to idols. But your conclusion assumes that there is no weak believer among us. I am not affirming the prohibition of tika, but just reminding that being careful is a better conclusion than just saying, "The church of Nepal cannot expect further blessing until it does so."

From Uttam G.C.

Greetings!

Great article about Dashain.
Thanks for the info.
God bless.

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