Abstract
Contextualization is a vital issue to the young church in Nepal. Rejection of all cultural forms associated with Hinduism may undercut positive values actually compatible with a Christian worldview, whereas uncritical acceptance may lead to syncretism. An examination of two Hindu festivals, and how some Nepali Christians are beginning to rethink their participation in the celebrations, reveals two forms of contextualization. During Tij Braka, a festival for women, alternate participation in a parallel event has emerged, utilizing compatible forms and giving corrective Bible teaching. At Bhai-Tika, a time of sister-brother worship, the example of one young man demonstrates contextualized participation in the actual event.
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