A Missiological Accessment of the State and Christianity in Nepal (original) (raw)

Religious Competition and Political Change in Nepal

2008

As Nepal lies between Indian and Tibetan culture, the religious culture of Nepal comprises of three major components: a clear Tibetan component in the Himalayas, a rather modern Indian component in the plains, and a tribal animistic shamanistic component in the mid-hills well mingled with the mediaeval Indian or Tibetan component. Finally the syncretic component in the Kathmandu Valley could be regarded as the fourth; here Mahayana Buddhism harmonises with the archaic as well as mediaeval forms of Hinduism. In fact, Nepalese religious culture is characterised by an ongoing mutual interaction of Hinduism, Buddhism, animism and shamanism. Such an interaction is diversely affected by an introduction of a new component or shift in the state policy caused by political change. Here I elaborate this phenomenon briefly, with a focus on Hindu-Buddhist relation.

Issues of Religion in Nepal

International Research Journal of MMC

Religion is one of the identities markers of the nation. In republic Nepal, the issue of religion appears as political and cultural agenda for both political and religious leaders. In this context, the paper examines focuses on the historical landmarks of debate on religions in Nepal and how different constitutions address the religious issues and why they are becoming emerging issues in Nepal. Qualitative research designwas used and only secondary sources of data were applied for this study. Conclusion of the studyis based on data interpretation and analysis. In the past, religion was used as atool to gain political powerthat has still being continuedbecause some of the political party 'leaders still use religion as a tool of collecting votes from the public.

Religion and Secularism in Contemporary Nepal

Routledge Handbook of South Asian Religions, 2021

Between 2006 and 2017 Nepal transitioned from being an officially Hindu kingdom to an officially secular federal republican state. Although some Nepalis have upheld a model of secularism that would imply no connection between the state and religion, for most it implies that the state should support all religions equally. Through case studies (1) of conversion and the relation of Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity to the state and to Hinduism, (2) of diverse Hindu responses to secularism, and (3) of the controversy over animal sacrifices at the Gadhimai festival, the chapter examines the effects of the new concepts, propagated by the state especially since 2015, of secularism and of distinct religions and ethnic groups.

Hinduism in the Secular Republic of Nepal by David N. Gellner & Chiara Letizia

The Oxford History of Hinduism: Modern Hinduism, 2019

Nepal, which formerly prided itself on being ‘the world’s only Hindu Kingdom’, is now officially secular. Secularism was adopted by the interim assembly as part of the removal of the monarchy in the semi-revolutionary situation following the end of the Maoist insurgency. Many of the MPs who voted for it then had regrets later. Religion, and specifically Hindu forms of religion, remain a powerful force both in everyday life and in politics. Even communist leaders who may have spoken against it in opposition find themselves participating in religious rituals once in office. Yet, despite this, many Hindus feel a sense of existential threat and fear proselytization by Christians and Muslims.

Religious and Cultural Syncretism in Nepal Based on the Nation's Laws

Despite geographically being a small country with multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural people, Nepal is known to the world as a land blessed with religious and cultural syncretism. Embracing the principle of harmony, people of Nepal have been living together contributing equally to the birth of the nation as well as assimilating into the national strategy. Giving continuity to this very feature has become the cornerstone of the Nepalese people. Like the people living in any parts of the world, with their own faith in religion, sect or beliefs, people of Nepal are no exception. But, throughout its history, Nepal has never witnessed any forms of conflicts in the name of religion or culture. From the country's rulers to its people, this syncretism has been acknowledged as the country's core identity which nevertheless has remained the basis of the country's main laws.Context: Prior to the Popular Movement of 2062/63 BS, during its greater, divided and unification periods, Nepal has remained a monarchial kingdom for a much longer period of time. During these periods, the kings or the rulers who followed Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions have been ruling this country. Since that time, religious harmony has been respectfully maintained here. Whatever sects or religions the kings belonged to, they always paid homage and intermingled with the religions practiced by the people without expressing any kinds of reluctance. People also paid reverence to the kings by providing special space to maintain harmony as per their religious beliefs and practices. The very basis of syncretism has been reflected and expressed in the present time after Nepal has become a Republic State. In the present modern age, the practitioners of different religions of the world who have also embraced and adopted this harmony consider Nepal a model state. 1

Religion, Secularism and Ethnicity in Contemporary Nepal

2016

Gellner, DN; Letizia, C; Zharkevich, I; Toffin, G; Ghimire, P; Michaels, A; Adhikari, KP; Zotter, A; Holmberg, D; Gaenszle, M; Steinmann, B; Campbell, B; Bhargava, R