From New Delhi Television (NDTV) Borrowing in faith: Kerala church creates ripples

A new church in Kollam district in Kerala has adopted the motifs and religious practices of other faiths during its various ceremonies.

It is an attempt on part of the Latin Catholic church to promote inter-faith dialogue and understanding, but it is has been received with caution.

The Pope writing all that about being true to who Latin Rite Roman Catholics are, the Eucharist at the center, Gregorian chant, Latin should be used, etc. doesn’t seem to be playing in this part of India.

Fr Romance Antony conducts Sunday Mass at the Jagat Jyoti Mandir in Neendakara Panchayat.

Both the priest and his congregation sit cross-legged on the floor listening to bhajans. The pulpit and pews are missing. There isn’t even a crucifix behind what should have been the altar.

Christ is represented as seated in padmasana like the Buddha under the Bodhi tree.

Jesus, Buddah, Mohammad, Zoroaster… you know, the universal oneness.

“There is a paradigm shift from a closed community to a community which is able to accept other values and symbols,” said Fr Antony.

Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. It’s all a paradigm shift. Jesus is a fluid guy.

Inside the Church, there are reflections of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism and even Zoroastrianism. Even the Last Supper as portrayed by Da Vinci reflects a strong indigenisation.

Had to look at that one a couple times. They mean becoming indigenous. I thought they said indigestion at first. My bad.

Christ and his disciples are shown seated eating from banana leaves.

And atop the Church is a huge “Om” where there’s normally a crucifix. Father Antony insists there’s a method to this confluence of religious symbolism.

A method that only exists within the poor priest’s mind, a method that is self-serving rather than God serving.

“Most of the Rig Veda symbols are neutral. They do not pertain to any religion, not even to Hinduism. Say “Om” or the kirtans in Rig Veda – they go beyond religion and Gods. They are part of a universal religious search and can be practiced by all religions,” he added.

Public opinion is divided in this small fishing hamlet. While some see it as an attempt to convert people to Christianity, others view it as a dilution of the Christian ethos.

You see, its only an ethos – kind of like ether.

“Initially, Christians were opposed to it. Now they are slowly accepting it,” said Francis, Devotee.

That is the saddest part. The shepherd is leading the sheep astray. For my part I’m wondering why they want to refer to themselves as Catholics. No problem, be what you want, but get a new moniker. Episcopalian anyone?

And in case you can’t get to that part of India to witness this fiasco, just hie yourself over to the Hubbard Interfaith SanctuaryWhen I came to Albany I noticed an amazing trend. Roman Catholic parishes here tend to have halls, centers, schools, etc. named after their current pastors. Nothing timeless like, oh, Saints, past Bishops, long dead pastors. Nope, its always the current guy. The R.C. parish we belonged to for a while had the Fr. Toole Center – replete with kelly green throughout – a homage to the wearin ‘o the green. at the College of St. Rose right here in Albany NY. The ‘sanctuary’ at this nominally Catholic college is named after the current Roman Catholic Bishop of Albany, Howard Hubbard. There you will witness:

Buddhist Monks Create Sand Mandala, Monday – Friday, March 26-30, 2007, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

As part of a weeklong celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of the Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary, a local community of Buddhist monks will be on campus to create a sand mandala. Contact the Office of Spiritual Life. Father ChrisRev. Christopher DeGiovine, Chair of the Diocesan Committee on Ongoing Formation and Continuing Education of Priests will be happy to help.

Does this sound familiar…