Nirobindu, thanks for sharing your thoughts on avatars and the Lord’s supper.

Luke, that’s so cool that you got to experience contextualized communities of believers in India, as well. That’s cool that it’s had a positive impact on you and your church. I found the same thing–what I learned about contextualization in India has greatly helped me as a missionary in Mexico and I know would also help me a lot if I were ever ministering once again in the United States. I hope you have an awesome trip back to Asia next spring. While in India I was handed a copy of Living Water and Indian Bowl but haven’t ever gotten around to reading it yet. What have you liked about it?

Blessings to you all!

Why lie at all? I mean seriously if he used the words “Grammy Award Nominated” vs. “Grammy Award Winner” then the altars still would have been packed. Why not just tell us that he was addicted to drugs and alcohol before he was dismissed from the band? Once again the people would have still came to Christ. The truth is the truth and a white lie is still a lie. God doesn’t need us to sensationalize his greatness. I wish Mr. James the best success in all his endeavors and hope history doesn’t repeat itself. Mr. James has an incredible testimony but maybe a little to incredible.

your thoughts on contextualization are great. thanks for being brave enough to have the conversation. i am a pastor in wisconsin. i was in northern india for a few weeks this past february. later in my trip i traveled to varanasi and joined a great contextualized group worshipping there. it was a really eye-openning experience and led me to rethink a lot… the end result has led to a clearer understanding of Jesus Christ, simply being a follower of Christ, and a greater love for people of every culture. the “after-trip” conversation with my church was very beneficial. i feel we have a greater understanding of the gospel and the culture we live in. and, we are far more effective at reaching people now here in our community… i’m planning on a trip next spring that will have me in china, then tibet, and finally india. my heart aches for asia and i want to learn as much as i can. i’m reading a great book by swami dayanand bharati “living water and indian bowl”. also, vishal mangalwadi’s book “truth and transformation” is great!

thank you and God bless you.

“To be in flesh (body)” might be the meaning for “In Carnation (carnal)”
Avatar generally means, as I understand, “to get into a form of someone, something, or pretending to be someone”. I hope this may bring confusion. The simple understanding of the term has to do with “Incarnation.” God coming into the flesh form. (Pls see John 1:1-14, esp. 14).

I appreciate your experience in Chandigarh. Its an eye opener.
I have never thought of coconut being used for Lord’s Supper. But have often wondered if this history were to take place in India, what fruit would Jesus use, would he have used mangoes and its juice? and so on.

Contextualizing the Gospel: God speaking to mankind through mankind, in their language, context (place), as He did by the sea of Galilee: fishm, net; on the mount–sower and the seed . . . .
As long as we do not dilute the message of the Plan of Salvation which is a free gift of God (Eph 2:8-10), and that we aught to follow Him if we love Him (John 14:15).

May God bless you as you serve the Lord.