Author: Fr. Nettiyadan
Publication: The Organiser
Date: February 11, 2001
CHRISTIAN religious tradition is
not necessarily scientific or rational. The ongoing battle between science
and religion cannot be missed. The rejection of the authority of the Church
was necessary for the development of science.
During the last two centuries with
the advancement of science in Europe and USA, the illogical doctrine of
the Christian Church has largely lost its appeal and the number of Christians
attending the Church has been declining. In order to make up the loss the
Church to reap 'good harvest' in the 'third world.
Those who disagreed with the doctrine
of the Church are still persecuted in the name of maintaining discipline
and peace.
The pope goes around the world "apologising"
for horrible crimes of Christian church committed against, humanity in
the past. But still the narrow outlook of the Church prevails. Unfortunately,
the Church is just to accept the broader vision of pluralistic humanity.
A classic example is the treatment
meted out to Fr. Samuel Nettiyadan, who was head priest for 17 years of
a Marthomite church in Kerala, considered to be more liberal than other
Christian denominations.
He was expelled and "communicated
from the Church for writing a novel based on the life and message of Jesus
Christ. In the novel titled Joseph, the Carpenter he throws light on the
mysterious years of Christ, his yoga-sadhana, etc.
Perhaps this may be the first instance
in India, one losing his job for writing a novel Fr Nettiyadan after getting
a degree joined a seminary and obtained degrees in theology and communication
and has authored nearly 12 books. Fr. Nettiyadan shared his experience
with Organiser representative Pradeep Krishnan. Excerpts.
Q. Even for an ordinary Christian,
'belief' In the Bible is a must. Is it desirable for a priest then to write
a novel contradicting the Bible and the belief of the Christian?
A. Christians believe in God. Bible
is a record containing the basic principles of that belief. Bible is a
corroboration of how God interfered in the history of humanity at a particular
period. As a writer, certain parts of the Bible were re-read and wrote
a novel. I do not see it as a crime.
Q. In the novel the divine birth
of Jesus is portrayed to some extent as an illegal birth. What is the basis
for this?
A. The birth of Jesus to Virgin
Mary is a legend. Scholars of theology have accepted it. My studies and
imagination were harmonised to examine the history behind the legend.
Q. There is contradiction in a Christian
priest becoming eloquent for freedom of expression. Is there any occasion
when anyone was allowed to ponder beyond what Is said in the Bible or laid
down by the church?
A. Every original idea of each
period is the outcome of the freedom of thought and expression. Where there
is no freedom, originality is absent. The Church itself is the result of
freedom of expression. Then how can a member of the Church whether he is
a priest or a believer is denied that freedom of expression. The growth
of the Church can be seen to be the consequence of making use of that liberty.
Q. When you were sent out of the
Church. did you get any support from the progressive leftist litterateurs
and politicians?
A. No support worth mentioning
was got from any quarters. Some stray individuals and media raised the
voice.
Q. Life of Jesus from age 13 to
18 is mysterious-there is a version that he had come to India and immersed
in yogic sadhana...
A. The novel ends with a depiction
of Jesus' journey. I don't know how much of historical proof is there for
this. It is the result of my search combined with imagination.
Q. What actually did Infuriate the
Church authorities? Did they give you an opportunity to explain?
A. I was charged with the crime
of denying the divinity of Jesus, acting contrary to the organisation of
the Church and making obscene descriptions in the novel. I was given a
chance to tender an explanation. Even though I made my stand clear, I was
excommunicated.
Q. Nowadays the priesthood, especially
of Semitic religions has changed into politicians, wielding absolute power
and controlling the entire society. How much relevance is there for Christian
values in the Church?
A. This Fascist tendency is seen
in all organised religions. The practice of excommunicating and persecuting
independent thinkers is disgraceful.
Q. In the history of the Church
excommunication of and disciplinary actions against, scientists, literary
men, etc. are not new. Is it not a folly to think that the Church will
act differently?
A. I agree that such heinous actions
have taken place. But the Church has been able to do many a good work beyond
this. Therefore while opposing the conservatism of the Church, the progressive
aspect has to be supported.
Q. Is it desirable to chain a person
who dwells deep into the mysteries of the universe, on the basis of certain
written dogmas and beliefs?
A. I am of the firm view that nothing
should prevent the search for truth of an individual.
Q. Does not the Church In India
face a crisis of existence? Is the Church able to absorb the very ancient
and yet perpetually modern spiritual sprouts of India in its real sense?
A. The Church has always passed
through a state of friction and it is a sign of growth. I am not prepared
to call it a crisis. An effort to understand not only Hinduism but also
all important philosophies and to absorb the good in them is taking place.
I am saying this from my experience.
Q. You, a member of the Church for
17 years, say that the Church has become a business magnate by running
industries hospitals, shopping complexes, schools, etc. What can you say
of the immense power wielded by the beneficiaries of them enterprises?
A. The relevance is in bringing
to light the Christian values in all what you do. The important aspects
of Christianity are love, renunciation, patience and faith. When Church
itself takes the initiative in business naturally a section becomes beneficiaries.
What can we say about them?
Q. While raising a hue and cry about
the persecution of the minorities, the harassment within the Church does
not come out. Many Abhayas and Nettiyadans are the outcome. What is the
way out for this type of slavery?
A. The 'false face' of the Church
has to be tom asunder. Within the Church itself the renovation programme
has to take shape. I feel there are sufficient number of intelligent men
in the Church for the job.
