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The birth of Jesus - A Legend

The birth of Jesus - A Legend

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.
 


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