The Hermeneutics of Praxis:
Proposing a Method for Nepalese Contextual/Political Theology
“Any System of thought that wants to keep abreast of [the] process of transformation and intends to take part actively in it, cannot fail to consider Hermeneutic Philosophy and a major participant in the debate.”[1]
The Church in Nepal[2] does/must take part in the transformation of Nepalese society which is gripped by its social and political injustice and suffering caused by a decade-long Maoist-government civil war and various discriminating Hindu social practices. The church should understand its own minority position, at the same time should be able to make itself a transformative force that brings meaningful redemption to Society.
Nepal is a unique context where Christianity is landed. It is a religiously Hindu, politically Marxist, economically poor, and socially and historically proud country. Any imported theology in its purest form cannot serve meaningfully and effectively in Nepal. The Church in Nepal should hold onto a theology that gives their minority position an uplifting identity in Christ at the same time it is communicable to and meaningful for the Nepalese society. Its theology should be able to motivate and energize the Christian community to take part in a liberating task of society.
This research proposes that Hermeneutics of Praxis which is originally a Marxist is the most appropriate method of doing theology in Nepal. In order to make such a claim, firstly, it will analyze the context of the Nepalese Church to establish its challenges and responsibilities. Secondly, it will define and explain the hermeneutics of praxis in philosophy and its role in theology. Lastly, it will make an argument about how and where the hermeneutics of praxis can be utilized in Nepal’s context.
This research will mostly be an analytical study in terms of the Nepalese church and society, however, it will also be a constructive work to find an appropriate theological method for the Nepalese context. This research will study many academic types of research done in the area of Nepal’s politics, society, and religions. Besides these academic writings, the research will also look into the recent news made on the subject of Christianity, Religion in Nepalese News outlets.
Secondly, this research will analyze the Hermeneutics of Praxis in various philosophical schools, especially in various forms of Marxism. The effect of Marxism in various contextual and liberation theologies will be analyzed in order to determine the role and effectiveness of Praxis in their theological hermeneutic.
Lastly, the research will argue and make a case for the Hermeneutics of Praxis for the Context of Nepal. To do show it will show its effectiveness and usefulness in the context of Nepal.
[1]M.J. Siemek, “Marxismus Und Hermeneutische Tradition.” In B. Waldenfels. J.M. Broekman and A. Pazanin (eds) Phänomenologie and Marxismus, Vol I (Frankfurt : Suhrkamp, 1977), p. 45.
[2]The Church in Nepal refers to all the Christian community residing in Nepal regardless of their denominations and affiliation.
