‘Is Conversion Now Our Culture And Heritage?’ : Ex-Deputy PM Of Nepal Questions Branding Christmas As Nepali Heritage

Former deputy prime minister of Nepal Kamal Thapa has questioned branding Christmas as heritage of Nepal.

The chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party tweeted today morning, replying to a news report about the president of Nepal calling Christmas, among other festivals, ‘a valuable asset that must be protected’.

The tweet read: “Christmas is our heritage !! How? There were less than a dozen converts to Christianity in Nepal before Vikram Samvat 2007 [1950 CE]. Is conversion now our culture and heritage?”

Before, Thapa had wished “Merry Christmas to all Christian brothers and sisters on the occasion of Christmas”.

In another tweet, Thapa, shared a recent speech of British prime minister Boris Johnson where he pledged to stand up for Christians and their faith.

“Would Nepal's PM K P Sharma Oli say the same for 94 per cent of Nepal’s population?” he asked in the tweet.

Not only in Nepal, but discontent has been simmering against the proselytisation techniques of Christian missionaries, which are often manipulative, deceitful, and promote hatred of indigenous cultures and customs.

The Pope also recently criticised the approach of proselytisation by Christian missionaries.

“Never, never bring the gospel by proselytizing,” Francis said. “If someone says they are a disciple of Jesus and comes to you with proselytism, they are not a disciple of Jesus.”

“In front of an unbeliever, the last thing I have to do is try to convince him. Never. The last thing I have to do is speak,” Francis said. Instead, he stressed, “I have to live consistent with my faith. And it will be my testimony to awaken the curiosity of the other who says: ‘But why do you do this?’ And yes, I can speak then,” he said.

Also read: Is Christmas A Cultural Appropriation By Christianity? Its Pagan Origins And Dispute Over Jesus’ Birth Date