Invitations to Diwali celebrations and family gatherings were almost always offered in a spirit of inclusion, friendship and generosity.
THE recent controversy surrounding comments by a Durban pastor about food offered during Hindu prayers has generated passionate debate across South Africa. As I have followed the discussion, I have found myself reflecting not only on theology, but on my own story as a South African Indian Christian who grew up in a predominantly Hindu community and within an extended family that included many Hindu believers.
As a child, occasions such as Diwali often presented a genuine conundrum. On the one hand, I was taught by well-meaning pastors and church leaders that Christians should avoid food that had been prayed over as part of Hindu religious rituals.
This teaching emerged from a sincere desire to remain faithful to Christ, particularly among families who had converted from Hinduism to Christianity and were seeking to establish a distinct Christian identity.
Yet there was often little distinction made between culture and religion.
