Culture and religion

Q: Archbishop J, is incorporating Hindu elements into the liturgy syncretism?

The simple answer is, it depends on which elements and how they are incorporated.

In the Caribbean, Hinduism is a religion; in India, it is a prevailing ancient culture. There is a big difference. In every culture, forms of hospitality and greeting vary. In the West, a handshake or a kiss on the cheek is a typical greeting; in Japan, it is a bow; in Trinidad, it could be a bounce or an extended handshake with five or more movements. Cultural practice communicates a message to those of the culture. It could convey something very different to those outside the culture.

Subscribe or login below to view the rest of this story.

Subscribe to the Digital Archive | Log-In to Catholic News.