Mission Dynamics Among Biharis: Toward Contextualized Approaches

Abstract

One of the main reasons why South Asia is among the most challenging contexts for world missions is Christianity’s Western heritage. More specifically, Biharis, despite efforts for more than two centuries, are among those who have either adopted Christianity as a foreign religion or completely resisted it. Contemporary missiological understanding has emphasized that approaches that take into consideration local culture are an unavoidable path to a better interreligious understanding of the Christian faith. Based on the concept of contextualization, what are some essential cultural elements of Bihari culture that Christian missionaries have to take into consideration in communicating the gospel to people from that region? This article discusses these mission dynamics from various perspectives, including that of a former Hindu Bihari. The article discusses examples of Bihari religious concepts, terms, and practices that Christian mission should address in order to find relevance in its approaches.