Author Description

Description: This book explores and analyses funerary rite struggles in a nation where Christianity is a comparatively recent phenomenon, and many families have Christian and Hindu, Buddhist and Traditionalist (kiranti) members, who go through traumatic experiences at the death of their family members. The context of mixed affiliation raises questions of social, psychological and religious identity for Christian converts, which are particularly acute after a death in their family. Using empirical research, the focus is on the question of adaptation and identity in relation to church life, within the familial and social sphere of individual Christians and within the wider society in which they live, particularly with reference to death and disposal. The author has used an applied theological approach to explore and analyse the findings in order to address the issue of funerary rites with which the Nepalese church is struggling. Endorsements: This book is important for describing the problem of the place of burial and cremation within Christian groups within Nepal. This most significant study brings together both practical and theological knowledge and observation of Christian burial within a wider concern with society that has a strong cremation basis. The study shows an insightful and creative concern with the pastoral issues of death in both family and community life both inside and beyond Christian groups. Not only will it have relevance within Nepal but also in many other societies and the issues that burial and cremation raise for Christian and other traditions. Prof. Dr. Douglas Davies (Director of Studies), Durham University About the Contributor(s): Rev. Dr. Bal Krishna Sharma is the Principal of Nepal Theological College in Kathmandu, Nepal and has been in the Christian Ministry since 1981. He studied at Southern Asia Bible College (Bangalore), Union Biblical Seminary (Pune), Serampore University (West Bengal), Tribhuvan University (Kathmandu), and at the Un