a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

they have made changes in their theology over time. As discussed earlier, the
attitude towards the use of jewellery has changed. In the early days, a prominent
Pentecostal leader from the state wrote in the Cross and Crown:
The wearing of ornaments is a pagan, heathen custom. In every pagan culture,
ornaments are associated with idol worship. Idolatry compelled people to wear
ornaments, and the worshippers themselves used to wear ornaments and decorate
the idols with them. Idols were made of gold, silver and other metals, ivory,
precious stones and wood. People began to wear ornaments of the same
material. 63
It was assumed that it was western Christianity that allowed the use of jewellery:
Some western writers and leaders sometimes seek to impose a bit of American
“Churchianity” on Indians and advise people that a little jewellery is alright. Let
us be aware of such “concessions.” It may be an encouragement and comfort to
many carnal Christians, but it is an abomination to the consecrated spiritual man.
[The] Bible forbids jewellery for Christians, but it does not forbid clothes. 64
The reality is that there is an increasing awareness of the need to be more sensitive
to the Rajasthan context in the light of issues related to the religio-political sphere
of the society. Jewellery is not an issue among most contemporary Pentecostals.
Celebration of Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter was not
encouraged as they were condemned as pagan by Pentecostals in the early days. 65
Nevertheless, contemporary Pentecostals celebrate them in order to make use of
the opportunity to present the Christian message to others. Although it is not
63
Thomas Mathews, ‘Here is the Answer to Your Question,’ Cross and Crown 7, no. 8 (1977): 3.
64
Mathews, ‘Here is the Answer,’ 6.
65
For more details, see Thomas Mathews, ‘Easter: Is it Biblical?’ Cross and Crown 6, no. 7
(1976): 8-15.
253