Bharatnatyam, a celebrated Indian classical dance form, often evokes questions for Christians due to its historical roots in temple worship. Understanding how to approach such culturally rich art forms is crucial for Christians seeking to engage with diverse expressions of human creativity without compromising their faith. This article explores a balanced Christian perspective on Bharatnatyam Dance, drawing upon theological principles and the wisdom of the Catholic Church.
Understanding Bharatnatyam’s Origins and Significance
Originating in Tamil Nadu, South India, Bharatnatyam is more than just a dance; it’s a deeply spiritual and artistic practice. Historically, it was performed in Hindu temples as a form of worship and devotion to deities. The intricate movements, expressive gestures (mudras), and rhythmic footwork are traditionally imbued with religious narratives and symbolism. This inherent connection to worship raises valid questions for Christians considering learning or appreciating this art form.
Navigating Cultural Engagement: Three Distinct Approaches
When faced with cultural expressions like Bharatnatyam that stem from different religious contexts, Christians often adopt varying approaches. It’s helpful to identify three common paths:
Firstly, the path of avoidance. This approach advocates for abstaining from any cultural element perceived as “polluted” by non-Christian religious associations. This might include avoiding Indian art, music, dance, or even traditional medicine, fearing contamination by Hindu practices.
Secondly, the path of uncritical assimilation. This approach involves embracing cultural elements without discernment, potentially leading to a gradual shift away from Christian faith. Individuals might become so immersed in the associated religious practices of a cultural form like yoga or Ayurveda that their Christian identity weakens or is abandoned altogether.
Thirdly, the path of cultural renewal in Christ. This approach encourages understanding the distinction between cultural expressions and core faith commitments. It allows Christians to appreciate and even participate in cultural forms like Bharatnatyam, recognizing their artistic and human value, without compromising their Christian beliefs. This path seeks to “renew cultures in Christ,” enriching cultural experiences with Christian understanding and values.
The Christian Path: Renewal and Discernment
The “renewal in Christ” approach is particularly relevant for Christians seeking a balanced engagement with Bharatnatyam. It begins with recognizing the autonomy of culture from faith. While Bharatnatyam originated in a religious context, it has evolved into a recognized art form with aesthetic and expressive dimensions that transcend its origins.
From a Christian perspective, all good gifts, including artistic talents and cultural expressions, ultimately come from God. Engaging with Bharatnatyam as a dance form, focusing on its artistic technique, physical discipline, and expressive potential, can be a way to appreciate human creativity and skill. The Catholic Church, as highlighted in the Second Vatican Council’s document on “The Church in the Modern World,” affirms the “legitimate autonomy of human culture and especially of the sciences.” This acknowledges that various fields of human endeavor, including the arts, operate according to their own principles and methods.
Reconciling Artistic Expression and Faith
For a Christian, learning Bharatnatyam can be approached as learning a dance form – a physical and artistic discipline. The intention and understanding of the individual are crucial. If approached with an understanding of its cultural and artistic value, without the intention of religious worship of other deities, participation in Bharatnatyam can be a culturally enriching experience.
However, personal discernment is essential. If an individual feels that learning Bharatnatyam is leading them away from their relationship with Christ or causing spiritual discomfort, it is wise to heed that apprehension and refrain from it. The guiding principle is to ensure that engaging with any cultural form enhances, or at least does not diminish, one’s love for and commitment to Christ.
Conclusion: Embracing Culture with Christian Grounding
In conclusion, Christians can approach Bharatnatyam dance with a discerning perspective. Recognizing its origins yet appreciating its artistic merit allows for a balanced engagement. By understanding the distinction between cultural expression and religious worship, and by grounding their approach in Christian faith and values, individuals can explore Bharatnatyam as an art form, celebrating human creativity and cultural richness without compromising their spiritual convictions. Ultimately, the decision to learn or appreciate Bharatnatyam is a matter of individual conscience and discernment, guided by a desire to live fully as a Christian in a culturally diverse world.
