[HarleyD]

In my reference to Hinduism I was referring to this and other articles on the beatification of Mother Teresa. My understanding is the Vatican rescinded (or something) the Hindu part of the ceremony. However, no action was ever taken against this Cardinal. Below is the link and a few excerpts.

Mother Teresa "Beatified" with Idolatrous Rites

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1044668/posts

“Briefly, in the name of inculturation, and with much subterfuge, Lourdusamy incorporated twelve Hindu gestures and rituals into the Sacrifice of the Mass, thus effectively Hinduizing it.”

“It was a triumphant day for paganism. Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy had reached the zenith of his career of Hinduizing the Catholic Church, whilst his opponent, the late Indian Resistance leader Victor Kulanday, was resoundingly defeated.”

“However, universal approval for the Hinduization and syncretization of the Church was growing, thanks to the consciousness-raising Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, founded in 1970 and supported by Paul VI and John Paul II. Cardinal Lourdusamy observes that FABC publications, the fruit of its many seminars, "have had considerable influence in the thinking of non-Asian episcopal conferences." “

(I won’t even get started on the Chinese Dragon used to “chase away” evil.)

[Cronos]

I'd say it was Indianization. Christianity MUST NOT be thought of as being a purely Westerner religion.

Also, things likethe Christmas tree and hte Easter Egg aren't strictly Christian but local customs that were used to spread the teachings of Christ. I agree it is a dicey situation and it's mostly dancing on the line, but Christianity in India MUST adopt some of the local culture, NOT the religious aspects.

So, the major festival for Indians is Diwali and it's celebrated by Muslims and Christians too. An Indian festival, NOT a hindu one, more like a harvest festival.