To VALENTINE or not to VALENTINE

Strange title is it not? Grammatically incorrect. But I am working on this blog on Valentine's Day, 2009. And I am watching the news. All over India there have been some incidents of protests and demostrations AGAINST the observance of this day of love and affection. And since we are a vibrant democracy there have also been demonstrations IN FAVOR of the occassion. Some anti-Valentine demonstrations turned ugly while some pro-Valentine demonstrations were humorous and unique - like mailing thousands of pieces of PINK feminine underwear to one of the more well known anti-Valentine leaders. So back to the question, to Valentine or not to Valentine?

As a teacher of cross culturalism and anthropology, and through experience, and above all through studying the Scriptures, we know that no one culture is superior to another. Not even an advanced, modern, neo-technological culture like that of the west. On the other hand, certain components of culture may be evil and even inherently wicked - like ritual temple prostitution, etc. Similarly there may be some forms of celebration on Valentine's Day that could be ungodly in nature. Christians should make decisions based on whether the LOrd will be glorified through our Valentine's Day - or any other such occassion's - celebrations.

At the same time I rejoice that the Lord has, first, created us as creatures with the ability to choose, and then, second, guides us through His Holy Spirit that we can make correct choices. In all of those cultural areas where perhaps doubt creeps in, the Glory of God principle is best: Choose those cultural activities that would glorify the Lord. So whether it is Valentlne's Day - or any other such celebration - we should seek to bring Glory to His Name.

Well how did I celebrate Valentine's Day? Actually we celebrated it the NEXT day (and finished up this blog after the celebration). We had a special Church service; roses were given to all couples present; we sang some traditional marriage songs; and I preached a special sermon on love, focusing on the thought that for us Christians every day should be Valentine's Day, as we daily share our love, which is the love of Christ in us, with others.

We had a good time this Valentine's Day. Hope you did too.

Till our next chai time blessings! Leonard and Pam