Jesus and Lu Du: Correlation

Abstract

Today Myanmar is a multi-racial and multi-religious country and has an estimated population of 60 million people. The population is comprised of some 135 ethnic groups speaking 106 languages and living together under the generic name, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The civil war in Myanmar has lasted for 64 years, from 1949 until now. Today the people (Lu Du) of Myanmar are powerless and cry for justice and peace. This paper proposes a theology appropriate for the Lu Du by tracing the correlation between Jesus and the Lu Du. It builds on the work of Minjung and Dalit theologians to emphasize the importance of the historical event of the cross of Jesus for interpreting the suffering of the Lu Du. It also stresses the place of a theology of the Holy Spirit in the context of Myanmar. Finally, it describes the significance of the resurrection of Jesus as a historical event which gives motivation and hope to Lu Du to work for and claim the promise of their special place in the Reign of God. The imagery of God’s Reign provides a concrete aspiration for an ecumenical journey towards justice, unity and peace. Building a peaceful community in Myanmar is not the sole responsibility of Christians, Buddhists, Muslims or people of other faiths. In fact, the Holy Spirit is a primary force in the movements of Lu Du from the beginning. The Holy Spirit motivates and persuades the Lu Du for freedom as it is the ultimate Will of God. It should be the product of peaceful transformation of the poor - empowering individuals and building relationships.