Falsehood as Pride
Defenders of the devadasi system offer five arguments: it is an ancient tradition that must be honored, the devadasis preserved the art of dance, their music led people to spirituality, the women were financially independent, and who are the Christian missionaries to question such traditions. Every argument dresses falsehood in the garments of culture and pride. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20)
Enslaved Caste
Just because it was practiced for many years does not make Tradition right. Lord Jesus Christ warned against exalting traditions over the Word of God. Bible warns: “None of the daughters of Israel shall be a cult prostitute” (Deuteronomy 23:17). The devadasi system dedicated girls, mostly from deprived castes, to temples, and it ends as “a life of prostitution” (Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1982). Cultural tradition cannot upgrade and sanctify what an abomination is.
Enslaved women They are portrayed as economically independent women, ignoring their miserable situation, where they are forced to sell their bodies, pushing them into slavery. God forbade bringing the fee of a prostitute into the house of God. (Deuteronomy 23:18). It is better to live with righteousness than great revenues with injustice” (Proverbs 16:8). A woman’s body is not merchandise; in Christ it is “a temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Economic Independence without dignity is slavery with an income.
Morality and Spirituality Art is God’s gift, but that fact does not justify the slavery of the artist. Worship based on unrighteousness and injustice is noise and a nuisance to God. (Amos 5:23-24). Spirituality without holiness is false religiosity.
Prophetic voices God sends His servants to confront, rebuke sin, and change society and laws. They open their mouths for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute, and defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9). Amy Carmichael was one of those remarkable prophets in words and deeds.