Literature is both a mirror and a lamp—it reflects the reality around us and illuminates new paths of thought. For me, as a Christian writer in Nepal, literature has been a faithful companion in expressing faith, theology, human struggle, and the hope of reconciliation. Over the decades, my involvement in Christian literary works has been a means to both serve the church and engage society at large. This essay offers a reflective journey through the literary contributions I have been privileged to make, spanning from biographies to theological essays, novels, and advocacy-oriented works.

Why I Prioritize Christian Literature, Research, and Teaching Resources in the Minority Context of Nepal

As a Christian theologian and writer in Nepal, a nation where Christianity is a minority faith, I have long recognized the strategic and spiritual necessity of producing contextual, faithful, and accessible Christian literature. In a society where dominant narratives often shape public policy, social norms, and historical memory, minority communities must actively engage in intellectual and literary efforts to preserve their voice, interpret their identity, and contribute meaningfully to the national discourse.

Christianity in Nepal is growing but remains underrepresented in academic, literary, and public domains. Much of our theology, church practice, and leadership training have historically been shaped by foreign models—valuable, but not always well-suited to the unique cultural, political, and religious landscape of our nation. This has created an urgent need for contextual theological resources—rooted in Scripture, but responsive to Nepali realities.

My commitment to Christian literature and research is grounded in the conviction that writing is both a prophetic and pastoral act. Through storytelling, theological reflection, and advocacy writing, we can speak truth to power, comfort the marginalized, shape leaders, and inspire hope. Literature also serves as a bridge between generations, safeguarding the testimonies of those who walked before us and equipping the emerging church with the tools to think biblically, lead ethically, and engage society holistically.

Moreover, developing teaching resources—especially in the areas of forgiveness, reconciliation, leadership, and freedom of religion or belief—is essential for the maturity and witness of the church in Nepal. In a post-conflict society navigating democratic transition and religious pluralism, the church must not retreat into isolation but instead become a healing presence in public life. Sound theological education and rich literature enable this by forming leaders who are both spiritually grounded and socially conscious.

In the context of marginalization, literature becomes resistance; in the context of silence, it becomes voice. For these reasons, I remain deeply committed to Christian literary production, research, and education—not as academic exercises alone, but as spiritual disciplines and acts of public witness.

Published Works

1. Amruwali Kanchha: A Biographical Tribute of Late Pastor Tir Bahadur Dewan

My literary journey began with the biography of Late Pastor Tir Bahadur Dewan in 1997. Pastor Dewan was a pioneering figure in the Nepali Christian community, and documenting his life was both a spiritual and historical task. The book not only preserves the legacy of a faithful servant but also serves as an inspiration for emerging Christian leaders. Writing his story allowed me to understand the depth of personal sacrifice involved in pioneering ministry and taught me the power of storytelling as a tool for theological reflection and community building.

Publisher: Bardaan Publication, Kathmandu, 1997

2. Apatyarilo Katha (novel)

Apatyarilo Katha (“Unbelievable Story”) explore the complex human experience through a Christian lens. Published in 2011, these novels delve into moral dilemmas, faith struggles, and the journey toward divine truth. Apatyarilo Katha presents characters faced with seemingly impossible circumstances, revealing how faith can flourish even when reason fails.

Publisher: Good News Publishers, Kathmandu, 1998

3. Prakanta (Novel)

Prakanta (“A Bright and Shining Light”) shines light on the lives of individuals transformed by grace, drawing attention to the social and spiritual transformations possible through Christ. Fiction, in these instances, serves not only to entertain but to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and offer hope.

Publisher: GFA Publication, Kathmandu, 2010

4. Prithak Bichar

In 2012, I published Prithak Bichar (“Uncommon Thoughts”), a collection of essays on Christian leadership. Drawing from personal experiences, theological education, and leadership development work, these essays examine the unique challenges and opportunities for Christian leaders in the Nepali context. Topics range from servant leadership to ethical decision-making, and from vision-casting to the intersection of faith and public life. Prithak Bichar aims to elevate Christian thinking in leadership circles, encouraging thoughtful, contextual, and biblically grounded approaches.Publisher: Creative Printing and Publication Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, 2012

5. Paryaybachi Naamharule Sateko Desh (Poetry)

The title can be translated as “The Synonymic Names Has Exchange the Nation.” Most of the pages explore a sarcasm to critique on the so-called leadership in the public sphere, who have rather imposed an anarchic way and made the corruption so common and continue exploitation. The bad leadership which is seen in politics, society, business, service sector and even into religion is criticized in the poetry.

Publisher: Creative Printing and Publication Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, 2013

6. Manifesto of Janajagan Party Nepal

Janajagaran Party Nepal sees itself as a modern, progressive-but-responsible political force in Nepal’s democratic landscape: a party committed to empowering individuals, upholding the rule of law, protecting freedoms and ensuring that Nepal’s republic brings dignity and opportunity to all its citizens. 

Core Values

1. Republicanism & Democracy – The party affirms Nepal as a sovereign republic, governed by the people rather than monarchy or autocracy.
2. Rule of Law & Civic Liberties – JPN places strong emphasis on the primacy of the law, the protection of fundamental rights and liberties, and ensuring that all citizens enjoy justice and equal protection under law.
3. Human Dignity & Sanctity of Life – The party declares a commitment to safeguarding human life and dignity, refusing to compromise in the face of violence or oppression.
4. Freedom & Economic Opportunity – While the party has roots in progressive social ideals, it has moved toward a centre-to-centre-right position, endorsing free individual enterprise, economic freedom and personal responsibility.
5. Anti-Corruption & Good Governance – Though less formally detailed in public sources, the party’s public messaging emphasises transparency, integrity in public office, and accountability in governance.

Guiding Principles

• Inclusivity & Citizen Participation: Encouraging all Nepali citizens—regardless of region, religion, ethnicity or background—to participate in nation-building and democratic governance.
• Non-violence & Respect for Rights: Rejection of violence as a political means, with respect for civil and religious freedoms, including the right to dissent and free expression.
• Nation-centred Development: Prioritising Nepal’s sovereignty, independence, and the welfare of its people, placing the public good above narrow interest groups or foreign domination.
• Balanced Social Progress: Aiming for a society where economic freedoms, social justice and personal liberties are in harmony—rather than one dominating the other.
• Service Leadership: Emphasising that political leadership is service to the people: leaders should be servants, accountable, transparent and grounded in ethical values.

Published by: Janajagaran Party Nepal, Kathmndu 2014.

7. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: A Practical Living by Theological Commitment

Forgiveness and reconciliation are central themes in Christian theology. In 2014, I developed a teaching sourcebook on this subject to be used in churches and seminaries. This work was later complemented by co-authoring a book on the same themes in 2015. Both texts aim to provide theological depth and practical application, equipping readers to become agents of peace in their communities. Forgiveness, I believe, is more than a personal act—it is a communal and political responsibility in post-conflict societies like Nepal. These works challenge Christians to embody the reconciling love of Christ in both personal relationships and public engagement.

Publisher: United Mission to Nepal with Micah Nepal Network, Kathmandu, 2014

8. Integral Mission: Faith in Action

Co-authored a book on Integral Mission, emphasizing the inseparability of evangelism and social responsibility. This work draws from the biblical mandate to proclaim the Gospel and serve the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. It encourages churches to engage holistically with their communities, reflecting the full message of Christ. Integral Mission has become an important theme in global Christian thought, and this book contextualizes it for Nepal, offering practical models and theological rationale for local churches.

Publisher: Jointly Published by United Mission to Nepal & Micah Nepal Network, Kathmandu, 2016

9. Sarwangin Bikas (Holistic Development)

Co-authored a book on Integral Mission, emphasizing the inseparability of evangelism and social responsibility. The book is designed to Christian Students who are in their journey of theological or missional studies. It highlights on various social issues, injustices and development agendas of the church.

10. Freedom of Religion or Belief: Advocacy through Literature

In 2017, I authored two books on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), both of which are currently being reprinted due to demand. These works address the legal, theological, and societal dimensions of religious freedom in Nepal. They aim to inform both the Christian community and wider civil society about the importance of FoRB in a democratic society.

Through case studies, legal analysis, and Biblical reflection, these books advocate for a Nepal where individuals of all faiths can practice their beliefs without fear. This literary contribution merges scholarship with advocacy and remains one of the most impactful areas of my writing ministry.

Publisher: Shalom Foundation with Nepal Christian Society, Kathmandu, 2017, 2018, 2025

11. Dharmik Astha, Nepal Kanoon and Satawat (Nepali: Religious Belief, Nepal Law and Persecution) This is a self-help Training 

Manual on Nepal Penal Code 2017 prepare for the religious community leaders whose freedom is challenged by the legal and political framework. This book highlights on the discriminatory provisions and rather restrictions imposed by the constitution (2025) and Criminal Act (2017) and facilitates to cope up with the challenges seeking fair and equal legal treatment by implementation of other provisions within the laws, upholding the principles of secularism, toleration and mutual co-existence.

Publisher: Shalom Foundation with Nepal Christian Society, Kathmandu, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2024

12. Ongoing Contributions: Articles and Online Engagement

In addition to books, I have consistently contributed articles to journals, Christian magazines, and online portals such as www.nepalchurch.com. You may like to click for my shorter pieces addressing in current issues, pastoral concerns, and theological reflections on my blogpage at www.blogger.com/blog/posts/4658118315281377390

Dr. B.P. Khanal has been a passionate defender of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Nepal for more than two decades, dedicating his scholarship, public engagement, and pastoral leadership toward safeguarding fundamental human rights. His commitment is rooted in both personal calling and a deep concern for the dignity and protection of minority communities.

As an author, he has written extensively to raise awareness about religious liberty and the sociopolitical complexities surrounding the rights of faith communities in Nepal. His two widely referenced books on FoRB (published in 2017) explore legal frameworks, historical contexts, and the growing challenges for Christians in a nation transitioning through constitutional and political transformation. These publications are valued resources among church leaders, legal advocates, academics, and policymakers working in human rights and religious freedom.

Alongside his writing, Dr. Khanal has played a strategic role in advocacy and lobbying, collaborating with civil society networks, mission forums, legal experts, and international partners. He has contributed position papers, engaged in dialogues with lawmakers, and represented Christian concerns in national and global platforms. His work encourages constructive cooperation between government bodies and faith communities, promoting a vision of Nepal where citizens of every belief freely practice, share, and live out their faith without fear.

During periods of religious persecution or pressure, Dr. Khanal has stood alongside affected communities, offering pastoral care, emotional support, and practical guidance. Whether responding to incidents of discrimination, legal harassment, arrests of pastors, or social ostracism, he has consistently stepped forward to ensure that those suffering are heard, defended, and cared for. His ministry has strengthened resilience among believers and fostered unity within the broader Christian movement.

Through his continuous teaching, publications, mentorship, and advocacy, Dr. B.P. Khanal remains a steadfast voice for justice, peace, and the God-given right to believe, contributing significantly to the protection and expansion of freedom of religion in Nepal.