Proselytization In India: An Indian Christian's Perspective

Sulekha ^ | May 22, 2003 | C. Alex Alexander

[keri]

But, he fails to comprehend the distinction between freedom to propagate a religion and the right to coercively convert people to another faith.

He (Dayal) isn't alone in that regard.

Overall this is a good article. The UN is positively worthless, however, and I would think by now Indians (Christians or otherwise) would have learned that.

[Allan]

Bump

[neither-nor]

The myth of 'pluralism' in India is, at best, quaint. At worst, it is a national beguiling by its cosmetic veneer of openness, that is actually dangerous to any hint of challenge to it.

I live in India and would like to know why you think so(sarcasm off).

[Allan]

BumpAgain

[Aaron_A]

Needless to say, people make many mis-representations of foreign countries and cultures everyday here on FR. Please feel free to add your thoughts about your country. I'm sure many FReepers would appreciate that.

[neither-nor]

Thank you.

[Cronos]

Annie's completely off when she says India ain't a pluralistic society -- with so many diverse religions languages etc. it HAS to be one!

However, the dude who wrote this article contradicts himself from the start -- if he says that Indian orthodox churches never preached to non-Christians then how did any get converted?????

The article seems like some piece of propaganda thought up by the Indian neo-Nazi groups like the RSS or VHP who want an einen Nation, einen Kultur, eine Religion, which will balkanize the country.

[neither-nor]

I'm not an expert on Chritianity so I can't speak of the logical errors pointed out in the article by Freepers. The specific point you made on conversion I find logical. But I definitely do not think that the writer is a neo-Nazi or anything of that sort. On the contrary, I think he's what some on FR ( In this case not me) would call a liberal, or even someone who holds (Indian) nationalism over religion.

[Cronos]

Well, if he does hold nationalism over religion that's his choice. However, the neo Nazi groups like the RSS who want to destroy India's pluralistic culture and create some macabre mono Culture should do the same. It ticks me off that slamofascists come here and say that we should allow them to practise their religion and don't do the same in SAud and Pak.

Now, I'm not saying India is like that, on the contrary from what info I've got from folks it is more open. But if the RSS get's it's way then it will not allow any other religion to be practised. That would really really bug me.

This is an issue I think all Indians who are concerned with their country should be working about -- promote nationalism by all means but don't trample on the rights of the minorities (how much is the percentage of Hindus in India? 85%? And Christians? 2%?)

[akash]

"But if the RSS get's it's way then it will not allow any other religion to be practised."

Dude, Exactly whom did you talk to in the RSS who said that they would stop the practising of other religions in India. If you are ignorant then ask. For starters you can visit their site here and find out the position of the RSS and all hindus on this subject.

[akash]

more specifically this

[Artist]

Bump for a later read.

[neither-nor]

This is the distribution by religion according to the Indian 1991 census( The Indian national census occours once every 10 years. The latest census would be from 2001. I think the per centages would not have changed by that much so the data below should be ok)

Buddhists 0.7
Christians 2.6
Hindus 82.7
Jains 0.5
Muslims 11.2
Sikhs 1.9
Others 0.4

I dont think that we trample on the rights of the minorities, or will do so anytime soon. Yes, there are cases where religious minorities have been targeted- but these do not represent all of India, just as the KKK does not represent America. The cases where religion has become a flashpoint mostly ( not all by a long shot) invariably happen in places that have a a mix of poverty, poor education and worse leadership.

Having said that let me also say that I personally do not believe that the RSS is a Nazi-type organisation (Caveat: I find myself increasingly rightwing as time passes, so this may be a biased view). Yes the RSS has its hardline elements-no doubt about that. But ultimately I do not think that they will be able to pursue an agenda that is hostile to minorities - assuming that they want to of course.

In essence, I believe that Indian democracy arises from and exists because of from the liberal ( not in the FRsense!), humane and tolerant ethos of Hinduism. Yes Hindu culture has many problems, but it is fundamentally inclusive of all religions.

The Christian religion, a subject in which you may be interested, exists and prospers in India. There have been charges and countercharges of forced conversions,proselytisation and the like. But these incidents are an ugly seam of the rich tapestry that is my country. I am a Hindu, proud to be a Hindu and yet the hymn I find most moving is in another religion -'Abide with Me'. ( I also love the energy, the mad passion of 'My Eyes have seen the coming of the glory of the Lord' but that';s another story!). I can remember my schooling, when we had to go to a chapel every morning, and some of my deepest moments in prayer have been inside that chapel. At the same time- I am a Hindu and will not change my religion for anything in the world. And I am not an isolated example.

The reason many Indians - like me- at least find a slight resonance with the RSS way of thinking lies in the upsurge of Pakistan led, Muslim fundamentalis/terrorism. For many Indians it is a frustration arising out of exactly the point that you make - that some Muslims take advantage of a democracy, live in that democracy, yet spit on its values and secretly ( and not so secretly) dream of destroying that democracy and returning to their rigid belief systems. They wish to impose upon us their way of life but they have no hesitation in taking advantage of our way of life.

Now for the specific examples:

-India has never had a history of persecution against Jews.
- The Indian defence Minister is a Christian ( Geoirge Fernandes)
- India has had 2-3 Muslim presidents
- India's cricket team ( a sport that combines the pull of your baseball, football, and basketball at one shot) has beenstaffed and led by Muslims
- Of India's top 10 movie stars, at least 5-6 are Muslims.
- India's top defence scientist ( and our current president) is a Muslim

I could go on...but my point is that a nation's constitution may say it is democratic, its intellectuals may also say the same, but what happens on the ground is the true test.

Finally, yes there are worrying trends of religious intolerance, but they are'nt by any means a serious threat to our pluralistic system. The long term soltuion of course lies in ensuring economic prosperity for all. I dont think it will happen anyway, but for what's its worth in the interim there are hundreds of thoudands of Indians like me who will not tolerate my country descending into religious fundamentalism.

[neither-nor]

This story gives one of reasons why people like me are becoming more and more pi$$ed off with Islamic terrorism and becoming more rightwing...it's very appropriate to what I said in my last post

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/918431/posts?page=3

[atc]

Well, if he does hold nationalism over religion that's his choice. However, the neo Nazi groups like the RSS who want to destroy India's pluralistic culture...

LoL! Is this the same RSS that is so very pro-Israel? You better let Ariel Sharon know that he has the full support of Neo-Nazis! Heck, Sharon might even be one of them!