Author: Jesu Mathew,
Delhi
Publication: The Times
of India
Date: August 30, 2000
My Christian brothers
should realise that quite apart from Hindu fundamentalists, the Christian
community too is equally to blame for the sorry state that Christian's
in general find themselves in.
We cannot really doubt
the fact that conversions take place and obviously most staunch Hindus
aren't too pleased about this. Though it must be said that in a democracy
citizens have the constitutional right to embrace a religion of their own
choice. But still, the missionaries should also understand that Hindus,
unlike Christians form only a small percentage of the world population
and conversion of these people either voluntarily or forcefully (as alleged)
would certainly hurt the feelings of the Hindus who endeavour to protect
their 5000 year old culture.
Though this reason alone
cannot be used as an excuse for resorting to such macabre violence -- as
in the Graham Staines case. In any case Hinduism has survived many
an onslaughts in the past, Hindu's as such shouldn't be so concerned now.
However missionaries
should really cut back on their evangelism so that one of the oldest religions
in the history of human civilisation continues to survive.
