Christian effect on Hindu culture

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:43:22 +0200

Choice
Hinduism has always been a part of my life. One of my best friends, just in casual conversation one day, told me that he has no problem with Christians but he hates evangelists and evangelism. I felt bad firstly because I believe in evangelism ( and my best friend hates me for it) and secondly because my best friend didn't know that I believe in evangelism. I took it upon myself to be more adamant in my evangelistic efforts. I still haven't been as aggressive as I should be but as I propose the gospel to people I find my self encountering the same ideology over and over again. That is that whatever you are born into you should stay as; no choices. Further all Indians should be Hindus and those who convert are no longer Indians. Also, evangelism is a tool to steal Indian culture.
The fact is some Hindus are comfortable in Hinduism and evangelism forces nobody to convert. It simply gives those who are not comfortable the opportunity to find a better way of life. Hindus will argue that Christianity is not better than Hinduism, that all is one in the same. Then why can't people have a choice? Why can't they be allowed to be informed about all religions and to make their own choice without fear of excommunication and persecution by their family and friends.

Evangelism strategies in India
Hindu's are too worried about evangelism by Christians. If they really believe their faith is strong it should be able to stand against any attacks.Besides Christians are trying and have already tried everything. They occupy the country building their churches, orphanages and hospitals where there were none, digging wells in poor communities: providing safe water, while asking that Hindus listen to their message and give up pieces of their culture. So far they have prompted the outlawing of of practices such as sati ( also suttee)- the Hindu practice of burning a widow on her husbands funeral pyre; basivi- the "marrying" of young girls to the deity of a temple (especially Shiva Linga) such that they relinquish all their human rights so that by duty the must fulfill the sexual needs of rich temple patrons in what is called devadasi (also devdasi)- religious prostitution.
However, these practices still persist across India. Why? Hinduism favors the well off so the well-off favour Hinduism. Some who are privileged (hereditary by caste) with wealth may not listen to the Christian message or give up any of their practices and even preach that Indians should not have a choice in whether they believe in these things or not. "If one is not Hindu he is not Indian."
Hinduism teaches Hindus to accept their lot in life, whether it be poverty, sickness or the life of a matangi, murali or bhogini, as divine appointment, destiny, karma. When the gospel is preached it just sounds like a much better deal: freedom from poverty, from sickness, from bad karma (sin).

Hindu culture is rapidly becoming an integrated part of Western society.But does any Yoga instructor teach it as taking part in a religious ritual? Are any of the chants translated to a language they understand? NO! Hindu culture and practices are propagated using disguises: Yoga is seen as just exercise and the art of living is seen as positive thinking and motivation. Well that's mostly:Some western embrace it as a religion because of it's sensational nature not realising that according to the Hindu scriptures and centuries accepted Hindu doctrine dharma is determined by karma and cannot be changed, i.e. one cannot convert to or from Hinduism; only Indians are supposed to be Hindu and all Indians should be Hindus.

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Christians and Hindu culture

Christian effect on Hindu culture