reply to post by mr.m79
Firstly I'd like to say it's quite refreshing to have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with people from a Hindu background.
What I hear in this thread is the pain/frustration of someone who feels the cultural identity of their family/community is being threatened by
individuals expressing faith in Jesus Christ and deciding to follow him. If those of us engaged in the discussion are to learn anything from the
experience I believe we need to
a) acknowledge the reality and depth of the pain felt and
b) focus on the reality of what becoming a follower of Christ entails - as opposed to introducing stereotypes and defamation via association with
historical events long past which are in reality widely condemned by Christians and followers of other faiths alike. (To be specific, as a British
follower of Christ I personally express outrage at the political and economic pillaging of India once perpetrated by the British empire, and condemn
as 100% anti-Christian any hint of violence perpetrated by any so-called 'Christian' community whether in India or anywhere else on this globe.)
I'd now like to address some of the specific points you have raised.
i posted this article coz person converted in India was not allowed to meet their family's & Hindu friends,
It has to be said this is simply not Christian practice. It is most certainly not in accordance with Christ's teaching. (The experience of many
Christians is that they are, sadly, ostracized by family and friends, and that it breaks their heart.) If what you describe is accurate I can only
surmise that we are talking about something masquerading as the Christian faith, and the only group I know of that is large enough to be a possible
candidate is the Watchtower Society, i.e. JWs, regarded by the Christian churches as a cult.
their are not allowed to go to any Hindu marriage and other function
Rather than continuing with the assumption that we are dealing with a pseudo-christian group I think it will be more helpful if I seek to lay out
reasons why the above might possibly occur. It is possible that a Christian might feel a Hindu gathering that may involve the honouring of a Hindu
deity/deities is idolatrous, and there is no getting away from the fact that idolatry is forbidden in the 10 commandments. Some Christians might find
they could attend out of love for their friends/relatives, but it would probably mean they are present at the level of an observer rather than a
participant, at least for parts of the ceremonies.
In the same way that a Christian can recognize the pain of a Hindu seeing a friend/relative leaving their faith community, cannot a practicing Hindu
recognize the inner turmoil of a Christian faced with such dilemmas? Believe me, I have been there myself. But if the family could only come to
recognize that their relative/friend is only acting in accordance with their conscience, a degree of mutual understanding and respect could be
maintained. All that is really required is a willingness on both parts to talk the issues through so as to dispel the inevitable initial
misunderstandings.
I have my personal experience my uncles only son (many other) is also converted to Christianity now he is not coming home
I can only assume we are either looking at the JW scenario or the son was subjected to bitter resentment when last home. Obviously this is conjecture,
but I am speaking from the perspective of one who is familiar with what the New Testament teaches.
& he`s trying to convert his sister also
Are you really so opposed to someone discussing their faith with another? Are you against freedom of religion? Is there not a bond between relatives
that goes deeper than the need to agree? Would his sister be loved less as a person if her beliefs differed from those of her relatives? Forgive me
for being so direct, but if you unexpectedly changed your deepest-held beliefs would you not hope to still be accepted by your relatives on the basis
of who you are
as a person?
for Hindu family a son is more important
I understand what you mean, in terms of the eldest son having a special role, and this does go some way to explaining why your uncle may be feeling
great inner turmoil. I will not pretend the solution might be quick and easy, but I do believe there is hope, which will come out below.
now he is living with other converted students
There is nothing sinister in this, any more than friends who enjoy the same music living together.
(" he was converted in college by Campus Crusade for Christ )
This was bracketed, but is in fact very helpful information. They are not JWs, just normal Christians (-sorry, I forgot you had said this when I
started my reply). This being so you can be sure he is not forbidden from meeting Hindu friends/relatives! (It is not impossible that he is in fear of
them, however.)
i don't know why ppl believe in religion and believe more than humanity
My friend, that is what I too have been trying to say. Given the chance, I am sure your uncle's son would express the same heart-felt conviction.
we don't mind that he converted to Christianity , but he is not looking after his parents & sis that`s why we are angry ,this not good think
no one has right to break a family....... not in name of religion & believe.
What you say here is crucial. It is clearly one of the central issues. Nevertheless it is not one issue, but two.
Firstly - and I sincerely hope this relieves some of your worst fears - this is what the New Testament teaches:
...if any widow has children or grandchildren, they [i.e. the children/grandchildren] should learn to practice their religion toward their
own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God...
...Now if anyone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially for his household, he has denied the faith...
1 Timothy 5 verses 4 and 8
(Note - I have added the words in bracket, for clarity)
u might think that Hindus killed Christians in orissa (India) only the adivassi , their family's & friends know the fact ....
You are right to point out any facts that undo unfair stereotypes.
come and visit India, u can c photo of Jesus in Hindu house who feels no difference btw Jesus & Buddha, but a (converted) christian finds
differences.....
This is true, my friend, and this is the second issue I spoke of above. However the issue is not that Christians are against followers of other
faiths/religions - not at all. The issue is at once more subtle and more fundamental. We believe the Being who created everything from the stars to
the ants came into the world in the form of a man - mankind being the pinnacle of his creation, and the centre of his love and attention. In the same
way a parent craves the love of the children that are so dear to them, we believe this Creator is jealous when men and women honour/worship other
deities.
As Bible-believing Christians (such as those represented by the group you mentioned) we accept this brings tensions and difficulties with those who
follow other teachings. But in reality real Christian love ignores differences in beliefs in other people whenever it comes to relating to them. We
find joy in showing benevolence/kindness to all no matter who they are or what they believe. Jesus Christ even told us to
...love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Matthew chapter 5 verse 44
Such love has little to do with sentimental feelings. It is a determination to do good to all in all circumstances.
Thus if your uncle's son is a true disciple of Christ, although he will no longer follow the Hindu religion, he will do all in his power to honour
and love both his parents and his relatives. After all, while the second of the 10 commandments is "Do not make an idol... you must not bow down to
them or worship them...", the fifth is "Honour your father and your mother" (Exodus ch.20 v.4a&12a).
While there will be difference
there is real hope for strong family ties, (as long as the willingness is mutual).
