Jyeshtha Shuddha Shashthee
USA: A Wall Street Journal article published April 10, 2009, “The Freedom to Choose a New Faith,” link here, describes the persecution faced under oppressive governments by people wishing to convert to a religious faith of their choice. But the article betrays a limited understanding of the circumstances.
Truly compassionate humanitarian works are performed without conditions attached. But for over 100 years, Christian missionaries have been converting Hindus to Christianity by bribing them with medicine, education, food or clothing. Many promise medicine to poor villagers only on the condition that they convert to Christianity. Others may promise 10-20 kilos of rice to a mother who is struggling to feed her children, but only if she and her children convert to Christianity. After the tsunami struck Sri Lanka in 2004, it was reported that Christian missionary groups were providing relief (food, clothes, water, and other gifts) to those who attended church services and bible readings. It was manipulative and predatory behaviors like these which prompted India’s anti-conversion laws.
Ironically, many who support missionary activities believe that such service is done selflessly. Had that been true, India’s anti-conversion laws would likely never have been created, and more people in need could be helped.
[This is an opinion piece by Sachi published on Hindu American Foundation’s “Hindu Currents.”]
Source: hinducurrents.com
