Conversations on conversions --Food for thought
Our breakfast discussion at office generally these days is focussed on the rampant conversions of the lower-tier-worker classes into Christianity. D,P,S and myself have had very vocal arguments on whether what is being done is right or wrong.
But first its a fact --If you have ever stayed around the Banaswadi/Kammanahalli area in bangalore you will see lots of people getting converted.And its a no brainer that these people have been given strong incentives of a better education for their children and possibly financial help as well by the missionaries.
The debate is whether all this is right or wrong :
P,S and I keep stating that there is nothing wrong abt it --At least they get to lead a better life that way and probably that's what any poor man would do -- What does religion mean to me when I have no food and shelter ?But also, i do believe that if you aim to reach out your hand to someone in need ,it should be unconditional .
D however has a different view point. This method he says is a slow but sure way of eliminating out other religions. History is replete with such examples.It would start with a small percentage of peaceful conversions and would end up in forced conversations of the minority who do not agree.We already have states in India like Kerala and many eastern states which have been converted.Our tolerance has become our weakness and is eating into our own culture.
I need more facts to pass any judgement at this point of time.
Have we become insensitive to everything around us or these issues dont need any thought?How important is my religion to me ? ?i may deny it today as being irrelevant --is there any truth in what D says? --Is there something really to be worried abt or this is a figament of some fanatic's imagination /some issue created ,motived politically .
It would be great if we all could move on progressively and become better human beings and not worry abt these issues and leave it to each person to decide for his/her ownself .
Just thinking ...
But first its a fact --If you have ever stayed around the Banaswadi/Kammanahalli area in bangalore you will see lots of people getting converted.And its a no brainer that these people have been given strong incentives of a better education for their children and possibly financial help as well by the missionaries.
The debate is whether all this is right or wrong :
P,S and I keep stating that there is nothing wrong abt it --At least they get to lead a better life that way and probably that's what any poor man would do -- What does religion mean to me when I have no food and shelter ?But also, i do believe that if you aim to reach out your hand to someone in need ,it should be unconditional .
D however has a different view point. This method he says is a slow but sure way of eliminating out other religions. History is replete with such examples.It would start with a small percentage of peaceful conversions and would end up in forced conversations of the minority who do not agree.We already have states in India like Kerala and many eastern states which have been converted.Our tolerance has become our weakness and is eating into our own culture.
I need more facts to pass any judgement at this point of time.
Have we become insensitive to everything around us or these issues dont need any thought?How important is my religion to me ? ?i may deny it today as being irrelevant --is there any truth in what D says? --Is there something really to be worried abt or this is a figament of some fanatic's imagination /some issue created ,motived politically .
It would be great if we all could move on progressively and become better human beings and not worry abt these issues and leave it to each person to decide for his/her ownself .
Just thinking ...
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