Download will hinduism overtake christianity

Will Hinduism Overtake Christianity?
Dr. K N Bastola
October 2002
The article is divided into four chapters.
1. Christianity & Hinduism
2. Hinduism in the West.
3. Will Hinduism overtake Christianity?
4. Future of Christianity.
Christianity and Hinduism
Chapter 1
Civilisations have generally been moulded by religions. Before, people were not in touch
with one another as today, because of lack of communication, and lack of means of
transport, creating, what can be called pocket civilisations. When a civilisation becomes
refined to a certain extent, added with lack of communication, as well as lack of interest
in trying to understand other civilisations, it makes people believe that their civilisation is
the best in the world. During the British Raj, since it was the winner, British Empire
along with its appendage Christianity had a major impact in the world. The ruling class at
that time believed that their civilisation was the best and let the world believe so as well.
Modern civilisation
There have been tremendous changes since the British Empire collapsed. The modern
civilisation has created its own identity, following the principle of change in every sphere
of life. Concepts have been modified or totally changed. Say for example, the concept of
multicultural society in the West. This is a recent development; compare this with the
previous concept of, one had to be white to be accepted as British, and it is a well known
fact that blacks in the USA were not thought to be of much use, except menial jobs.
Almost every culture has changed or is in the process of changing, giving way to an entity
called modern culture. Since the inherent nature of this modern culture is change, the
culture present today may not be there at the end of this century. The change is brought
about especially by the tremendous amount of development in science and technology as
well as the education of women. Cultures are always protected, and resist change at all
cost, but because of its obvious advantages over the traditional ways, modern technology,
has been accepted by all cultures, causing them to change. Dogmatic religions are having
a tough time with the education of women. Thus, science and technology as well as
education of women, has had and will have, unbelievable influence in our lives, giving us
a new culture, new words like surfing the Net, browsing etc.; and many more to come.
Internet has made almost every branch of knowledge accessible & available. It is said that
because of the Internet, some patients know more than their doctors. In the previous days
people used to read about a subject (either pro or against something) and make up their
idea, according to one side of the subject, because they would not be able to get the view
of the other side. Now Internet has made things so easy that you can see both the positive
and negative side in the same page. If one wants to know the rights of woman in Islam,
one can put it on search and you will get both positive and negative articles in the same
web page. This is the beauty of the Internet. On top of that, one can become a member of
various discussion forums. This will have a tremendous effect on the query of the people,
making them aware of what something really is. Because of the modern culture, religious
philosophies are also changing, especially in the west. Some intellectuals in the west
maintain that the present civilisation is the continuation of the Judaeo-Christian culture. I
believe that the modern civilisation is anti Christian civilisation as maintained by
the church, because of the following reasons1. Freedom of speech is the backbone of the present civilisation. One is allowed to
express himself/herself. We all know the persecution of Galleleo and host of other
heretics in the hands of Christianity.
2. In Christianity, the slaves are asked to obey their masters making slavery a normal
practice. The modern civilisation is totally against slavery.
3. Christianity says women should obey their husbands and does not allow them to take
prominent post in the church. They are regarded as sinful and less intelligent and
therefore unable to do certain things. The modern civilisation says that woman and men
should be treated equally and should have equal opportunity. There is a place for women
even in the army. With their intelligence they are outsmarting the boys in education.
While Christianity confines the sex of God, despite it being omnipotent, to male (with
huge social implications), modern women are openly asking, why can't God be female?
4. Christianity says apart from Christians no humans can go to heaven. This essentially
means that, out of 6 billion people in the world, only less than 2 billion people have that
facility. Rest of the people i.e. a staggering number of more than 4 billion people, do not
have that right, despite many of them being genuinely devoted to God and are good for
the world at large. Modern people obviously have difficulty in believing in this concept.
This is because, firstly, they cannot understand why people like Gandhi, the Dalai Lama
etc. who have done so many good things for the humanity at large, should go to hell, and
secondly this concept creates huge imbalance in the creation with disproportionately
overcrowding of hell. Creation, they argue, works in a balanced way. This sentiment of
'my God is right and only we will go to heaven', has created many Christian sects,
including various suicidal cults, who believe that only they will go to heaven and the rest
of the world, including other Christian sects, will go to hell. This has created problems for
the modern society. It does not believe in exclusive privileges of any group of people.
5. Modern civilisation believes in tolerance towards other religions/opinions. It teaches us
to respect other religions. Christianity, by its essential belief cannot do that. It on the other
creates antagonism with other religions/cultures by calling their follower’s heathen. This
by itself is not conducive of a peaceful society or world at large. The modern society is
looking for peace in the world. Some people call for banning of the use of the word like
heathen, as they have done to the word Niger.
6. Christianity believes that man is the master, and the rest of the creation is there to serve
him for his food and pleasure. This has lead to destruction of forest and killing animals
for pleasure. Modern civilisation believes in conservation of both vegetation and animals,
specially the rear species. Modern civilisation believes in balance in ecology. Scientists
have shown that animals can be trained to learn like us. Monkeys and parrots have
already shown that capability. Modern civilisation talks about rights for animals as well,
and not only for human beings. The varieties of pets are increasing. All these factors give
dignity to animals- they are not mere beasts.
7. Modern civilisation believes in temporary punishment and believes that they will refine
after that, whereas Christianity is comfortable with permanent punishment in everlasting
hell.
8. Modern civilisation believes in the power of people- democracy. It believes in a
powerless king. Christianity on the other hand believes in an all-powerful king. This
concept of powerful king has lead to the concept of kingdom of heaven ruled by God, as
well as the absolute power and the infallibility of the Pope.
9. Modern civilisation believes that this universe came to existence billions of years ago
Christianity believes that it started less than 8000 years ago. This, later belief has had a
huge implication in writing history.
Let us look at the impact of Christianity at the present time.
Largest number of countries in the world is under Christianity. In Europe, the effect of
Christianity is however very much less marked with an average of only 50 % of the
people believing in (Christian) God. In the UK less than 3 percent go to church regularly.
People think religion, as represented by Christianity (Northern Ireland), is the cause of
war. The rich churches have become empty houses, which are taken over by other
religious groups. People are trying to find peaceful alternatives, like paganism. In
intellectual discussions, secular minds are given prominence to religious ones.
In the USA however, things are quite different. 95% of the people living there believe in
God. This has baffled the scientific community. In the early part of this century, perhaps
following Darwin's theory, the number of people believing in God was less. I think one of
the reasons is, USA, the land of opportunity, knows the importance of combining
religion, with media and money. The commercial media about God everyday constantly
hammers people. The philosophy is, religion sells and does earn money, and it is a big
business. This has not caught up in Europe as yet. At the moment in the USA the people
are hammered by the Christian faith so people believe in the God of that faith. If this faith
changes another God could take its place- the commercialisation remaining the same.
Situation in the developing world
In the developing world people have less money and they are bombarded with modern
amenities which cost money. These amenities are believed to be coming from the west,
and the west is regarded as the gold standard. During the British Raj, the Raj and their
religion was the gold standard, as visualised by some people. To attain the standard,
perhaps, almost all of the Anglo-Indians became Christians. People want to be associated
with the gold standard. Christianity is taken as part and parcel of the west. While
European churches are lacking in funds and are closing, some American churches are
flourishing. Since religion is combined with business, there is abundance of money with
the American Christians. Part of this money is being siphoned to the poor countries for
conversion.
Important thing to note and ask here is why this money is not channelled to Europe to
convert the non-believers? The simple answer to this question is, the people of Europe are
educated and ask intelligent questions. Perhaps Christianity does not have the ability to
give them satisfactory answers. Despite Europe being the homeland of the Pope, why isn't
there advertisement of this religion? The black church infused song, hence spirit, into the
American church proceedings by the influence of African spirituality. Since music is
glamorous this has had a positive effect on American Christianity. Since religion there is
a big business, I am not quite sure if some of the propagators of Christianity in the USA
themselves believe in God. It looks like financial gain plays an important part in the
propagation process.
The future of mankind
As mentioned above, the world is constantly changing. Because of freedom, People do
not like any sort of rules. What they do is change the rules, create new rules. Rules are
restrictive, which is contrary to the notion of freedom. The freedom part of things gives
them the freedom, to create new rules. They like to be different and create a different
trend. They will need philosophical guidance (as given by religion like Hinduism) but not
rigid laws (as given by Semitic religions). Concept of family is gradually diminishing. In
some ways we are gradually becoming animals. The only philosophy/religion we will be
governed by will be "don't hurt". This could be applied to humans, animals and
vegetation. This will perhaps be the religious philosophy in the coming century, apart
from yoga and meditation, which are techniques to attain something- one has to master
those skills like a surgeon masters the art of operation. Since the surgical skill will always
be there, similarly, yoga and meditation will also be there. There could also be further
hybridisation of religions e.g. taking yoga and meditation from Hinduism and taking the
God from the other religions (depending upon which religion's God is glamorous and
which God people know). Sufism, though not excepted by mainstream Islam, is a clear
example of hybridisation of religions. It has to be mentioned here that religion is not
important for a modern person with its rigid laws; they will however except guidance as
given in Hinduism. People of modern society will however always need God: for they
want somebody to help them in this severely competitive world where there are failures
as much as successes. Loneliness amongst a crowd will not be an exception.
What is in Hinduism that fits the modern world?
1. The highest authority book, the Vedas, say that Truth (God) is one but it is only people
who call it by different names. This is a very inclusive statement. It gives respect to other
religions and opinions. Hinduism does not believe that all religions are the same but what
it believes is that all religions are attempting to reach God, the incomprehensible one, in
different ways. This philosophy fits into the modern philosophy of respect for other
religions. The concept of development of interfaith relations in the modern world arises
from this.
2. Hinduism is the only religion whose numbers of years since creation is similar to what
the scientists have found in terms of billions.
3. Hinduism teaches about respect of quality and ecological balance. Hinduism does
this by respecting not only humans, but also animals like cows and various plants, which
are beneficial to human beings and who have qualities, as well. Hinduism knows their
importance. Hinduism has always taught about the balance of the universe and the
importance of every living and non-living thing, which helps to maintain that balance
(ecology). It does not teach us that every thing is created for man and he should not
bother, about other inhabitants of the world. Modern society also has a similar attitude,
like Hindus that we need to preserve our world. Modern society has found out that
animals also have intelligence and have the ability to learn like us. They have trained
monkeys and parrots who have shown the ability to correspond with us about their
feelings. We have just begun to understand the animal world. The concept of monkeys
should have rights, like human, is coming. Forest conservation is a very well known fact
in Hinduism. In other words Hinduism understands ecology like the modern society.
4. Hinduism gives importance to knowledge It says that according to action
(training) and circumstances people are divided into four groups or varnas. The goal of
which is to elevate every varna to the Brahmin (One who is learned and a teacher). It is
important to note here that a Brahman's (teacher's) son or daughter does not automatically
become Brahmin. The concept of Brahmans offspring becoming a Brahman, by birth
alone, was a result of distortion of Hindu culture, because of various factors, which is
against the Hindu teachings and therefore cannot be called part of Hindu religion. They
are born as Sudras and have to make their way up, according to training, they opt for and
receive. Similarly a Sudra's children can also become Brahmins after training e.g. Narad
and other rishis. If a Brahmin does not show proper conduct, he looses respect and
becomes a Sudra. The modern world recognises the fallacy of the communist propaganda,
of people being equal. Like Hindus, the modern society gives importance to making
people learned and also recognises training of people, giving them respect, as per their
training.
5. Equality of sexes - While Hinduism did not give enough direct encouragement, for
woman to educate, it did not hinder woman, who were determined to succeed. This is
evidenced by the fact that Hinduism is the only society, which can boast of woman
intellectuals (as discussed later), who were writers of scriptures and others, who have
even acted as judges in great intellectual discussion, let alone being just member of
audience. In fact in the Vedic period there were equal. Modern society gives equal
opportunity to men and women.
6. The technique of Yoga and meditation, which are very useful for the modern
individual, in relieving stress and improving health, can also give human being super
human qualities. Many yogis have shown such qualities. The present scientific
community looks for such powers. Hinduism is the only religion, which gives us yoga
and meditation, which in turn gives us the opportunity to observe the paranormal
(otherwise we would not have anything to go beyond the normal). In fact scientists are
doing special scans on the brains when people are in deep meditation. They have in fact
found that in deep meditation a part of brain becomes very inactive. Hinduism gives them
a chance to observe the mysteries of nature and study it. Though it must be stated here
clearly that, yoga and meditation are for attaining God and not to show power. Similarly
research is going on to see, if people do have incarnation. All these concepts give the
people of modern society, the opportunity to solve the mystery of creation and to further
understand the cosmos.
7. Basudhaiba Kutumbakam This philosophy of Hinduism says that all the
people of the world should be treated as a family. This is an action oriented, great
philosophy. This is to say that we have a divine tie together and not a worldly tie. This
peaceful slogan does not limit to any creed, race or colour. It recognises the diversity at
the same time. This is distinctly different from the Adam and Eve family, because the
propagation of family after Adam and Eve was, logically, out of incest relationship,
amongst their siblings. The brotherhood of mankind of Hinduism does not rely on incest.
The modern world also says, we all are not very different; it goes further and says that
close relative marriage causes health problems, which Hinduism advises not to as well.
8. Karma and reincarnation - This theory says that the present situation of a person is the
result of past performances, in previous lives. It also says that better performance in this
life, will lead to better life, after this. This concept blames the person involved for a bad
life (yes we human do make mistakes, we need to learn from our mistakes and progress),
but at the same time gives him/her the opportunity to do good, in this life, for a better
next life. It does not blame God, because God is beyond blame. In Semitic religions,
logically the blame has to go to God, if it is nobody's fault. Modern philosophy is also
individualistic.
9. Peace Some religions talk about their religion supporting peace in the world. The
very mantra of Hinduism calls, not only for peace in the world but peace in space,
vegetation and the spiritual world, as well. This is a very catholic philosophy. Support of
peace by modern civilisation is well known. One can easily see that Hinduism goes even
further than the modern civilisation.
10. Vegetarianism - This is increasing in the west. Many people are understanding the
rationale of it. Taking life out of a living being is a sin. The fact is that one cannot live
without eating. For our selfish existence, one has to commit the sin of taking others life,
in order to live. Hinduism teaches us that killing plants for our food, is definitely an evil
act because we are taking life away, for our selfish needs, but since we cannot do without
eating, killing plants is regarded as lesser evil than killing animals. I am sure everybody
would agree that plants are a lower forms of life than animals- hence the lesser evil. Yes
this makes us sensitive and hence civilised.
Here I would like to mention ahimsa. Some writers have suggested that ahimsa or nonviolence is totally foreign to Hindu dharma, which I think is not true. Others like Gandhi
have suggested, it teaches ahimsa. The truth is Hindu dharma teaches, both himsa and
ahimsa - important thing is the cause of himsa or ahimsa. It all depends upon the situation
at the time of the incident. It is difficult to make a strict rule of himsa or ahimsa because
circumstances change. People give example of Krishna's advice to Arjuna to fight, in Gita
and say that Hinduism teaches violence. Yes it is true Krishna teaches violence in Gita.
One has to remember that the conversation in Gita is taking place, just at the beginning of
a war. Conversation at the place of war cannot be of peace, when people are ready to kill
one another. It can only be of defence and action. If an army man refuses to fight in war,
he is called a coward and is shot.
If one wants to judge Krishna's teaching, then one has to see the things done by Krishna,
to avoid both the Mahabharat war, through his peace proposals, and the exodus to
Dwaraka, to avoid war. We must not forget that this is very much part of ahimsa he is
teaching. Yes Hinduism teaches both himsa and ahimsa, but it wants a full justification,
for the necessity of himsa. Yes himsa can be justified, but it should be the last, and the
only option available under the circumstance. One action in one situation is good, while
in another it is not. The act may not be important but the cause of the act is important. For
the act is done and done with, but the cause remains part of the history for others to
follow.
11. Belief - Hinduism does not encourage people just to believe in scriptures, it
teaches people to rationally analyse the knowledge they are provided instead of believing
in it just because they are part of the religion. One is allowed to decipher the truth by
themselves, with the help of Yoga and Meditation and rational arguments. There is no
place for dogma in Hinduism and no human being has the authority/right to give a decree.
Hinduism in the West
Chapter 2
Hinduism did establish a root, following Vivekananda's presence, in the USA. Though
the British were there in India, they did not care to try to understand the local philosophy.
Those who did did not look at it through the Indian eyes. The west remained ignorant,
about the philosophy of Hinduism. It was only after Vivekananda, that the west started
taking notice of Hinduism. Gradually the Gurus got accepted, even in the UN. In the
process, Hinduism started accepting followers from the west as well. It is said that
Hinduism is spreading substantially in the west, especially in the USA. However it has to
be understood clearly that because of ignorance, many people in the west still regard
Hinduism, as a culture, rather than a religion. Gradually books on Hinduism are put in the
religion section of bookshop. There are 3 types of people in the west.
1. The die hard spiritual seekers- they go to India and Sri Lanka and other places, far
away from their country of origin, in search of spirituality. While some stick to the
available Gurus in the west.
2. These are the academicians and lay people, who are interested in the Hindu philosophy
and not necessarily, spirituality. While the Gurus are helping out the spiritual seekers, the
second group have not got, the proper guidance, though slowly the Internet is giving them
information, about Hinduism and of course the discussion forums like hinduunity.com
does help.
3. These are the people of Indian origin in the west. This group is looking for some sort of
identity in the west.
Potential and future of Hinduism
Hinduism has a very good potential, in fact Hinduism is like Internet business, and both
of these are in the infant stage, with huge potential, because of the following reasons.
1. Present civilisation respects knowledge and is in an accepting mood, despite some
resistance. People in the west are proud to feel civilised, because for over the last 300
years they are the main contributors for the development of modern civilisation. They do
not easily want other cultures or races to overtake them (instinctively and intentionally).
The force of acceptance as well as resistance goes hand in hand. But it has to bow, to the
intellectual philosophy, like Hinduism. In fact many western intellectuals are already
doing that. Unknowingly many are Hindus already, because many people in the west,
believe in reincarnations and the theory of Karma, which is essentially Hindu. The Vedic
cosmology has been studied and parallels are drawn between science and the Vedas. All
they need, is a change of name of God, and formally call themselves Hindu.
In this environment, Hindu philosophy can penetrate the minds of western people. In fact,
in Europe, there is a religious vacuum, with people turning to paganism. This is a fertile
ground for Hindus. Remember, they are educated people, they need answers (that's why
they have gone away from organised religion) and Hinduism does have answers. Now the
trend is towards, individual search and experience, of spirituality rather than going to an
institution and finding out. Though the Hindus have to understand that there is a powerful
lobby in the west who wants to see the whole world with one so called "Christian
culture"? They are perhaps interested in numbers, in the form of Christian community,
rather than regular churchgoers. The other group, which includes secular people as well,
is racist and wants to see the white man as givers (if it includes the 'unimportant' religion,
so be it) to the enslaved coloured humanity, controlling the world in the form of Church
power. The leaders of these churches are almost all white males.
2. Vedic/Hindu astrology: This is becoming more and more popular, day by day. If it
becomes the gold standard in astrology, then its followers will increase dramatically
showing a steep graph upwards. While, in the Semitic religions, people can only pray and
go for pilgrimage for betterment of life, in Hinduism people can use astrology remedies,
in their day to day life. The Hindu astrology remedy consists of precious stones, japas,
yajnas, pujas (prayers), yoga, meditation, tantra and pilgrimage. Many people are having
hard time in the west. The above said practical methods can be applied and if people feel
they work, they will develop curiosity and become tempted to learn about Hinduism. This
practical side of Hinduism has got a huge potential, to draw people to Hinduism. It can
spread like wild fire, like the Chinese method of Feng Shui, because people need remedy,
just praying is getting them nowhere. Semitic religions can only provide pray.
3. The Vedas:
What do these "heavily guarded" books contain? Either it is written
by a bunch of primitive people (as some in the west think) or by people of high calibre (as
the Hindus maintain). What is important is, books or knowledge continue in the form of
editions. Each new edition deletes some part of the old edition and adds new things. Even
the Bible has new editions, which makes subtle changes. This fact is based on the
principle that every day we learn new things, so we add this knowledge to the book. It
accepts the principle that we know better now than before. Putting this principle to the
Vedas, it does not work. It is the opposite principle in the Vedas. There are no new
editions of the Vedas. The Vedas has remained unchanged, since the beginning. Why did
not the Hindus of ancient India change it? Why does almost every Hindu religious book
regard the Vedas as the ultimate authority? Books written by primitive people cannot, by
definition, be of high intellectual quality. We are far away, in time, but why did the
writers of Mahabharata and the Ramayan and other books regard, the Vedas, as the
authority? The only reason we can think of, assuming the Vedas were written by primitive
people, is, people during the Mahavarat/Ramayan time, were stupid.
The question now we can ask is, how can the writers of the longest poem in the world,
Mahabharata, a drama, which in a TV serial form, caused a virtual standstill of life of
people of whole of India and beyond, during its shows, be regarded as stupid? Only a
bunch of genius can do that. The Hindus provide the scientists, ever voracious for
knowledge, with Vedas. Scientists are especially interested in the astronomy in the Vedas.
However there are several other fields in the Vedas, which will be of particular interest to
the modern world. The Bible has been explored almost exhaustively. It is time for the
scientist to explore the Hindu scriptures. The co-operation between various Gurus and the
scientists will definitely contribute, to further understanding of the universe. This will of
course tremendously increase the prestige of the Hindus. Some scientists are seeing
similarities between the Hindu and the scientific concept of Universe. They are also the
concept of equality among sexes in the Vedas, which goes along with the modern
concept.
4. Identity: When minority of people, live in a majority society, they tend to look for
their own identity, because everybody wants to feel, intellectually and emotionally secure
of what they have, which works as a shield against the majority. This is true for Islam as
well. Hindus from various part of the world converged in the west. They are trying to find
their roots. They are trying to find something to be proud of. This force is helping the
Hindus to learn, unite and go forward.
5. Finance: Every civilisation needs money to form, develop and propagate. Hindu
civilisation is no exception. For many years, Hindus were subjugated to external forces
and hence were poor. Previously there was money with some Maharajas, but sadly they
were not smart enough. Now things have changed. This is the first time, perhaps in the
history of India, that commoner with brains, have amounts of billions of dollars. Now
with the Indians rampaging, the NASDAQ share market, with their software company
listing in it and earning a lot of money, does say something. Every month many Indian
companies are listed in NASDAQ and London Stock Exchange. India is heading to be
world superpower in software technology. Clinton's visit to India has changed things
further, for the better. Indians have started talking about brain gain rather than brain drain.
Hindus have always talked about western money and petro-dollar involved in India. Now
I think, India can talk about software dollar. Important thing is however, these billions,
has to be translated into the cause of Hinduism. I however was surprised to know that
VHP India does not take money from the NRIs. With the money available, Hindus can
propagate their philosophy and spirituality, by every means of communication available,
to the needy. Money makes the religion rich and glamorous. It gives employment to its
workers, who need it, for their livelihood. With the elevation of living standard and
education in the subcontinent, I think, the process of conversion will be lessened and
perhaps re-conversion will increase.
6. Mr A. B. Bajpai: I have put this name because I think his personality is important to
the overall progress of Hinduism. Mr Bajpai's roots with the RSS has given him a sense
of Hindu ethos, which has moulded him. On the other hand, he has also realised the
change, which has, and is occurring throughout the world, of which he wants to be part
of, for which he has to go beyond RSS. He shows that he is doing this. He also does not
have any prodigy. All these features make him a good raja and I believe that this will
contribute, to the overall progress of Hinduism. Without a developed India, there is no
future for Hinduism.
7. The Paranormal: People in the educated part of the world need further proof than the
people in the third world, or the people of history, when there was little chance of
comparing and contrasting any story. They believed in stories. Now people need more
than stories. Hinduism is the only religions, which can give the paranormal evidence, in
front of the people, through yoga, meditation and tantra.
8. God realisation: Hinduism is the only religion, which claims of God realisation, in
the present life. This gives great opportunity for people to come in touch with the cosmos
directly in this life. Christianity talks of quite contemplation only. Yes some talk about
Jesus coming into their dreams or even giving them the feel of him. This depends upon
Jesus’ selection of person and the person cannot repeat it because it depends upon Jesus.
Hinduism on the other hand provides techniques, which repeatedly allows the users of the
technique to experience God.
9. Broad rules:
Hinduism gives broad rules- it gives importance to dharma
according to circumstances. It does not give rigid rules to adhere to. Mahabharata is full
of such examples. The world is full of exceptions. Rigid rules may fit one angle of view
but it will look wrong form the other angle. Semitic religions are having problems with
their rules, which at times are in conflict with the modern ways.
10. Pathways for salvation: Hinduism provides several pathways for salvation,
including Gnana, Karma, and Bhakti etc. where as the Semitic religions provide only the
path of Bhakti and possibly karma, which makes choices very limited. Hinduism gives
option to stay with the family or become an ascetic. In Hinduism one can attain salvation
even if he/she does Niskam Karma (Karma which is beneficial for the society at large) as
a householder e.g. King Janak. One does not have to leave his/her family life. On the
other hand if people want a quite life they can do that as well and become a hermit.
Exhaustive literatures are written about each of these paths.
11. Ayurveda:
This is a branch of the Veda. In the UK alternative therapy is
becoming ever so popular and the money spent on them is increasing every day. Recently
big western companies have started producing ayurvedic scents. Other forms of ayurvedic
remedies are appearing in the market and are becoming fashionable and trustworthy. This
will work as a leaflet for further interest in Hinduism when the users start asking how and
why of this new method.
12. Sanskrit: This ancient language, which is used to chant mantras and perform puja,
is gradually coming back, both in India as well as the west. While the vibration, hence the
most beautiful part of the language, was completely missed by the American universities,
though it was taught, it was taught like ancient Greek and Latin, making it difficult for
pupils to learn, which only led to increase in dropout rate. New methods have been
developed, as by Mr. Houston, who has a three-day course, which makes people, able to
read the sutras at the completion of the course. This course is increasing in popularity,
with virtually eliminating the dropout rate. Its importance in computer language is well
known. Because people are looking for individual spirituality this language gives them
the desired effect. While we all know that this language has a huge potential, if it is made
easier, people are talking about its future as a major world language, if not the lingua
franca.
13. Diwali: In the west, people love to celebrate. They need a cause to have a party.
Lights attract everybody. Christmas, which was taken from the Pagans in Europe, has lost
its original message. Many people, who celebrate Christmas, do not know what they are
celebrating for. What ever the southern Baptist church in the USA may say, the central
massage of Deepawali is victory of good over evil; the victory of light over darkness.
This message of victory will always resound and be remembered. Since it has victory
associated with it, brilliant lights at display as well as exciting firecrackers in play, it has
the potential to be very popular celebration in the west. Tony Blair came to the Deepawali
party last year, while Bill Clinton gave a message of felicitation this year. If this
progresses Deepawali may become mainstream in the west in the not so distant future.
14. Individual quest for spirituality:
Now, particularly in the west, people are
turning away from gatherings and are looking for individual spirituality. While 60% of
people believe in God in the UK only 3% visit the church regularly. This clearly shows
that the people who believe in God are not going to the church for spiritual quest. They
are looking towards their own ways of communication with the spirit. Hinduism gives
them a God, it gives them the technique of yoga and meditation, and it gives them the
vibrating language of Sanskrit to chant Mantras, which gives them the opportunity of
feeling the inner rhythm of life. On top of these it gives them a sense of divine bond
through astrology. It also gives them ways and means to get rid of the problems in life. In
other words Hinduism gives them a 'complete package', for their social and individual
spiritual quest.
15. The Internet:
During the British Raj, Hinduism was battered and bruised
intentionally by the education system of Macaulay. Post independence, it was battered
again, further silencing the voice of pro-Hindu intellectuals. The Hindus did not have a
popular communication outlet. Internet has given not only the Hindus, but other religions
as well, a chance to explain themselves. This is because there is no censorship, controlled
by a group of individuals, with certain agendas. It is free to all and gives them a chance to
express their opinions. Because of its history of being battered and bruised and censored,
Internet has given an excellent opportunity for the demoralised Hindu, to express his/her
side of the story. Since the readership of the web page is virtually unlimited, the message
goes right across the world.
Conversion
It is amazing how some Hindus (10%) do not allow others to join Hinduism, and say that
they have to be born as Hindu in next life. This is simply not right. If a person wants to
worship Permeshowr, then it is his/her right to do that. Hinduism does not teach that they
should not allow others to pray. In modern terms it is a form of religious apartheid.
Effect of conversion.Anywhere in the world, except some countries, it is difficult to live as a minority. This is
especially in the Islamic countries. To go from the majority to the minority group and
have a very hard life makes the decision to convert a very difficult one. It is difficult to
understand, why people so easily convert religion, without understanding its effects.
Conversion after good understanding of the new religion, with valid reasons to convert, as
happens in the west, is one thing; conversion because of accepting materialistic gain,
rather than spiritual gain, as happens in the third world, is quite another. Once you are on
the other side of the river, you start wondering, what you have done. It needs a firm
determination to go away from the belief of ancestors. One has to say the ancestors were
wrong in believing in what they believed. With conversion one gets detached from the
practices of the family. This could be painful and could have an element of guilt. If one
intellectually compares and contrasts the two religions and accepts the new faith then the
guilt is negligible. Every culture in the world is accepting the new culture given by the
technology because of its obvious superiority. Recently in India there was a Christian
priest who was a missionary for twenty years and then converted back to Hinduism. He
said that he felt very good to come back to his ancestor’s faith. All these years he was
going against his ancestors, which he subconsciously felt guilty of.
The process of conversion done by heart requires quite some time. It requires study of this
new religion, understanding it, comparing with the existing religion, and then finally
deciding to change the religion. In the 3rd world countries conversion is very quickwithin days. The emphasis laid upon is firstly, if you change to Christianity you will
straight away go to heaven, whatever sins you have committed. Secondly various tricks
are shown as miracles (villagers are shown that the idols of Hindu gods do dip down in
the water but specially made wax and paper idol of Jesus does not sink in the water).
Thirdly there is immediate financial gain- this is in the form of cash or help in education
and marriage of daughters etc. In cash starved society this is a very powerful incentive.
Since this is a materialistic incentive, one material attraction will lead to another
materialistic attraction. While the Christians in the west, may be happy to learn the
increase in numbers, the question however is, how long will the new converts follow the
rules and the stories of this new religion? This is especially true when we consider the
very powerful effect of modern coco cola culture, which has the attraction of dance
(party), sex, idolising actors and singers etc. If Christians are aiming for regular church
goers- that may not be possible in the medium to long term. It is because; firstly
Christianity does not have a method of realisation of God while living, which would have
acted as a powerful effect on their belief. Secondly the coca-cola culture is very strong
and thirdly people's taste has changed- they want to explore their own spirituality -as is
happening in the west. Fourthly the free people simply don’t want to follow set rules.
This conversion process will create a community of Christians, who will have to start
saying other gods are false, creating a kind of religious tension in the locality. If
Christianity is only interested in the number (not practising) of people in their community
then sure I must say they are successful and this success will continue in the future till
people become able to manage their own affairs, without other peoples material help.
While we see the Christian organisations going to non-Christian countries to serve
humanity, the poverty stricken and hungry Christians in places like South America or the
black ghettos of America are left to defend themselves without help.
Is conversion to Hinduism necessary?
When Hinduism believes all religions are attempting to reach God then why do Hindus
frown conversion from Hinduism to other religions? Why do Hindus convert people from
other faiths to their group? The answer to these questions is simple. Firstly Hinduism
does not say that all religions are the same. What is says is, all religions are attempting to
reach the omnipotent God. As far as method is concerned, some methods used by some
religions are simply abhorrent. Secondly, we all want peace in this world. Imagine a
world of religious strife with atomic power. We want a catholic philosophy, like
Hinduism, which respects all religions. This is fundamental to peaceful coexistence.
Christianity says that apart from their one, other religions are false. Not only that, one sect
says that other sect is wrong. While Islam says the same. These beliefs do not lead to
peaceful coexistence because, if a Christian says you are wrong to a Muslim, he (Muslim)
becomes angry. Same thing applies to Muslims as well. This world is never going to be
either totally Christian or totally Islamic. There will always be conflict in the world. That
is why in some places religious discussions are not entertained. At the moment, modern
civilisation is creating a balance between them, pressing them to respect one another.
Hinduism is the only catholic philosophy, encompassing all, which if dominant in the
world, will be a better philosophy, to check and balance the minority communities. This
is the reason why people should convert to Hinduism and make the world a safer place.
Other religion will always get respect from the followers of Hinduism.
Why not then, simply follow the modern civilisation?
Civilisation is well developed, only if it allows the development of all branches of
knowledge. Modern civilisation becomes well developed only if it follows suit, including,
the development of spirituality. This is because civilisation, by definition does allow the
development of every branch of knowledge. Spirituality makes us look at the universe
from a different angle. It complements science. If science and spirituality go hand in
hand, with one complimenting the other, we will be able to understand the cosmos much
quicker. Different approach/angles are very important in scientific inventions. We need
every bit of evidence, to come to a scientific conclusion. If we close the door of
spirituality, then we close a big branch of knowledge and hence retard the progress of
development of a civilisation. Sadly spirituality is lacking in the modern civilisation,
which makes it rather incomplete. Hence the need for Hindu/Vedic civilisation.
Will Hinduism overtake Christianity
Chapter 3
Strategies for preservation and propagation of Hinduism.
1. Use money properly As stated above, this is the first time, in the history of
India that lay people have become millionaires/billionaires, because of the advance in
software technology. Hindus should take advantage of this and invest properly in the
things mentioned below.
2. Use media Media plays a very important role in deciphering knowledge
and creating impressions. Sadly, in case of India the Hindu organisations have not
been able to influence the media there. They need to have advisors trained in the west,
specially the USA, to give them advice regarding propagation of its image and
philosophies. Bajpai has these sorts of advisors and India is changing its laws to
propagate Internet Technology in India. While Hindu organisations are dedication
they do not have expertise in propagating their deeds. They do not seem to have the
ability, to shout and say what they are doing. Like Bajpai, they should have spindoctors. It is amazing that they have not been able to influence even a few central
Indian newspapers. The media with its pseudo secular forces have given a bad
impression, to the Hindu organisations, as well as India, there. This is definitely not
good. Television is the most powerful medium. Christians have used it exhaustively.
Hindus should learn from them. Hindus should go for this. The massage should be
both philosophical and spiritual. It also needs more magazines. While we have one
magazine called Hinduism Today, it tends more to delve into cultural side rather than,
the philosophical or the spiritual side. There should be booklet of frequently asked
questions for students. We need to have more books like Am I a Hindu by Ed
Viswanathan, which became a best seller in the USA.
In the west, for Group one, as mentioned above, the Gurus are doing all right. For group
two, I think more is needed to be done. All methods of communication should be used.
Gradually books on Hinduism are allowed in section of religion, in the bookstores. While
books and Internet web pages are increasing in number we need to concentrate on other
forms of communication including, TV, newspapers and films. It is a shame that we have
only few standard Hindu magazines like Hinduism today. We need more of those types of
magazines. TV is the most powerful of medium. Hindus should learn from Christian TV
programs as suggested above.
Hinduism does not only rely on pray alone, for betterment of life. There are various ways
of dealing with difficulties and coming out of them like puja, yagna, gemstones etc.
Hinduism is a practical religion for both ascetics as well as families. A Hindu can use all
the above said methods and live a happy and contented life. This makes Hinduism a very
sophisticated religion. Hinduism is not only a belief in God; it is much more than that. It
is important that a Hindu uses the amenities provided by the religion, including Vedas
and astrology- occasional visit to a temple is not enough because this is also done by the
followers of Semitic religions. There is no point in conversion to Hinduism, just for the
sake of a new God and a new place to worship e.g. temple. It is well known fact that
many non-Hindus come to Hindu gurus who have shakti for favours. Group 3- For this
group, specially the growing up children whose parents do not have the answer, should be
given answers to their questions. These are simple question like, why we don't eat beef
and things like that. They should not feel humiliated in the class. They should have the
answer to give it to their classmates. Parent education can be instituted in the temples.
Temple should be a source of education and not only of puja. It should be a place of
social guidance. The priest should be trained and it must be stated here clearly that
anybody can get the training and become a priest. While many Hindus are fascinated by
different Vedantic philosophies and are happy to discuss about them deeply, they don't
seem to concentrate on the fact that, these students need answers about day to day living.
This is very much needed. If the Hindu intellectuals don't concentrate on this and help the
students, they risk loosing Hindus and jeopardise the future of Hinduism. We need more
books for Hindu students. One of the problems Hindu society is facing is Hindus girls are
marrying people of other faiths, especially Muslims and becoming Muslims. Hindus
should make groups/organisation of girls to guide them.
3. Re-conversion of the converted - One of the problems with Christianity is that once
they convert people to Christianity, they do not continue with the care. So they are left
out. These people can be reconverted back to Hinduism, with dignity. This process
though being done, has to be done in a larger scale.
4. Protect the only Hindu country, Nepal - This country is being eaten up by Christians,
because of very vulnerable situation there. The vulnerable state is because of poverty and
rampant corruption. The political leaders do not have dignity there. Many of them are on
sale. People are looking for a change, to get out of the mess they are in. Christianity with
its money does provide the alternative. Important factor is however there are only very
few resistant force like RSS or VHP there. The forces like Vishwa Hindu Federation and
Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh, lack resources, manpower, technology and also the energy.
This country has huge symbolic importance to the Hindus. It should be saved at all cost.
If it is lost there won't be a single Hindu country in the world, which will be shame for all
Hindus. In fact some, in Nepal, are planning to get rid of the word Hindu nation, in the
Nepalese constitution. The division between tribal and non tribal are being increased,
with the tribal being told to say they are not Hindus. This rift has to be broken and the
tribals have to be given prominent posts in Hindu bodies. This will unite Hindus. If
Hindus do not act now within a few years, it will be too late. Hindus also need to have a
political front, in the form of political party in Nepal-, which should be given every
support it needs. This will help them to unite and give them strength. It has to be
understood that like Kashmir is said to be the head of India (map) and hence has got its
effects on the Indian psyche, Nepal is the head of Hindus and therefore should have its
effects on the Hindu psyche as well.
5. While it is well known that the major driving factor in Christianity was miracles, it is
amazing to note that Hindu gurus shy away from miracles. The Sidhas, should not do
miracles, to show off and be arrogant, but it is important that they show some miracles, so
that people can have their doubts removed. The gurus should remember that while doing
so they are contributing to world peace at large, in the long run. Yes some yogis are doing
that which occasionally comes in the news. History is witness to the awe of the Greeks,
watching Hindu yogi, sitting in fire with no harm, more than 2000 years ago. These things
should be done in the west in live TV.
6. Special target groups - Renowned people including stars and the religious leaders
of the other faiths should be apprised of Hinduism. One of the problems of not doing so is
the attack against Hinduism by the southern Baptist church, which was basically the result
of ignorance, on the part of the church. If miracles are included, then it will be quick and
impressive. I am not sure if any attempt has been made to convert people and religious
leaders in the Vatican City.
7. Yoga and meditation - These are increasing in popularity every day. Yoga is taken
though in the form of exercise. Its popularity is such that even Time magazine gave it a
cover page. When Oprah presented a yoga teacher in her TV show it increased the
number of people joining yoga tremendously. Some Hindus are not happy with the
superficial way these are taught in the west. Though the essence of yoga and meditation is
not taught, but still what ever is taught, becomes a preliminary stage for further interest,
in deeper understanding of the yoga. It is definitely a positive step. Practice of yoga or
meditation, in any form, is a positive step. It is like a Christian leaflet.
8. Hindu schools - While Christian schools made the Hindus less Hindus, rather than
Christians, Hindus should learn from them and establish more schools, rather than
temples. Islamic countries are full of Madrassas - even Nepal is becoming full of
Madrassas. What about Hindus living as minorities in the Muslim countries? While
Pakistan gives scholarships to Muslims of other countries, to study (Christians also do the
same) I am sure Hindus can do the same, for the underprivileged and persecuted minority
Hindus, in Muslim countries. It is also important, that we give importance to schools,
more than the temples as stated above.
9. Unity - Hindus are not very good when it comes to unity and raising voice. They
should learn about them, from the Muslims. Regarding language, while the mantras can
be chanted in Sanskrit, rest of the proceedings can be done in English (in the west).
English becomes important, for unity, because we have all been educated in the western
system. One does not have to learn local Indian languages to learn Hinduism. Some
Hindus are doing a good job of translating Hindu scriptures into English, which is good
because average Hindu does not have a clue about Sanskrit.
10. Glamour - Glamour is very important because world revolves around glamour.
Remember Mother Teresa, how she was glamorised by the western press? Lay people
accept glamour easily because it acts as a gold standard, which every body wants to reach.
Hinduism has to be glamorised and made cool. Hindu organisations, which are struggling
for a good name, should be glamorised. Putting a bindi and henna are cool, in the west
nowadays. With the help of media we need to glamorise our philosophy and people, who
do seva should be glamorised. In the olden days, if the King and the higher echelons of
the society adapted certain philosophy, the lay people followed because that was
glamorous. Spread of Islam in Egypt was partly due to this. Hindu organisations have to
come forward and answer to criticisms and show their positive expects. So long as they
remain as they are now, Hindus will not feel very happy in associating with themselves
with those organisations, but if the organisations are made glamorous then I am sure
thousands of Hindus, will crave to join them.
11. Positive Racism We generally talk about racism in Europe- how the darker
races are mistreated there. We how ever forget to mention how the whites are treated in
the developing world. The racism faced by the darker people, in the west, is negative
racism, where as, the racism faced by the whites in the third world, is positive racism.
People in the developing countries have a very high opinion/impression about the white
man coming from the west. To give an example there was a renowned consultant in a
hospital in the subcontinent, who had a trainee junior from Germany. The consultant
occasionally used to be embarrassed, when some villagers would express their desire, to
have the operation done by the trainee rather than him. In this context, I would like to say
that white Hindus could help, in the process of re-conversion. It makes the layman think
that there must be something in the previous religion, which they have failed to
understand and changed, but the white man has understood.
12. Lobbying groups Like the Jews, Indians are creating their own bodies of
influence, in the USA. With further progress, they will create influence, on the formation
of rules and regulation, which might help survival and propagation of Hinduism. This has
to spread to other western countries as well.
13. Hindu universities Can any Hindu think of a Hindu university in Pakistan or
Bangladesh or even Dubai? It is a shame that some Hindus only recently started a Hindu
nerve centre, like Hindu Vivek Kendra, and that also following advice from a westerner.
Hinduism needs, more universities and research centres, like the one under Prof. David
Frawley. Hinduism is the most misunderstood of religions. It is because very little
research has been done to understand it. That’s why it has got a very bad name. We have
to do research on our past. We need to go to China and the Far East, to find the History of
India. The Hindus have no intellectual authority to turn to. There are thousands of books
about India’s past rotting in un-cared libraries across the country, making us rely only on
the western version of our history and religion. There is very little research. That is why a
Hindu university is very much essential. Archaeological studies have to be enhanced. It is
a shame, that the archaeological survey of Dwarika, which could prove the reality of
Mahabharata, is not proceeding well, because of lack of only £300,000, which is not
costlier than some of the temples, being built, in many parts of the west. It seems the
Hindus have supported the bhakti system very much leaving the gnana path unattended.
Donation of 1 million pounds for the Millennium dome can be noted. Now the Hindus
have money, they should use it properly.
14. Social work While there are a lot of Hindu social workers, there are not made
prominent by the press. This is because Hindus have not yet recognised the power of
media to express their work. They should learn to use this great power. There are many
indophiles, in the western press. These people should be asked to write about them.
However the western press is interested, more in the activities, of white men and women.
Hindus can show, the social work done by white Hindu and glamorise him/her. The
concept of "Seva is dharm" should be projected, glamorised and the person doing seva
has to be given due respect. The teaching of Niskam Karma, which has been
misunderstood, simply means work for the welfare of the society and it is so important,
that it leads to salvation (Mokchha). This has to be apprised and enforced. While people
tend to concentrate on Yoga and Meditation we should not forget, the equally potent
concept of Niskam Karma.
15. Dalits - The Dalits are the result of distorted Hindu culture, which goes against the
principle of Vedas hence it is not a part of Hindu religion as such. Hinduism describes 4
varnas not 5. Since this distorted Hindu culture-- I should rather say a shame of Hindu
culture, is prevalent in India, it has to be stamped out. They need to be given training on
Hindu scriptures. According to their ability they can be Brahmans. If there is any problem
of their acceptance as Brahmans, (I must say society at times is very cruel) the learned
Hindus should form an organisation, which should wholeheartedly accept them as pundits
and take their help in conducting pujas. This will help them tremendously. If Hindus only
concentrate on giving them western education, Hindus will lose them, and they may even
go against the so-called higher cast. Women priests are becoming popular because people
are finding them, more trustworthy. More women need to be trained. The present Hindu
culture needs to be elevated to the Vedic standard.
16. Neo Hindus They should be welcome. They should be treated like any other
Hindu. They should have the rights and privileges, extended to any other Hindu. To take a
policy of making a separate temple for them is a defeatist policy, which might lead to
further segregation of Hindus, creating an entirely new class. This might lead to a
different culture, leading to complete separation of these two groups, which will be very
sad for Hinduism. The policy should rather be education of the Hindus who don’t except
them, because of their ignorance.
17. Caste system - The varna system has been very much distorted and has ended up
as cast system. Manu, in his attempt to creat a pure society, crossed his boundary and
went against the teachings of the Vedas. This I would call madness of purity. Some
Hindus faithfully followed him, which, along with other factors, has created this distorted
Hindu culture. There are some suggestions that the original book of Manu has been
modified. It has to be understood that like Manu smriti there are other smriti books as
well. These are individual opinions given by ‘professors’, which were followed by only a
small part of the Hindu population. These are just individual opinions given by people
who enjoyed the freedom of expression provided by the same culture. Among the smrities
Manu smriti was popularised by the British and was erroneously projected as the Hindu
law book. Most of the Hindus however were governed by their own biradaries.
Whatever Manu smriti is, the important thing is, a distorted culture has been handed
down to us. Now it becomes our duty, as intelligent people, to understand our highest
holy scripture and if any other book has written, anything against those books, it has to be
discarded as against Hinduism. Education and training should be free to everybody
including women and labourers, if they are serious about learning - even the Vedas. How
could Narad Rishi who was the son of a maidservant, be a Rishi, if he hadn't got a chance
to read the Vedas? Women like men have the right to salvation, so they should not be
restricted in any way- Gargi is an example. While the Semitic religions, in the past, had
some women, who were scholars of religion, Hinduism is the only religion, which can
boast of females not only as scholars but as writers of their Holy Scriptures as well.
Every person born is a Sudra, to begin with. He/she becomes of certain varna only after
training. The varna is not fixed for life it changes according to the training and
circumstances. Krishna was born a Vaishya, but he fought battles and ruled like
Kshatriya, because of his training and circumstance. He could teach the Vedas and take
priesthood as a profession and become a Brahmin. When Manu discusses varna according
to birth, he is going against the Vedas and other older scriptures and hence it is not
Hinduism he is enhancing. Similarly his acceptance of untouchability is against
Hinduism. Hinduism teaches respect for animals and plants as well, how can it teach
untouchability? A Hindu sees aatma not only in human beings but animals as well and
considers them as part of God. Pashu seva is included in Niskam Karma. If something is
part of God, and we strive to get God, how can that body be untouchable? While some of
Manu’s ideas are good, they should be followed, while others, which are against the
higher scriptures, should be dumped. The Smirty has been the biggest pain for Hindusperhaps Hinduism could do without that book or books of its kind.
Sadly, caste system is deeply routed in the society, this has to be routed out by proper
religious knowledge and the ones in the bottom should be given due respect in the
society, by giving them training to be Brahmins as stated above. While the greater stigma
of Christianity, slavery, was irradiated by a stroke of a pen because it involved financial
transaction, despite untouchability being outlawed by law, it has been difficult to
eradicate it from the society, like racism in the west.
Future of Christianity
Chapter 4
Christianity continues to enjoy support in the developing world, where education is
minimal. It has a good side as well as bad side. Its advertisement of the good side makes
it palatable to the general masses, of the developing countries. Its activities in the church
are rather glamorous, to the materialistic mind. Yes though the poor have the right to go
to heaven, and Jesus himself has been projected as poor (though I must say that there is a
conflicting evidences here), the church and its acts inside it, are generally rich and the
powerful priests are far from the servants Jesus asked his followers to become. This has
also contributed positively to the un- inquiring mind. Its bad side can only be discerned
by further study. While Christianity looks glamorous to begin with, partly because it is
taken to be the religion of the glamorous west, it is not so attractive, on further study.
Look at the comments of Mark Twain "It ain't the parts of the Bible I can't understand that
bothers me; it is the parts I understand". Other great minds have commented similarly.
Hinduism is the opposite; it is rather strange to the beginners but very attractive to the
people who have studied it deeply.
Pope recently visited India, where he asked the Christians to harvest Asia. This was
unexpected even for the local Christians, who were taken aback to the defence. To accept
invitation to go to a friends house and then to say, in his face, that the philosophy/beliefs
of the host, is wrong and stupid, and should change to his philosophy, needs a lot of guts.
While everybody is talking about the challenge and all, can anybody see the pain, which
has led the Pope to say what he has? Can anybody see the vanishing Catholic religion in
the intellectual centre like Europe? Are the eastern philosophies creating havoc in
Europe's intelligentsia? The question is, will Catholic religion vanish from the Europe?
With only 50% of Christians believing in God, its future doesn’t seem to be so good. It is
well known that the Pope is, very critical of Buddhist philosophy. The offence, which has
come out, is because of fear. In the developing countries yes, Christianity is rising
because of lack of education and hence conversion.
Talking about India, we have seen that despite the Indians being educated in missionary
schools, the only thing the Christians could do was make them less Hindu. However
Christianity has influenced the uneducated and the semi-educated group. These groups
are the socially deprived. Christianity gives them materialistic gain and shows them the
positive side of it, and makes a bargain for their conversion to Christianity. Putting things
bluntly, the Christian is effectively making a bargain by saying "I give you the money and
the service, you give me the religion" As the economic condition of these countries
improves, we can expect less conversion. And of course the opposition from the local
religious group is also very important. So long as Christians have money, and there
remain underprivileged groups, in the third world, their number will increase. This is true
in respect to Hindu and Buddhist areas, but to a very limited extent, in Muslim areas,
because in that religion the punishment for conversion is death, in practice, in the modern
world, however, it is social exclusion if one is in Islamic country.
I think, specially the Buddhist countries are at risk of Christian conversion, because the
religious leaders there might not be aware of the result of conversion like Indians are.
Here it has to be clearly mentioned that it is not the battle of philosophies, which decides
the fate of religion in the developing countries, like the discussion between Adi
Shankaracharya and the Buddhist gurus in the past, It is the economic gain. Christian
leaders talk about the love of Jesus while cleverly avoiding the Biblical rules, which
govern mankind. If the Christians in Europe can glamorise their religion by songs and
dances and the so-called miracles, like in the USA, then yes, it can have a future in
Europe. But without that, it is not going to be a smooth sailing for the Christians in
Europe. The churches are lacking in the number of choirboys. In America one has to view
as to when the Americans will be fed up with the TV rhetoric. Since it is being
encroached by other religions, it does not hold a very bright future, especially from the
point of view that the white Americans have started thinking that they are loosing.
Important thing is, Christian religion has rules, associated with its dogma. Many
Christians do not know what is written in the Bible. As told, they know only about love
and Jesus. People in the modern world don't like to stick to rules. They like the freedom
of creating their own rules. The development of hundreds of sects is the result of
modification and creation of new rules. It is a process of creating a new religion, with the
same old Jesus/God, or the one, which is available, which is essential for religion.
In the modern times, because of communication, CHEAP LABOUR, if associated with
stable government and proper incentive for business and industry, is the biggest resource.
This attracts multinational companies. A country does not essentially need gold mine etc.
as resources, to attract foreign investors, as in the past. Because of growth of industry,
poor countries will develop. Once countries develop and the level of education rises, the
pattern of thinking will be that of Europeans. This is not good for Christianity. Since the
Catholic religion does not want to change its rules, it takes with it all the controversy.
This is not good for the European Christianity vis a vis the modern world. It may have
some extra followers in the developing world for the time being, its future in the
developed world in the long run is not good. However, evangelical religion, the American
Christianity, will prosper so long as America follows that religion. Since North America
is being eaten up by other religions, even the American Christianity may not survive long.
Yes Christianity has a good hold in South America and parts of Africa, but this may
change, if things change in America. It has to be understood here that USA is the world
leader, in almost every branch of knowledge. It is in many ways, the centre of philosophy.
If another religion overtakes Christianity, in USA, it will be the gold standard and
glamorous. Its philosophy will be the overriding factor in the world philosophy and the
other countries including South America will simply follow the glamour. In view of USA,
I think it is important to touch briefly, the fastest growing religion in USA today i.e.
Islam- Yes Islam is said to be the fastest growing religion in the USA.
It is difficult to say the quality of converts, whether most of the converts are from the
intellectual group, like the doctors, lawyers etc or from the not so intellectual group like
labourers, convicts etc. However a recent incident in Pakistan does point to the lack of
respect by the Muslims, for the Islamic philosophy. A judge decided, according to Islamic
religious philosophy (eye for an eye), to give cruel death sentence to the person who
killed several children. But the Government and the intellectuals in Pakistan (who are
western educated) felt embarrassed about the decision, just before President Clinton's
visit. This sort of attitude of Muslim intellectuals, does not allow Islam to ripen as an
intellectual philosophy of the world, because, if the people who are supposed to follow
the philosophy are not proud of it then, it is unlikely, that philosophy will be respected
and adhered to, by others. Truly Islamic countries like Afghanistan and Iran have not been
able to gather respect from the intellectuals. Some Muslims do not consider even Iran and
Afghanistan, to be truly Islamic, which makes it difficult to study the civilisation, which
is purely Islamic, for comparison. The victory of progressive forces in Iran is not good for
Islam. There are 5 major enemies of Islam 1. Growing number of writers are coming out
of fear and writing books criticising Islam 2. Growing number of western educated
Muslim women, especially from Iran and Afghanistan, are criticising the status of woman
in Islam. 3. Lack of respect of Islam by western educated Muslims as stated above. 4.
Lack of unity amongst Muslim factions and leaders (Shia and Sunni as well as others) and
the difficulty in selecting a Khalipha. 5. Internet- there is a fight going on between
Christianity and Islam in the Internet -one showing the weaknesses of the other. The
humanist sites are particularly critical of Islam. Since modern civilisation and Islamic
civilisations are different and because of the fact that most of the Internet users are
influenced by the western civilisation and have a western view of things the Islamic world
does face difficulty in explaining the people the Islamic rationale. While criticising Islam
is prohibited in the Islamic countries, perhaps this is the first time the Muslims have had
to face such criticisms openly in the Internet. This is why; Islam may have increase in
number of its followers, but may not be a world guiding intellectual religion.
In view of the above factors, I do not see a very favourable future for Christianity;
especially the European Christianity, but I do see a bright future for Hinduism. I therefore
will not be surprised, to see Indian philosophy, guiding the modern world, in the later part
of this century.
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