On ‘Ghar Vapsi’ 0 comments December 23, 02:54:50 The report that the Chengannur unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Keralas Alappuzha district has converted 30 Christians from eight families to Hinduism is alarming. What does this signify? Does the VHP want to say only Hindus have a future in the country? The worst fears of people are coming alive — that whenever the BJP comes to power there will be a rise in communal tensions. S. Ramakrishnasayee, Ranipet The very timing and frequency of such conversions pose questions over the intentions of the government. Such activities give rise to unnecessary insecurities. Instead of threatening to have a blanket ban or “special” law on the issue, it should come out with rational decisions that safeguard every individual’s choice to practise, profess and propagate religion. Sharanya Ari, Chennai Ever since the BJP came to power at the Centre, there have been many incidents of communalism. It does not seem to be for mere political gains. There are clear indications that a dreadful force and burning ambition are at work behind all this. Babar Ali Chagatta, Jammu Even though the saffron brigade, under the calculated designs of the VHP and the RSS, is going all-out to convert non-Hindus, particularly Christians, the Christian community need not be perturbed. Most of those who Hindutva elements proudly proclaim to have converted to Hinduism are gullible and poor and lured away on the assurance of material benefits. There is a possibility that they would continue to remain faithful to their original faith within their soul, while appearing outwardly to be Hindus. Christianity has faced many such onslaughts in the past 2,000 years but has remained unscathed. Hence it is best that the community stands united in prayers as usual for the well-being of the entire humanity, including its saffron brothers. Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai Conversion from one faith to another is not a matter that concerns everyone but only the person concerned. How does this purely personal subject become a topic of volatile emotions and violent reactions for many? To me, Indians by and large are born Hindus. When a Hindu wishes to convert to Christianity or Islam, he gets converted to the faith of his/her choice by undergoing the required rituals. When such a Christian or Muslim returns to the religion of his birth, there is no need to undergo any reconversion or reinduction. He has to just give up the newly acquired customs and practices. Then why do we make such a fuss over this re-entry to the original faith, and then invite all sorts of comments and criticism? We can just accept those who ‘return’ as being one among us and reassimilate them in society. N. Subbiah, Chennai
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 00:55:31 +0000
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