Indianisation of Christianity: Whom are we fooling? (Part 3 of 3 Part Series)

During the reign of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Center, the RSS often hurled veiled threats to the minority communities, especially urging Muslims and Christians to become “Swadeshi.” On the one hand, the BJP was bending over backwards to get their fingers into the votebank of the Muslims and Christians.

At first glance, what they did would appear confusing. But looking deeply, we can find the sinister, subtle and a conscious effort to coerce them and at the same time offer them protection – something which the Sangh Parivar has specialised in. What they were telling the minorities is that there is no alternative but the BJP. It is in their best interest to support the BJP, and if they do not, the consequences will be severe. Something perhaps similar to the shadowy dealings between underworld gangs and the Bollywood?

Enough is enough. It is time to accept and admit that India is not Hinduism and Hinduism is not India. Though Hindus constitute about 80 percent of the nation’s population, we must distinguish the ‘state’ from ‘religion.’ “Indianisation” to me is inculcating Indian socio–cultural values and traditions and not Hinduism. When we incorporate Hindu traditions, we become Hindus first, (and perhaps) Indians later.

Preaching the good news of Jesus does not make us less Indian than we would be if we recite the “Bhagwata Gita” or “Koran.” In that case, if I am certain that I am not less Indian than my Hindu brothers or sisters and I am happy confessing Jesus (who, I am certain, has no affiliations with Lashkar–e–Toiba, Jaish–e–Mohammad, Harkat–ul Mujahideen or any other anti–India terrorist outfit for that matter) as my Lord and Savior and believing that the Bible (which, incidentally, do not contain any anti–Indian or “separatist” remark) satisfies my spiritual thirst, I do not think it is necessary for me to turn to the Hindu religious practices to feel, act and be more “Indian.” Inter–religious dialogues are fine with me to understand and appreciate other religious faiths better so that we can all strive towards preserving and promoting inter–religious peace and harmony. But appreciation of another faith or belief does not necessarily mean that I must incorporate that into my own religious beliefs. The two, I assert again, are distinct and separate.

Let us not look at others in our efforts to help people find God. Others should look at our lives, our traditions and stand in awe of the God we believe in and worship. Let us be the ones who always remember our identity, even in times of suffering and persecution instead of being swayed by circumstances and situations. Let us be the ones who always remember that our God is a Living God, who is always with us and through us His Kingdom of Heaven will be established on earth.