Historical Context
India has a long history of religious diversity. Christianity arrived in India with the arrival of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, in the first century AD. However, Christianity as a significant religious minority in India began with the arrival of European colonizers in the 16th century. Since then, Christianity has grown to become the third-largest religion in India, with over 28 million adherents.
India is a country that prides itself on its religious diversity and tolerance. However, for the past few years, there has been a disturbing trend of Christian persecution in India. Christians are being targeted in various forms from physical violence to social and economic boycotts. In this article, we will examine the reasons behind this persecution, its various forms, and its impact on the Christian community in India. We will also address concerns that some Hindus may have about Christianity and its impact on Indian society.
Reasons behind Persecution
There are various reasons behind the persecution of Christians in India. One of the primary reasons is the rise of Hindu nationalism in India. Hindu nationalists view Christianity and other minority religions as a threat to their vision of a Hindu-only India. They seek to establish a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation, where minority religions are subordinate to Hinduism.
Another reason is the conversion of Dalits, or the so-called "untouchables," to Christianity. Dalits are the lowest caste in the Hindu caste system and face discrimination and oppression in various forms. Conversion to Christianity provides Dalits with a sense of dignity and equality that they do not receive within the Hindu caste system. This has led to resentment and hostility towards Christians by upper-caste Hindus.
Addressing Concerns
Some Hindus may be concerned about the impact of Christianity on Indian society. They may worry that Christian missionaries are forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity or that Christianity is eroding Indian culture. It is important to address these concerns directly.
Firstly, it is important to note that conversion to Christianity is a personal choice. No one can be forced to convert to Christianity against their will. In fact, many Christians in India are converts from other religions, including Hinduism, who have chosen to embrace Christianity.
Secondly, Christianity has been a part of Indian society for over 2,000 years. It has contributed to the cultural and social fabric of India in many ways, including education, healthcare, and social services. Christian institutions such as hospitals and schools are some of the most respected and well-regarded institutions in India.
Forms of Persecution
Christians in India face various forms of persecution, including physical violence, economic boycotts, social exclusion, and legal harassment. According to Open Doors USA, a Christian advocacy group, India ranks 10th on the World Watch List, which measures the severity of persecution faced by Christians worldwide.
Physical violence includes attacks on Christian places of worship and individuals.
Economic boycotts involve the denial of jobs, education, and healthcare to Christians.
Social exclusion includes the denial of social services and ostracization from their communities.
Legal harassment involves false accusations of forced conversion and anti-conversion laws that restrict the right to practice and propagate one's religion.
Impact on the Christian Community
The impact of persecution on the Christian community in India has been significant. According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India, there were 366 incidents of Christian persecution in India in 2020, including 114 cases of violence, 82 cases of threats and harassment, and 70 cases of discrimination. According to the United Christian Forum (UCF) report, violence against Christians has occurred in 23 States in 2023. Uttar Pradesh leads with 155 incidents, followed by Chhattisgarh with 84 incidents.
Christians are living in fear and uncertainty, not knowing when they will be targeted next. The violence and harassment have forced many Christians to flee their homes and seek refuge in other parts of the country. Economic boycotts have left many Christians without access to basic necessities like food and shelter. The social exclusion has led to the breakdown of social structures and the loss of community support.
More details, latest news and real statistics of persecution in India can also be found in this website: https://persecutionrelief.org/persecution-india/
Conclusion
Christian persecution in India is a deeply troubling reality that needs to be addressed. The rise of Hindu nationalism, the conversion of Dalits, and the various forms of persecution have had a severe impact on the Christian community in India. It is essential for the Indian government to take steps to protect the religious rights of all its citizens and ensure that they can practice their religion without fear of persecution. As a global community, we must also stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in India and speak out against this injustice. At the same time, we should also address the concerns that some Hindus may have about Christianity and its impact on Indian society. By engaging in dialogue and understanding each other's perspectives, we can work towards a more tolerant and inclusive India.
