Christian Subversion And Missionary Activities - 4

[Guest]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Insult in Italian </b>
The Pioneer Edit Desk
We don't need the Holy Roman Umpire
In summoning the Indian Ambassador and urging New Delhi to take "decisive action" to curb 'anti-Christian violence' in Orissa, the Government of Italy has breached diplomatic propriety and caused a public relations disaster of enormous magnitude. The violence, while entirely undesirable, is scarcely a one-sided slaughter of the innocents, though a country with a history of throwing religious minorities to the lions would probably be hard put to tell the difference. The killing of a Hindu monk and his associates, and the retaliatory murder of Christian and non-Christian workers in church institutions in Orissa, are crimes that Indian authorities must act against and punish expeditiously. It is an internal matter of India, in no way suggestive of state-sponsored attacks on any community or religious groups and requires no interference or comment from the self-appointed high priests in Rome. In reality, the gratuitous actions of the Italian Government represent a once-proud society's increasing irrelevance and political downfall. The Italian Government is heavily dependent on neo-fascists who are promoting a xenophobic, anti-immigrant agenda. Indeed, the new Mayor of Rome is publicly greeted with straight-arm salutes and enthusiastic cries of "Duce! Duce!" -- a noun last used to describe Italy's comic-book wartime dictator, Benito Mussolini. Italy's economic collapse has been sharpened by its establishment's congenital suspicion of globalisation and foreign investment. Acquisition -- and thereby rescue -- of the country's bigger but increasingly beleaguered business corporations is actively discouraged. Gripped by paranoia, the Italian political class is battling phantoms -- the newest being the so-called Christian persecution in India. Not only is it doing no favour to Indian Christians -- who surely would not welcome a client-guarantor relationship with an alien Government -- it has also seriously jeopardised Italy's goodwill among the Indian middle class.

The Italian Government's poor diplomacy follows the Pope's condemnation of bloodletting in Orissa. As the head of a denominational enterprise, which is what the Vatican is, Pope Benedict XVI is perhaps justified in raising questions about the security of Christians everywhere. However, in the immediate context of India, he is choosing to look at the issue only selectively. In Orissa, like elsewhere in India, Christian evangelists -- largely from Pentecostal and Baptist groups in the United States but sometimes from Catholic orders as well -- look upon local populations as a market, and converts as market share. Some of them are engaged not in any attempt to genuinely win adherents to Jesus's faith, but to denigrate nativist cultures and religious traditions and convert by inducement. In Orissa, the recent trouble began when a Hindu monk who opposed such practices was murdered. He was targeted by a consortium of Christian fundamentalists and Maoists, united in taking on a common enemy. It may seem an unlikely alliance but is no different, in its theological inspirations, from the bogus gospel of Liberation Theology preached by renegade Catholic priests and Communist guerrillas in South America in the 1970s. Pope Benedict, like his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, opposed Liberation Theology in the New World, but appears to see it as a fair strategy for 'harvesting souls' in India. Both the Vatican's theological hypocrisy and double standards and the Italian Government's diplomatic outrage need to be countered. The philosophy underlying the Pope's arguments can be answered by Hindu religious leaders. As for the jejune Italian Government, a snub from the Ministry of External Affairs should be enough. 
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[Guest]

Yesterday Moron Singh said, Orrisa is a National shame, why Singur was not a National shame. Everyday he comes out and proves himself worst idiot on earth.

[Husky]

<!--QuoteBegin-acharya+Aug 29 2008, 08:06 PM-->QUOTE(acharya @ Aug 29 2008, 08:06 PM)<!--QuoteEBegin-->Sheer greed and the desire to grab tribal land is taking place all over the country,being committed by all shades and colours of the Indian spectrum .In some places and cases,<b>religion and Marx has got mixed up with it,educating or supporting tribal rights</b>,leading to conflict.
[right][snapback]87202[/snapback][/right]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->That's a very communist take: that the communists are 'educating' anyone about their rights. Also the romantic and naive notion that the missionaries are doing useful work there.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Rival christian groups are fighting to own tribal land
Hindus are caught between them <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->The fact is, christos had tried to murded the Swami almost 10 times. They are in close contact with the christomaoist converts. They have been terrorising vulnerable Hindu communities and intimidating them.

Yes the different christomaniacal cults don't get along there - they never did anywhere or at any time in history. But the number one common goal for all of them is to wipe out heathen religions first. And that's exactly been there priority here. To sweep this all under the carpet as some strife between christos that accidentally got the Swami burnt is trying to whitewash what actually happened: pre-meditated murder that was attempted <i>several</i> times.


<!--QuoteBegin-Mudy+Aug 30 2008, 06:01 AM-->QUOTE(Mudy @ Aug 30 2008, 06:01 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin-->Yesterday Moron Singh said, Orrisa is a National shame, why Singur was not a National shame. Everyday he comes out and proves himself worst idiot on earth.
[right][snapback]87231[/snapback][/right]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->Mudy, as you well know, Madmoron Stink is the National Shame. Hindus should deliver a public address on this, like he keeps delivering his unwanted drivel.

[Pandyan]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In summoning the Indian Ambassador and urging New Delhi to take "decisive action" to curb 'anti-Christian violence' in Orissa, the Government of Italy has breached diplomatic propriety and caused a public relations disaster of enormous magnitude.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

And so, the xtian spin machine has turned an assault on Hindus and murder of 80 year old Hindu leader into a story of their victimization. Anyway, who are these Italians to instruct anyone on these matters?

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...57-2703,00.html

Why Indian ambassador did not shoot back? Shameless scum.

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->But in Naples local people pre-empted the crackdown and took the law into their own hands. Scores of youths on scooters and motorbikes wielded iron bars and threw Molotov cocktails at the Roma shanty towns. Their anger came to a head after a 17-year-old Roma girl entered a flat in Ponticelli and apparently tried to steal a six-month-old girl. The child's mother and neighbours gave chase and the teenager escaped being lynched only after police moved in.

Naples erupted in fury, with women leading the marches on the Roma camps to the chant of "Fuori, fuori" ("Out, out") and "Go home, dirty child stealers". Young men, allegedly on the orders of the Camorra, the Naples Mafia, set the sites ablaze, blocking attempts by the fire brigade to put out the fires. Exploding gas canisters completed the destruction. The women jeered at the firemen, shouting: "You put the fires out, we start them again."

Hundreds of Roma families fled for their lives, their belongings piled on to small pick-up trucks or handcarts. Some have been taken under police protection. Others have found refuge at Roma camps elsewhere in the Campania region, while a few have been taken in by Naples residents shocked at the outbreak of xenophobia. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

came in email, press release from International Sanatana Dharma Society

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->International Sanatana Dharma Society Condemns Murder of Hindu Swami and Five disciples.

August 26, 2008

On Saturday, August 23rd, 2008, a terrorist mob of fundamentalist
Christians attacked a Hindu school in the eastern Indian state of
Orissa opening fire on unarmed Hindu teachers, students, and religious
leaders killing a total of five innocent people.

The respected Hindu leader, Sri Swami Lakshmanananda, who founded the
school to educate poor Hindu students, and four other Hindu volunteers
were killed Saturday in the Kandhamal district when up to 30 gunmen
barged into the Hindu school and opened fire indiscriminately,
Orissa's chief minister's office said.

Most significantly, this premeditated Christian terrorist attack
against this Hindu school was very consciously planned and carried out
on the most sacred day of the Hindu calendar, Sri Krishna Janmashtami,
the appearance day of Lord Sri Krishna.

The International Sanatana Dharma Society condemns these terrorist
murders in the strongest terms, and asks all peace-loving people
globally, regardless of your religious affiliation or lack thereof, to
stand with us in protesting this atrocity.

When even revered religious leaders are not safe from the threat of
violence and harm, then none of us are.

Sanatana Dharma ("Hinduism") is the most ancient continuously
practiced spiritual tradition on earth. It is a spiritual tradition
that has been acclaimed and celebrated by multitudes of scholars,
intellectuals and religious leaders throughout history for its
foundational practices of peace, tolerance, brotherhood, compassion,
and openness.

It is the prayer of the entire one-billion member global Sanatana
Dharma community that the world may be united as one family in peace
and understanding regardless of our religious differences.

Aum Tat Sat,

Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya
Founder-President
International Sanatana Dharma Society

http://www.dharmacentral.com <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

All these "Aum Tat Sat" etc is not going to help the entire one-billion member global Sanatan Dharma community. Evanjihadists are slowly chipping away steadily from this global community in 10s, 100s and 1000s. The GoI looks the other way as it has to be "sickular".

[Husky]

About the Swami murdered by the christoterrorists:
http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HkPage.aspx...EID=7064&SKIN=B
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Vedanta Keshri Swami Laxmananda Saraswati</b>
30/08/2008 20:39:55 
By Viswasamvad Kendra, Orissa<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->Come back to help again and continue your work, Swami. We don't want confused persons like that Ravi Shankar trying to (mis)guide us Hindus.

[G.Subramaniam]

Xtian clergy abandon converted sheep
--

http://www.livemint.com/2008/09/01002808/A...ks-answers.html

But on Sunday, the makeshift camp could not offer something else they needed—someone to lead their prayer, answer their questions, make sense of what has happened and explain why them. None of the clergy has stayed behind, abandoning their flock of followers. “We heard that some of them have fled to Bhubaneswar or to Brahmapur,” said a crestfallen Rajendra Nayek, who fled with his wife and two children.

[Guest]

If the VHP can reconvert these folks, it will be great.

[Guest]

http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?m...&counter_img=16
Conversion bid: 6 held

PTI | Hubli

Tension prevailed at Sharavati Nagar here on Sunday after six persons, including five women, were arrested for allegedly trying to convert people to Christianity. About 50 people were being taught a Christian prayer in a house there, police said.




Activists of Hindu organisations raided the house on hearing about the conversion activity and informed police. Tension prevailed in the area for some time, police added.

[acharya]

From anothor forum
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->I have repeatedly been drawing attention,for years now,about the GOI being lax when it comes to funding or certain so-called "Christian" evangelical movements .Tehelka in an issue a few years ago,drew atention to over 100 new "church" groups operating in the country,no part of mainstream Christian organisations who have been in existence for decades.Almost every group is US funded/supported and was according to the magazine part of the Bush Neo-con/CIA plot to destabilise India.Despite our size,we are a very fragile society,where illiteracy and ignorance amongst the poor can result in misunderstandings between communities and religions,leading to violent clashes.

The failure of various govts. at the centre and state in uplifting the poorest of the poor,makes them easy targets for any group that promises both social and economic upliftment.Do we not read daily about poor farmers committing suicide?Who can blame them if they turn to violence or are "bought" in order to survive? In certain states,thanks to the remnants of feudalism,these SC/STs have been ripe for the Naxalite movement,which has cut a swathe right from Nepal down to Kerala.3 years ago,a leading journalist of the country warned me about the threat,describing how the GOI's writ did not run in a vast number of districts in the country.This is similar to the NWFP states in Pak,the new state of "Terroristan".Journo Tavleen Singh years ago asked Gujral why no importance was being given to primary education in the country,by his govt. too, and his astonishing reply was that it was the policy of the various govts. since independence to keep the poor in ignorance for obvious reasons!

Who is to blame then?The politicos and administrators of the country definitely.They have become so corrupt,immoral,adept at maladministration and are behaving like extortionists.Just this morning,an industrialist friend told me about a certain very senior official who openly boasts about the amount of property the individual has.Not too long ago,it was a scandal when an IAS officer was found corrupt.What is the state of these officers of the "iron frame" today? The nexus between the administrators ,landgrabbers,developers,mining mafia and a sundry lot of goons,all intent upon enriching themselves at the expense of tribals by dispossessing them of their lands ,makes the country fertile ground for mischief makers both local and foreign.Any gangster of any fringe organisation is employed by these villains to obtain their goal.If we are to deal with Naxalites/Maoists,we must prevent them from recruiting from the poor.If the poor are not looked after,educated and employed/given the opportunity for gainful employment,this is just what will happen.What has happened in Nepal is a warning to us.

Unless the rule of law is strictly upheld impartially,the country will descend into further chaos and another revolution,far more dangerous to the survival of the country as an independent nation this time massively violent is on its way.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

acharya: please post source.
acharya/GS: discussion moved offline

[acharya]

<!--QuoteBegin-Viren+Sep 1 2008, 08:54 AM-->QUOTE(Viren @ Sep 1 2008, 08:54 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin-->acharya: please post source.
acharya/GS: discussion moved offline
[right][snapback]87397[/snapback][/right]
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Thank you
I know the person who posted those revealing info and I am in touch with the people whose comments I need for discussion

[G.Subramaniam]

GOPIO an EJ front

GOPIO Inc., P.O. Box 1413, Stamford, CT 06904, USA; Phone: (818) 708-3885, Fax: (203) 322-2233; Email: gopio-intl@sbcglobal.net

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[Guest]

came in email
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->http://dharma1.blogspot.com/2008/09/evange...isation-of.html

Evangelization and subversion of states

Three reports:

1. Seven hundred plans to evangelize the world
2. Ram Swarup's expose of christism
3. Robert Kaplan's idea of bringing in Baptists and other missionaries to subvert the Burmese state<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

Blogger yossarin has some excellent posts on

Gandhi on Proselytizatism
http://offstumped.nationalinterest.in/2008...on-proselytism/

Anti-conversion laws - an alternative
http://offstumped.nationalinterest.in/2008...an-alternative/

The Case against Proselytization
http://offstumped.nationalinterest.in/2008...roselytization/

The Evangelical Project in Orissa
http://offstumped.nationalinterest.in/2008...ject-in-orissa/

[shamu]

I din't know that there is a royal family in Jaffna and they are already christianized.

The Royal Family of Jaffna

They seem to be fully controlled by Netherland.

[G.Subramaniam]

EJ trickery

http://www.danstonjohn.com/JesusInVedas.html

Know The Truth and Truth Shall Set You Free

Atheism-1 Atheism-2 Science Proves Jesus Islam-1 Jesus in Vedas





Jesus in Vedas





All true seekers of god will desire for truth and welcomes truth that leads them to the living loving, Almighty and all-powerful creator. It is not just about religion or sects, or faiths, nor is it a mere collection of facts. But it is the driving force behind all the sincere seekers of the ultimate hope of experiencing god.


Vedas

Veda means, sacred scriptural knowledge. Several hundred sages obtained this knowledge through dedication, devotion, and meditation for years.
These scripture are divided into two parts. One is Shruti (Which is revealed) and the other is Smruti (which is believed).Shruti contains the Vedas (which gives light or knowledge );Smuriti contains (Ithihasas like Bhagavat Gita and Puranas like Maha Bharat and Ramayana etc).These ithihasas and Puranas were written at a latter date to explain the moral of the Vedas.
There are few classes of Vedas. The first one is called the Samjitaas or Mantras, the second one is the (aagamas(Commandments),the third one is Bhramanas (tjis contains the meaning for Samhitaas)and the fourth one is the Aranyakas and Upanishads (which contains philosophies and the meditations).


GODS IN VEDA

Vedas begin with the worship of gods of nature, namely;
1) The terrestrial gods- Prithvi (earth), Agni (fire), Brushaspati and Soma (plants).
2) The atmospheric gods- Indra, Rudra, Maruts, Vayu and Parjanya (storm, thunder and rain).
3) The celestial gods- Dyaus(heaven),Varuna,Ushas,Asvins(twilight morning stars)and Surya Mitra ,Savitri Ka,Vishbu(all associated with the sun).
As we have seen, these gods were the results of mans search for the truth, which finally culminated in Prajapati the creator. The 10th Mandala of the Rig Veda Chapter 121 Verse 10 says Prajapati Lord of life, Lord of creatures and lord of Creation. This understanding of the creator, made man to cry to him, as it is written in Bhruhat Aranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28) saying,

”Asatoma sat gamaya ,tamasoma Jyothir gamaya,Mruthyoma amrutham gamaya”

which means from untruth lead me to the truth ,from darkness lead me to light from death lead me to eternal life. .
Deliverance from the untruth, darkness and death is a basic need of every person. The sages in the past testify that they were living in the shadow of vanity, darkness and death. They were seeking truth , light and eternal life, Knowing fully that they were mortlas and immortal gifts were beyond their reach , but they were also aware, that the prajapathi or the creator will have to help them to attain their goal.



REALISATION OF SIN

After having reached this stage of knowing the truth, the next step is obviously to follow the truth, which will ultimately help mankind to attain mukti (salvation). It is at this stage that the man comes across a major hurdle, which is very well described in Prartha Snana Mantra.

Papokam, papa kanmokam, papathama papa sambhawa;
Thrahimam pundarikaksha sarva papa hari hare…

which means, “I am born in sin, doer of sin, and a sinful self ;I am the worst of all sinners, Lord save me from all sin.” Why is sin a hurdle? Because it is an offense against God (Rig Veda 7.86.3). Sin has many names in the Vedic scriptures namely pap (sin) aagg (fire) duskrit (evil deeds), thamas (darkness) prakrit (inborn nature), asatya (untruth) etc.

The Brahut Aranyaka Upanishad (4.3.8.) says that the jeeva (soul) acquires evil right at the birth.

“Rog Sog Dukh Paritab Bandam Vyasnanicha,Atama Aparatha Vrukshanam Phalarh edhani dehinam” (Mitralabha 42).

which means “What are the fruits of the sinful tree which is our body? Sickness, sorrow, pain, bondage and many other kinds of sins. No man is free from this bondage of sin. The Gita confirms that all created things on earth are under the bondage of sin and death. (Gita 3:27,18:40)



HOW TO GET RID OF THIS BONDAGE?

Man out of his own wisdom and knowledge, invented many ways such as karma marga (way of works) gyana marga (way of knowledge) yog marga (way of concentrating of the mind), bhakti marga (way of devotion), to free himself from the bondage of sin.
The word karma means several things.

It may means the deed or deeds of the individual. These deeds are
1) Satvik-virtuous deeds,
2) Rajasik-prideful deeds,
3) Tamasik-evil deeds.
These three are known as the triguna or the triple nature.
It may mean the cycle of karma karma samsara or karma chakra.
It may also mean deed or deeds done without the desire for rewards, karma yoga or nishkama.

An individual’s karma can be classified as follows:
a) Sanchit Karma –The accumulated deeds of all previous births, which get attached to the souls automatically at the time of each birth, in the rebirth, cycle.

b) Kriyamana karma-good or bad deeds that the soul may further accumulate.

c) Prarabhdha karma-deeds that decide the destiny of the soul.

The sole purpose of this rebirth cycle is that, at each birth the soul may reap the good or bad of all his or her karma of the past or the present. As per this doctrine no one can know about his or her accumulated deeds, thereby not having any opportunity to correct his or her past, resulting in hopeless uncertainty. In other words karma is being stamped on the fore head of each and every human being, and the destiny of the soul is ceaselessly determined without the control of the individual. This has made Shri Shankaracharya say in Bhajagovindam,

Punarapi janana ,punarapi marana;punarapi janani jadarey sayana;ih sansaray wah dustarey; krupaya pareh pahi muararey,

which means “Repeated births, repeated deaths and repeated lying in the mother’s womb is a difficult process to go through. Oh destroyer of death saves me by your grace.”
Regarding this a poet laments “How many births have I taken I do not know, nor do I know how many are yet to be taken, but one thing I know for certain is that the pain and suffering follows all the way.”

MUKTI (DELIVERANCE FROM SIN) IS NOT BY KARMA OR DHARMA

According to the Bhagawata Gita, God does not accept karma either good or bad as far as the redemption of the soul is concerned (B.G.2: 50). Viveka Chudamani verse147 says that "Neither weapons nor wind nor fire nor millions of deeds can remove this bondage. Only the wonderful sword of knowledge that comes out of discrimination sharpened by the grace of god can destroy it.” Again verse 6 says:

Vadhanthu shastrani yadhanthu devane,krurvanthu karmani bajanthu devata,
Aathamaikayodena vinapbhi mukitha, na chityathi brahma sasthanthrashpi

meaning “Let them quote scriptures and sacrifice to god, let them observe rituals and worship devetas (gods); but there is no liberation at all, no not at all even in hundred lifespan of Brahma put together, until the identity of ones self with the divine self is realized.”

naham vedair na tapasa na danena ejyaya



Sakya evamvidho drstavan asi mam yatha

(B.G. 11:53)
which means “neither by Vedic studies, nor by austerities, nor by charities nor by sacrifices can one behold Me. Nor by any works you have done.”

Regarding the rebirth cycle the poet Vakkiar has said; “Once milked the same milk cannot enter onto the breast. Once butter is made out of the milk the same butter cannot mix with the same milk. Neither the flower that falls becomes a flower again. Then how can a man or a woman be born in this world several times?”


Regarding Gyana marga the Vedas and Upanishads say that we have to know the Purusha (for he is the knowledge) who has sacrificed his life for mankind. Gurureva paraa vidya (God himself is knowledge) it is a good verse to know.


Regarding the Yoga marga or the concentration of the mind, there is only one answer in the Vedas and the Upanishads as to whom we should concentrate on. It is Purusha, the almighty again. Mind concentration consists of three important steps;

a) Sharvana- Hearing about God from a guru.
b) Manana- Keep on thinking of what we have heard.
c) Ninidhyaasana Profound and intense meditation on the word of god and dwelling in him.

Yoga simply means, “to unite with”. Shankara the ancient sage admitted that union with god is attained by the grace of god. (Viveka Chudamani3), also verse 56 says


Na Yogena na sankhyena karmanano na vidhya
Brahmathmaikkatha bodhena moksha; sidhyathey nanyatha,

which means “neither by yoga nor by knowing self, nor by karma nor by learning, but by realization of ones own identity with god, is liberation possible.”

Bhakti marga (way of devotion) according to scholars mean spiritual love if we can concentrate on this Purusha then we will find him and love him as well. The rig Veda says” whom shall we worship other than Prajapati “Svetasvataara Upanishad (3:8) Atharva Veda says that” though dharma is good for the welfare of the society, Moksha (salvation is not attained by Dharma.”

THE ATONEMENT OF SINS

Thertiriya Aranyaka verse 3 says

"Sarvapapa pariharo rakta prokshna mavasyam”

which means that the redemption of sins is through the shedding of blood only.

For this purpose God allowed mankind to sacrifice animals, in order to make them realize that there is a penalty for everyone’s sins. Though the animals’ blood is not a substitute it was expected that man would repent and turn away from his sinful ways by seeing the blood of the animal, which is being shed on his behalf. But mankind started practicing it as a ritual and thus came to condemnation.
If mankind were to be saved from this predicament, as Thertiriya Aranyaka 3rd verse says again

“…Thad raktham paramatmena punyadana baliyagam”

which means that blood has to be through the sacrifice of God himself the Purusha Sukta. There is no other way other than the sacrifice of Purusha Prajapati.
Purushao vava yagna (Chandokya Upanishad3.16.1) God the Purusha is the sacrifice. Sama Veda Dandiya Mahabrahmana says,

" Prajapathi devapiyamathmanam yagnam kruthva prayaschita”

which means that God will offer himself as a sacrifice for mankind.

VEDIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SACRIFICIAL PURUSHA AND FULFILMENTOF THESE VEDIC REQUIREMENTS IN THE BIBLE

The Rig Veda specifies ten requirements for the sacrificial Purusha:

He should be without a blemish nishkalanka Purusha-Chantokiya Upanishad (1.6-67), says that the yagna Purusha is free from all sins.
Jesus Christ was without any blemish-It is written in the bible “Do not bring anything with defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf”(Levi 22:20.”In him Jesus Christ there was no sin”1John3: 5,”who did not sin”1st peter 2:22,who knew no sin 2corin 5:21.

The Purusha has to be separated from others –While sacrificing a horse the sacrificial horse is always separated from the others .A bush of thorns is usually placed on the head of the horse to inform the people that this horse is separated for sacrifice. Also the head of the horse is considered to represent the Purusha. (Sathapatha brahmana13th Kanda, 6.2.2.)
Jesus Christ was separated from others-The bible says that the soldiers platted a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe” John 19:2,thus separating him from others.

The Purusha has to be rejected by his own people-In Itareya Brahmana it is written that the sacrificial animal has to be rejected by its father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends (2.16)
Jesus Christ was rejected by his own people-“He came onto his own and his own received him not.”John1: 11.”He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it our faces from him; He was despised and we esteemed him not.” Isa 53:7

The Yagna Purusha has to suffer silently-Rig Veda 5.46.1.says “Like a horse I have yoked myself well knowing to the pole. I seek neither release nor turning back.”
Jesus Christ suffered silently-“He was oppressed and afflicted yet, he did not open his mouth. He was lead like a lamp to the slaughter and a sheep before the shearers is silent”. Isa53: 7

In Sapta Brahmana it is written never do they immolate an animal without tying it to a pole. “Na varute yapaat pasum alabhate kadachana”(3rd-7.3.1.) It is important to tie an animal to a sacrificial pole before it is sacrificed. The pillar is called yupa stampa(sacrificial pillar),which has now become a flag mast.
Jesus Christ was tied-Psalm 188:27 “Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the alter.”

The blood of the sacrificial Purusha should be shed-Bruhad Aranyaka Upanishad (3.9.28.2.)

"Tvacha evasya rudhiram ,praayanda tvacha utpatah, Tasmaattadarunnaat praiti,raso vrukshadi vahataat”;

which means that as the sap comes out of the cut tree, blood comes out of the Purusha who is cut.
Jesus Christ’s blood was shed-This was fulfilled in Jesus when he was nailed to the

cross. “He did not enter by means of blood of goats and calves; but entered the most holy place once and for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. Without shedding of blood there is no redemption”Hebrews9: 12:22

The sacrificed animal’s bones should not be broken-In Itareya Brahmana2.6 it is stated that the one who sacrifices separates the 26 ribs of the sacrifice without breaking them.
Jesus Christ’s bones were not broken-In the bible Exodus12: 46 say that the bone of the animal to be sacrificed should not be broken. Three hours after crucifixion “they (soldiers) came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already and brake not his legs” John 19:33

The sacrificed Purusha should return to life-The Bruhad Aranyaka Upanishad says

”Yad Vruksho vrukshano rohati,mulannavatharah punah,martyah svinmurtyuna vrukhna , kasmanmulaaat prarohati,retasa iti maavocata , jivatastat praja yate,dhanaruh a iva vai crau vruksho,anjasaapretya sambhavha.”

which means that if a tree is cut it grows on its own, but after the man (martyah) was cut off by death, from which roots will he come forth? Do not say that he is from the ratas (seed or semen) because ratas come from the one who lives. Remember this man is dead but this man comes alive on his own.
Jesus rose again from the dead“Him (Jesus Christ) God raised up the third day and shewed him openly”Acts10: 40.”But now risen from the dead and become the first fruit of them that slept.”1Cor15: 20.

The flesh of the Purusha has to be eaten by his saints-In Satpata Brahmana (5.1.1.1,2) we find that the Prajapati gave himself unto them, thus the sacrifice became theirs, and indeed the sacrifice is the food of the gods (saints).
Jesus gave his body to be eaten-At the last supper Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and gave it to the disciples saying “Take and eat, this is my body. Then he took up the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying. Drink from it all of you, this is the blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many, for the forgiveness of sins.”Mat2: 6,26:27.

The sacrifice is for all-Verse 8 in Purusha Sukta explains that all kinds of sacrifice originated from this sacrifice: sprinkled ghee etc. The significance of sprinkled ghee represents the original sacrifice
Jesus Christ was given for all –“He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not along with him give us all things?”Romans8: 32.



GOD’S PLAN FOR MOKSHA (ETERNAL LIFE)

For all have sinned, and come short off the glory of God; Romans3: 23

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have returned every one of his own ways; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isa53: 6

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans6: 23

And according to the law almost all things are purged with the blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Hebrews9: 22

But God commended his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans5: 8

For He has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.2nd Cor 5:21

The blood of Jesus Christ his son, cleanses us from all sin.1John 1:7

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever may believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins.1John 4:10

That if you confess with your mouth the lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. Romans 10:9

Or do you underestimate the wealth of kindness and tolerance and enduring patience, unmindful that God’s kindness is meant to lead you towards repentance? But in line with your obstinacy and impenitence of heart you are treasuring up for yourself anger for the day of anger and the revealing of the righteous judgment of God .for there is no partiality with god. Romans2: 4-11.

People in hell right now would give anything for the chance that you have at this moment to get saved. So today if you hear his voice, harden not your heart, but come boldly into the throne room of grace, that you may obtain mercy pardon and eternal life (moksha) through Jesus Christ .For he is just and faithful to fulfill what he has promised.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is non other name under heaven among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4: 12

But to those who received Jesus Christ, he granted them authority to become their children. John1: 12



JESUS CHRIST INVITES EVERYONE INTO HIS KINGDOM

Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew11: 28

Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him and sup with him, and he with me. Rev 3: 20

I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the father except through me. John14: 6

Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hears my word and believes in Him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John5; 24




SAHASRANAMAVALI ACKNOWLEDGES JESUS CHRIST:

Ohm Shri Brahmaputraya namaha:Oh lord the Son of God, we praise you.

Ohm Shri umathyyaya namaha: oh lord who is born of the spirit, we praise you.

Ohm Shri kanni sudhaya namaha: oh lord who is born of a virgin, we praise you.

Ohm Shri tharithra narayana namaha: oh lord who became poor for our sake, we praise you.

Ohm Shri vidhiristaya namaha: oh lord who is circumcised, we praise you.

Ohm Shri panchagayaya namaha: oh lord, who bore five wounds on his body, we praise you.

Ohm Shri vruksha shul arythaya namaha: oh lord who offered yourself as a sacrifice on a trishool like tree, we praise you.

Ohm Shri mruthyam jaya namaha: oh lord who got victory over death, we praise you.

Ohm Shri shibilistaya namaha: oh lord who willingly offered your flesh to be eaten by your saints, we praise you.

Ohm Shri thatchina moorthyaya namaha: oh lord whom the side of the father seats, we praise you.

Ohm Shri maha devayaya namaha: oh lord who is the Lord of lords, we praise you.

[Bharatvarsh]

The royal family of YAzhpAnam were called Arya-Chakravarthis and their flag symbol was the Nandi, later when LTTE chose their flag they chose the Chozha Tiger flag against the Singhala lion flag.

The dynasty was xtianised long time back under the Portuguese fanatics.

[G.Subramaniam]

http://www.indolink.com/printArticleS.ph...1706093445

How Christian Evangelists Target Hindu American Students
By Francis C. Assisi

URL of this page: http://www.indolink.com/displayArticleS....1706093445
In a fictional account of a freshman year at an American State University, author Chris Sherman tells us of an Indian-American student from the Midwest, who is "born again" after a year of intensive prayer and prodding by his evangelical Christian roommates.

www.puremail.com
Born in India and raised in the United States, the protagonist Hari Singh is caught between the Hindu-Indian culture of his immigrant parents and his desire to "be rid of his Indian roots."

An avowed agnostic when he arrives at the State University, by the end of his freshman year Harry "Bob" Singh's newfound Christian faith presents him with a final challenge: facing his parents. "What to say? He knew he had to somehow begin to see them as his parents, to "honor" them, to show this in a way they with their Hindu heritage would recognize. How was he to do this? He didn't know."

One recalls a parallel in the real-life situation of Indian-American congressman Bobby Jindal who converted to Christianity during his second year at Brown University. At the time, Jindal wrote: “It was hard for me to struggle with the competing commandments ‘Honor thy parents,’ which includes showing respect through honesty, and ‘Love God with your whole mind and heart’.”

Anyway, it should come as no surprise that the earlier fictional account includes an Indian American character in the plot, because, since the 1990s, Asian American students have become central players in American evangelical Christianity - one of the fastest growing religous/social movements in the United States.

Whereas the characterization of Hari - hard working, philosophically tenacious, and troubled by his Indianness - hints at larger issues about South Asian American identity in the context of evangelical Christianity, there is increasing evidence that Christian evangelical groups are aggressively targeting Hindu students in American college campuses for conversion.

In fact, a sampling of Asian American-identified evangelical fellowship websites reveals mission statements targeting Asian and Asian American students for outreach and membership, while simultaneously affirming a non-race-specific evangelical identity.

There is evidence that large numbers of Asian American college students are turning to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the encouragement and support of national and local prayer and Bible study organizations. Alongside the large national organizations, there are numerous local bible studies and fellowships that are often sponsored by local churches and are ethnic specific.

In response to an increasingly diverse college population, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF), for example, developed a series of "ABC" (Asian, Black, and Chicanos) conferences beginning in 1976 and experienced a membership boom in the 1980s and 1990s producing a significant number of Asian American IVCF student leaders.

One reason for the present renewed aggressive effort is that, unlike other Asian Americans, Hindu-Americans have staunchly resisted efforts at conversion. Also, unlike other Asian Americans who are becoming increasingly associated with evangelical Christianity on college campuses, Hindu-Americans have their own campus groups such as Hindu Students Federation.

Nevertheless, evangelical "parachurch" organizations like Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC), The Navigators, and IVCF are soliciting large numbers of students to their weekly bible studies, prayer meetings, and social events. There is no doubt that Asian Americans – especially Korean and Chinese - are becoming increasingly associated with evangelical Christianity on the college campus. The hope is that Indian-Americans will follow suit.

ORGANIZATIONS TARGETING DESIS

The main concern of the recently established Fellowship of South Asian Christians (organised at the Overseas Indians Congress on Evangelism) is the evangelization of South Asians living abroad. The organization acknowledges that it is gearing to become a dynamic force for evangelism among Hindus, scattered in countries other than their homeland.

The Institute of Hindu Studies, based in the Midwest, says its mission is to be “a resource base, strategy center and a facilitator of knowledge” by providing “reliable information on India, Hinduism and the Indian Diaspora.” The IHS says its vision is “To stimulate and encourage the growth of a culturally relevant movement for frontier missions among the 2,700 unreached, predominantly caste Hindu people groups existing mostly in India, but found throughout the world.”

Bhanu Christudas, a student at William Carey International University on the campus of the U.S. Center for World Mission, writes: “I believe it is high time for us to concentrate our efforts on reaching the dear Hindu men and women around the world before this form of Satan's deception begins to devour millions more into its philosophy.” He asks fellow Christians: What is your part in reaching the Hindus for Christ?

In ‘Reaching The Hindu World’, Christudas observes, “since Hinduism "converted" into a missionary religion during the last century, it is growing more than ever before around the world.”

A recent report received by Henrietta Watson, head of the Institute of Hindu Studies at the U.S. Center for World Mission, states: "The Indo- American Society in Chicago overtly stated their goal is to have a Hindu temple and a training center in every American city with a population over 500,000 ...They are on target with imported idols and priests from India." Should we wait to hear more such reports before we begin to act, asks Christudas.

Another research report contains specific tips based on the field experiences of a senior evangelist, including detailed “do's and don'ts” :

“Do not criticize or condemn Hinduism. …. Criticizing Hinduism can make us feel we have won an argument; it will not win Hindus to Jesus Christ…Never allow a suggestion that separation from family and/or culture is necessary in becoming a disciple of Christ. …Avoid all that even hints at triumphalism and pride. …Do not speak quickly on hell, or on the fact that Jesus is the only way for salvation. …Never hurry. Any pushing for a decision or conversion will do great harm. …. Even after a profession of Christ is made, do not force quick changes regarding pictures of gods, charms, etc. …Do not force Christian ideas into passages of Hindu scripture. … Empathize with Hindus. …. Learn to think as the Hindu thinks, and feel as he feels…. Those who move seriously into Christian work among Hindus need to become more knowledgeable in Hinduism than Hindus themselves are…A new believer should be warned against making an abrupt announcement to his or her family, since that inflicts great pain and inevitably produces deep misunderstanding….”

Indian Christian evangelist Rajendra Pillai of Clarksburg, Md., gives the following advice in the Baptist Press of August 15, 2003: ‘Learn to think as the Hindu thinks, and feel as he feels’. Based in Clarksburg, Md., he is the author of a new book, "Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard."

Pillai explains: “We are slowly realizing that our neighborhoods, communities and workplaces are changing. We're waking up to the fact that we now have new kinds of neighbors -- they look different, they speak a different language, they eat different kinds of food and speak with a foreign accent. We know they aren't Christians, because they worship other gods.

“North America has always been a land of immigrants, but now we have a new wave of people coming from countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East adding to the growing religious diversity in North America. We don't have to go overseas to meet someone from another culture. Each one of us can now be a missionary in our own communities.

“Between 1990 and 2000, Hinduism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing religions in America. The number of Asian-Indians, most of whom are Hindu, has doubled every 10 years since 1980 to reach a record 1.7 million in 2000. USA Today reported that there are currently 1.3 million Hindus in the United States. The Pluralism Project of Harvard University (www.pluralism.org) lists more than 700 Hindu temples in the United States, many built in the last 10 years. Many more are in the construction stage.”

Pillai observes, “We can effectively reach Asian-Indians by knowing a little about their culture, beliefs and practices. First and foremost, we need to learn as much as possible about Hinduism.”

And he offers the following pointers:

“The Indian culture is highly collectivist. This means that most Indians will consider their acceptance of the Gospel in light of how it will impact their families and friends. There is also a strong possibility of being rejected by family members if a person changes his or her religion. Chances are you will not get an immediate response. Be prepared to walk with and support your Indian friend if he or she wrestles spiritually.

“As Indians come from a collectivist society and yearn for community, many will be open to coming to church if it means being a part of a community where people are genuinely concerned about each other. You might start by inviting them to less-threatening events outside of a Sunday church service.

“Most Asian-Indians yearn for community. Coming from a collectivist society, they have a tough time adjusting to the American individualistic culture. This is where Christians can step in, and the church can become the community they are seeking.”

Pillai warns: “One thing that turns off many Asian-Indians is when Christians in this country just share the Gospel but are not interested in them in any other way. So if they say "no" to the Gospel, the same Christian friends and acquaintances disappear from their lives. Christian Asian-Indians who used to be Hindus say the most convincing argument for following Christ came through the love Christians showed toward them.”

Finally, asks Pillai: “If His heart beats for people from every nation and if Jesus died for all nations, then how can we keep the great news of the Gospel to ourselves, especially now that they live next door?”

In Mission Frontier’s article ‘personal evangelism among educated Hindus’, H.L. Richards writes: ‘Friendship evangelism is usually easy to initiate with Hindus. Most Hindus esteem religion in general and are free and open to speak about it. A sincere, nonjudgemental interest in all aspects of Indian Life will provide a good basis for friendship. Personal interaction with Hindus will lead to a more certain grasp of the essence of Hinduism than reading many books. A consistently Christ-like life is the most important factor in sharing the gospel with Hindus. The suggestions that follow should help to break down misunderstandings, of which there are far too many, and help to build a positive witness for Christ. Yet learning and applying these points can never substitute for a transparent life of peace and joy in discipleship to Jesus Christ.’

He advises: 1. Do not criticize or condemn Hinduism. There is much that is good and much that is bad in the practice of both Christianity and Hinduism. Pointing out the worst aspects of Hinduism is hardly the way to win friends or show love. It is to the credit of Hindus that they rarely retaliate against Christians by pointing out all our shameful practices and failures. Criticizing Hinduism can make us feel we have won an argument; it will not win Hindus to Jesus Christ.

5. Do not speak quickly on hell, or on the fact that Jesus is the only way for salvation. Hindus hear these things as triumphalism and are offended unnecessarily. Speak of hell only with tears of compassion. Point to Jesus so that it is obvious he is the only way, but leave the Hindu to see and conclude this for himself, rather than trying to force it on him. Richards says that a Hindu who professes faith in Christ must be helped as far as possible to work out the meaning of that commitment in his own cultural context.

He also warns: A new believer should be warned against making an abrupt announcement to his or her family, since that inflicts great pain and inevitable produces deep misunderstanding. Ideally, a Hindu will share each step of the pilgrimage to Christ with his or her family, so that there is no surprise at the end. An early stage of the communication, to be reaffirmed continually, would be the honest esteem for Indian/Hindu traditions in general that the disciple of Christ can and does maintain.

HINDU STUDENT MINISTRY

Steve Edwards, an IVCF staff member serving on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Virginia State University, recently outlined his view of Hindu ‘student ministry’ in no uncertain terms.

He observes that students from India have recently surpassed the Chinese as the largest international group on the campus where he serves, but that ‘in spite of their large numbers there are very few believers.’

Edwards acknowledges that while working with Indian students, the evangelists often “get a foot in the door” by meeting practical needs. This may include assisting with English or hospitality needs. “The best way to start is through friendship, taking the time to listen and to learn about their individual backgrounds and beliefs” he advises.

According to Edwards, “even if believing in Jesus were acceptable to the family, it would likely become a point of conflict when it came to issues of marriage and children. Hindus may and often do find Jesus personally appealing. But an individual decision to become a follower of Christ is quite difficult because it implies a rejection of one’s own dharma and the acceptance of the “Christian” dharma.”

He explains: “God has given us a wonderful opportunity to welcome them and share the good news of Christ with them. But significant obstacles exist. Therefore, it is vital for us to understand the challenges that we must face in sharing Christ with them and also the challenges they face in coming to Christ.

“Most Hindus readily acknowledge the reality of God’s work in life and are not afraid to discuss spiritual matters. As a result, offers to pray for and with them are rarely refused and often welcomed. This is a tangible way we can show our concern and ask God to bless them and provide specifically for their needs. Simply put, Hindus are open to spiritual things. Edwards reveals: “Recently, I met a new student from India who seemed quite interested in visiting church and perhaps a Bible study. But first he wanted to make sure that he didn’t need to be baptized or believe that Jesus was the only way to God before attending. As believers our response is to invite them to “Come and see,” with no strings attached and allow the person of Christ as seen in the Bible and the work of the Holy Spirit to lead them to faith.”

Noting that the majority of Indian students come from Hindu families, Edwards discusses conversion efforts directed at Hindu students on American campuses and, specifically, his experiences of prayer, partnerships and perseverance, which he claims has been essential in the formation of an ‘Indian Christian Fellowship’.

“It is my prayer that this would encourage others in sharing Christ with Indian students in their campuses and communities. May God pour out his grace on India and bring many into his kingdom in the coming years.”

OBSTACLES ENUMERATED

As Edwards sees it, Indian culture and religion present significant obstacles to communicating Christianity to Indian students. He is convinced that, “given the ancient spiritual strongholds that exist in the Hindu world it is essential that this ministry be founded upon and sustained by faithful prayer.”

One of the method he advocates, besides prayer, is “partnerships with like-minded Indian believers among students and in the community.” He notes that “while some Indian students want to interact with other cultures it seems that most prefer to remain in a culturally familiar environment.”In addition, explains Edwards, the partnership helps to dispel the widespread preconception that Christianity is just a Western religion.

Finally, he notes that a common suspicion among Hindus is that Christians want to make converts for selfish reasons like pride, financial gain or political power. In contrast, the Bible reminds us that love must be sincere. “We have seen God at work, but it is often a very slow process…We must be patient and wait for God to bring fruit as we are faithful in planting and watering the seeds of the Indian Christian Fellowship.”

Edwards, who began his involvement with Indian students while he was a graduate student in an engineering school, recalls: “I was surrounded by Indian students in my classes and actively involved in an international student fellowship. Like so many, I was amazed by the openness of the Chinese students who sought out knowledge of the Bible, often from the moment they arrived. Indian students on the other hand would scarcely ever come to any Christian sponsored event even though their numbers were comparable to those of the Chinese students.”

Edwards explains: “So, I began praying for India and for the students that I knew and learning about their culture and beliefs. During that time, God brought me into a close friendship with a Hindu background believer. Through our friendship I saw how difficult it was for him to reconcile his faith with family expectations and pressures. (I also developed a love for Indian food which is a fringe benefit).

“I also had a growing friendship with a Hindu classmate. We had numerous occasions to openly discuss spiritual matters and even though he freely admitted that his life was incomplete I was saddened to see so little change. Periodically, he would remind me that he was a Brahmin, the highest caste in Hinduism, which I learned only added to the barriers.

“One evening early on in our friendship he told me he would be very disappointed and hurt if I was only trying to be his friend in order to “convert” him. His directness shocked me, but it was something I needed to hear. It showed me the suspicions that Hindu students often have of the motives of Christians and their repulsion at the very idea of conversion. It also underscored how essential it is for our love to be sincere and the value of partnering with Indian believers so that Christianity is not equated with Western culture.”

Thus, on completion of graduate studies, Edwards joined as staff member with IVCF’s international student ministries. “From the start, one of my personal desires was to reach out to the large Indian community. While ministry opportunities with other student groups grew, it remained difficult to make more than isolated contacts with the Indian community.”

Edwards says he ‘began praying for the Indian community and for God to bring some Indian believers to join us. There were several years of prayer before we saw any answers, and many disappointments along the way. He once even contacted an Indian Christian student ‘to see if he had a desire to reach out to the Indian community but he frankly said “No.”’

During the following summer Edwards visited India and got a firsthand taste of Indian culture. “Those experiences were priceless and opened doors of trust and understanding that I doubt I could have gained any other way” he says.

According to Edwards, the next fall brought 3 Christian students from Kerala with whom he formed the Indian Christian Fellowship (ICF) “with the faculty advisor being one of our prayer partners who shared our heart for the South Asian students.”

“Later that semester, two Hindu friends we had been praying for went on an international evangelistic retreat with us because of the invitation of an Indian Christian friend. The speaker at the retreat was also from India and their experiences at that event challenged them to seek God further. Immediately afterwards they began attending the fellowship regularly. Even though they faced some challenges from other Indian friends, they soon became a part of our “family.”

“After attending the fellowship for one year, one of these students began following Jesus. Initially, it was a private decision. But it was soon apparent that it was a genuine step of faith with strong evidence of God’s work in his life. Within a short period of time his friends began to ask him what had happened to him and why he had changed. In the months that have followed, he has grown dramatically in his knowledge of the Word and in witness: bringing several friends to the fellowship and even leading a college friend to Christ.

“Although these students face difficult issues ahead (family and marriage especially) we are excited about how God’s work will overflow as we grow and serve together. As a result of these developments and as an answer to prayer, in just the past few months we have seen a significant increase in the number of students visiting the fellowship or curious about Christ.”

AGGRESSIVE EVANGELISM

The perception that Asian American students are currently disproportionately involved in InterVarsity and Campus Crusade for Christ appears to be well founded, according to available information.

The aggressive evangelism that took place in Asia after World War II was responsible for Christianizing an emigrant Korean and Chinese population. Evangelists note the dramatic growth in Korean Christianity from three million believers in 1974 to seven million in 1978 as a striking example. They say that a good percentage of Korean American evangelical students in the 1990s would appear to be the harvest of Campus Crusade's farsighted sowing as Korean immigration to the United States rapidly increased in the decades following. A similar trajectory is seen for the emerging South Asian American community numbering about 3 million.

Asian American evangelicals report that being a Christian does not mean rejecting Asian American identity or Asian culture. One IVCF Chinese American staff worker involved with InterVarsity since the early 1970s explained that she came to a deeper understanding of herself as Asian American through the Pacific Alliance of Chinese Evangelicals and an IVCF Discipleship Training program that took her to Singapore. Other students find that evangelical Christianity reinforces "Asian " values of family, work, and education: "Many Confucian ideas are similar to Christian ideals - like honoring your parents, living a moral, virtuous life, and working hard...there are definitely teachings from Buddhism that are very Christian...not harming anyone, trying to live a good life. ..Asian culture has it embedded that you are supposed to give respect to older people...My parents used to say bow to your grandmother when she comes. I might have done it but I tended to be rebellious. But now I know from the Bible that that's a very Biblical thing. Now it's not just for cultural reasons, but for Bible reasons I want to follow that part of Korean culture."

And, as Bobby Jindal explained in a letter to a Sikh friend: “Only after years of open feuding did my parents realize my new faith had not caused me to reject them or my heritage.”

It is clear that evangelical Christianity will continue to attract large numbers of Asian American college students because it provides well-structured and nurturing communities tailored for surviving the anxieties, alienation and liminality of the college experience. Until well-documented evidence is available, we can only speculate as to why some Asian Americans, and specifically Korean and Chinese American students, are more involved in evangelicalism in comparison with Filipinos and South Asians.

An example of what evangelical faith entails is found in an Ivy League based Indian Christian Fellowship statement of purpose: "The purpose of ICF is to establish, assist, and encourage students who attest the Lord Jesus Christ as God Incarnate and have these major objectives: To lead others in to a personal faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. To help Christians grow toward maturity as disciples of Christ through the study of the Bible, through prayer, and through Christian fellowship. To present the call of God to the world mission of the Church, and to help students and faculty discover God's role for them."

THE CASE OF BOBBY JINDAL

As it turns out, the story of Piyush Bobby Jindal’s transformation from a devout young Hindu to a zealous Catholic offers an intriguing glimpse into the struggle, often traumatic, of a young Indian American caught between his heritage and his parents on the one hand and his intellectual and emotional turmoil in America.

“My journey from Hinduism to Christianity was a gradual and painful one,” Bobby Jindal acknowledged in a 1993 article that he wrote while he was a graduate student at Oxford. As Jindal readily confessed in that article, “it never occurred to me that I should consider any other religion; to be a Hindu was an aspect of my Indian identity.” So his parents were especially surprised that he had investigated Hinduism and found it lacking. “It was important that I had given our shared faith fair consideration.”

Jindal recalls, “my parents were infuriated by my conversion and have yet to fully forgive me.”

As Jindal explains, “My parents went through different phases of anger and disappointment. They blamed themselves for being bad parents, blamed me for being a bad son and blamed evangelists for spreading dissension. There were heated discussions, many of them invoking family loyalty and national identity.

He elaborates: “My parents have never truly accepted my conversion and still see my faith as a negative that overshadows my accomplishments. They were hurt and felt I was rejecting them by accepting Christianity. According to Jindal, his parents resorted to “ethnic loyalty” to counter his new faith.

What was the motivation for Jindal’s rejection of Hinduism and his acceptance of Christianity? The answer can be pieced together in his own words.

Essentially Jindal claims that having studied the Bible, he accepted Jesus Christ’s radical claim to divinity, along with Christ’s redemptive sacrifice on the cross. That is, Christ had died to redeem mankind from sin.

“I was comfortable in my Hindu faith and enjoyed an active prayer life; I only gradually felt a void and stubbornly resisted God’s call…it was truth and love that finally forced me to accept Christ as Lord” Jindal recalled in an article.

In comparing Hinduism with his new faith, Jindal noted that whereas “Hinduism taught me to earn my way to God’s grace” he found Christ’s sacrifice on the cross meant something personal for him. “God loved me and was lifting me up to Him” declared Jindal, two years after his conversion. The young Hindu American had examined Hinduism and found it wanting. Looked at from another perspective, the Hindus whom he approached were not competent enough to satisfy his intellectual curiosity.

While he explains that he is aware of “gross injustices in the name of truth and God” committed by missionaries in India and elsewhere, Jindal is appreciative of their enormous contributions to health and education. That’s why he exhorts: “Let us all become missionaries and live so that the world will know us by our love.”

In his 1993 article, Jindal wrote wistfully, “I long for the day when my parents understand, respect and possibly accept my faith. For now I am satisfied that they accept me.”

indiaspora@gmail.com