For Singha

Submitted by Peter Herz (United States), Dec 21, 2008 at 20:07

Thanks for your frankness. But, to be blunt and honest, it is my prayer that the whole world knows the forgiveness of sin offered in Jesus Christ, who gave his life for us and conquered death on our behalf.

Paul the apostle, in his letter to the Philippians, was aware of persons preaching Christ for personal gain, but stated he was content that Jesus Christ was being preached. Yes, there are charlatans galore in all religions, and people whose zeal runs without information. But the God who created heaven and earth can strike a straight blow with a crooked stick.

I appreciate your attachment to your own faith and civilization. I appreciate as well the efforts many Hindu Indians gave to the struggle against totalitarianism in both its fascist and communist garbs. India's voluntary enlistment in World War II was the largest of any belligerent; and, despite the neutrality of men like Pandit Nehru and successors throughout the Cold War, Hindus spoke out against communism, too. However, if I have been given a very great treasure of infinite value with God the giver telling me it is something to be shared, I cannot but support proselyting (I prefer to call it Evangelization--giving the good news).

However, while I decry the images in a Hindu temple as idols, it is for those who turn from them to break them; not for me to do so. And, to quote Paul again, "the weapons of our warfare are spiritual"--that is, the New Testament does not call on us to make disciples by force. We have not always lived up to that, just as Hindus--the folks in Orissa and gourps like Shiv Sena being cases in point--have not always lived up to the peaceable ideals of Gandhi.

Well, a _tu quoque_ isn't a complete argument. Just be assured that I think there are better ways to present a better faith to people than the way Babur Shah presented Islam to the people of India.

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