Wednesday, May 07, 2008

God Makes NO Difference

Apostle Peter was not an easy going man. He was an orthodox Jew. He followed His religion very carefully. He had never been to any outcaste’s home for a visit or fellowship.

 Was there anyone who could change person like Peter? Peter told while entering a Gentile home, that it is unlawful for a Jew to enter and eat with a person out of Jewish faith (Acts 10:28).   No, human could change his perspectives.

 But Peter had a vision from God to learn an important lesson. After that only he went to preach the word in the house of a Gentile, named Cornelius, he saw a great work of God. During his preaching, the Holy Spirit of God came upon Cornelius’ family and friends. This was too wonderful for Peter but He witnessed this with his very own eyes (Acts 10:44). This incident opened his eyes and he exclaimed, “I know realize how true it is that God accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do right (Acts 10:34).”

 Peter made this statement “But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean (Acts 10:28b).

So my friends how change in the society or person is possible? What can make people love each other? What can bring them together if they had been separated for centuries?

 Find these answers in the Holy Word of God. With God all things are possible. He can make people different. He can make their philosophy different. He can change their worldviews. He can give new meanings to their lives.

 If you wish to see change, I invite to you to consider the Word of God revealed in the Bible and The True God Himself, who sets captives free. Be they of any kind! Peter a rigid man, was changed fully. See his declaration; “God made no distinction between us (Jewish) and them (Gentiles) for He purified their hearts by faith”(Acts 15:9). God unites people in Christ; they become one body, one family of God.

There is hope for India and Nepal too.
Posted by Raj at 16:28:23 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Friday, January 04, 2008

Your value is more than...

Some time people treat you less than a human being, which is the sadest thing, can happen to you as a human being. There are times while getting introduced to somebody, people ask your name and the second thing they ask you is, "what caste or gotra do you belong to?" why do people ask the identity of a person, it is not out of curiosity or because the person is really intersted in you but it is a tradition to value you. Once a person knows what caste or community you belong to, then, he can decide whether he should continue the talk or relation with you right away. This is true specially in Nepal, where right after your name,  (thar) or title is asked from the people you want get to know.


What is the identity of a person, well, first of all, A person is a human being and latter other things. We ought to value  the humanness of a person and not the secondary or other things. It is not a person's fault to be born in a particular community  or nation. No one in this world can choose where he/she should be born. If we can not decide that and if we have no role to play in that then by what standard do we question the identity of a person or by what standard do we value the relationship of humans with each other?

I firmly believe we are not created or evolved from the monkeys or other animals. God made us in His image. We bear our Creator's image and that is the most important thing in the world. God loves us as humans because He created us and He loves us. He shows us His love by protecting, providing, and sustaining our lives. We must be thankful to HIM for creating us humans and not other creatures.

The Bible says that, "you are more valuable than the bird of the sky". God values us and loves us. He valued us that much and our relationship with Him that He could not see us in the state of sin and oppression but that He sent His Son to deliver us from the darkness and from the captivity of sin. He valued us, that He became human being for us and came to live among us. WE are so dear to Him. He sent Jesus Christ to love us and to care for us.

Jesus valued us and He taught in His Word that God is interested in us and wants to give us life. He does not delight in our sin, and dead state. He opened the gate of life for us by dying Himself for us. He valued us as His friends which no other person has done in this world.

My dear friends we need to understand things from God's perspective. God's perspective gives us hope, life and dignity. We ought to thank God for making us precious children. We ought to know His love in the Bible. We ought to understand His purpose for us. We ought to know that WE are more than birds and animals. We have no comparision with any other creature in this world, i.e. no animal or bird is suprior or equal to us for  God made us unique.

If you have this foundation then you can be sure of your value, life and dignity but if your foundation is weak and shallow then it is futile or absurd to look for better in this life from the human beings. But remember with God and His Word we have hope here on this earth and same time after we depart from here.

Dr. Mangawadi says in his book, Truth and Social Reform, "“A great composer would not have a single note in his music which had no relevance. A great artist would not have a hue on his canvas which had no relevance. A great architect would not have a stone in his building which was not a purposeful part of the design. A great poet will not have a word in his poem which has no meaning. If the universe is indeed the work of a Great Designer, no individual is meaningless, insignificant or useless for Him.”


May you know your value in the light of God's Word. Yes, you are indeed very important person. Thank God for it. Forget the false philosophy and teachings. May the light of God shine upon you and may you know how worth you are through Christ.

Posted by Raj at 15:42:21 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Friday, December 28, 2007

Conversion: an important option

Few weeks ago, I read a person who was suggesting/advicing Dalit people to remain in the Hindu religion in spite of all the oppressions and discriminations. I felt that I should reply to his view because it is very important.

I don't know the person was a Dalit or not but I'm sure that he did not like our people getting rid of the oppressive philosophy of religion. So I asked him, are you suggesting this as a Dalit or as any other member of Hindu faith. The person did not reply, so I had to guess and go on to present my views on the issue.

If you are Dalit...then don't you believe in What Dr. Ambedkar said, practiced and made provisions in the constitution for the oppressed people?

Do you want to spend your energies on reforming a society which is based on the unequality? How long will you do that? The oppressed have a history of injustices and brutalities of more than 3000 years. And the Hindus still not ready to give up that evil philosophy.

If your shirt is torn apart or became rag, and you have the means to change/replace it then what's wrong with you that you still want that old one to continue.

Don't you change your pots, shoes, Tv's, bus, hospital, doctor, books, cellphones, computers, jobs, living place?

Why not religion, if it helps us to get our dignity and gives us better philosophy to live? The change and freedom should be excercised in any thing.

Have you not read, "Believe in the Best"?

If something better is available in the world then why not opt for it?

Are you more wiser than Dr. Ambedkar, who himself, after getting tired from Hinduism, being the most educated man of his times chose to reject it. He said, It was not in my control to be born as a Hindu but to die yes, and he did not loose the opportunity.

Let's read his thoughts on conversion:

Dr Babasaheb in his speech at a Massive Mahar Conference held on 30th and 31st May, 1936 in Mumbai said:

“I do accept that the untouchables need equality as well. And to secure equality is also one of our objectives. But nobody can say that this equality can be achieved only by remaining as Hindu and not otherwise. There are two ways of achieving equality. One, by remaining in the Hindu fold and another by leaving it by conversion. If equality is to be achieved by remaining in the Hindu fold, mere removal of the sense of being a touchable or an untouchable will not serve the purpose. Equality can be achieved only when inter-caste dinners and marriages take place. This means that the Chaturvarnya must be abolished and the Brahminic religion must be uprooted. Is it possible? And if not, will it be wise to expect equality of treatment by remaining in the Hindu religion? And can you be successful in your efforts to bring equality? Of course not. The path of conversion is far simpler than this. The Hindu society does not give equality of treatment, but the same is easily achieved by conversion. If this is true, then why should you not adopt this simple path of conversion?” *



Don't think just for yourself but think for the little ones (your future genereations). Do you want them also to be humiliated like Dr. Ambedkar and others and even you if you are a dalit.

Think and decide ........you only have this birth to do something......No ReBirth...

*www.jaibheem.com
Posted by Raj at 14:27:12 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Temporary groaning and Forever Glory

Future Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because [6] the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, [7] for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

God's Everlasting Love

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be [8] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. [9] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Source: http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Romans+8

Posted by Raj at 07:59:00 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Friday, September 14, 2007

Costly worship...

People with the wrong philosophies trouble every where. It is very true of our nation. A young man had to pay for his life because of entring a temple to worship god Shiva.

This happend a few months ago (February 09, 2007), when a youth of 26 years, belonging to a, so called, lower cast went into a temple to pray, he was beaten for entering into the temple of god Shiva. This young man died in the hospital due to severe injuries.

The temples are basically meant for higher castes, although built by the labor and sweat of labor castes. Once they are built, entry is restricted for "lower humans". The lower caste makes, the 20% of the total (1 billion) population.

The cry has been raised thousand of years ago till today, "come over and help us."

Blessed are the feet of those who bring good news, message of hope and freedom.

Many are waiting to hear that God loves them and treates them equally with dignity and respect. Since they have not been given option, it is hard to blame them.

The question still remains the same, Who will go for us? Who will help us to go?

Will you?

http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/feb/09dalit.htm
Posted by Raj at 10:22:59 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Religious prostitution problem and solution

There was a very melodious song a few years ago,  "Jahan pawano mein payal, hatho mein kangana, ho mathey pe bindiya, It happens only in India". This song beautifully explains some of the positive things of our country. When we or any one from outside hear it, It makes us feel good. It makes "India shining".

 

But there are bad things too, in our country and we can not ignore and neglect them. They are hard realities of India. Some of the things really do happen 'Only in India.' They dont make us "great and shining" but put a black stain on us.

We all know that Dalits have been oppressed by the Hindu religious traditions. And worst victim of the oppression are the womens and children. They suffer many kinds of stigma. One of them is Devdasi partha.

 

The problem: ":A report prepared by an NGO has revealed the shocking story of how lakhs of Dalit women are being forced into the devdasi system in several States of the country.The report, which was commissioned by the National Commission for Women (NCW), is a grim reminder that heinous practice - dedication of young girls from socially disadvantaged sections to Goddess Yellamma as devdasis - is not only continuing but is on the rise."*

Generally speaking, the  priestly class consider the Dalits untouachables. They are not to be seen at certain times. In the olden days, they were forced to go early in the morning to work and return only in evening after sun setting. Main reason behind this was that the shadow of these "lower humans" may not fall upon 'holy and high people'.Same is to be said of gods, in their temples the Dalits were not allowed to enter and offer worship. The 'lower class' if enter in temples it would make them unholy and polluted.

 

This is the sad story, And this is the double standard life. The priests and gods did not allow all the untouchables in their premesis generally but when it came to beautiful girls of the same community, the fact of being a shudra, or untouchabe was ignored. They took them as Devdasi (servant of god or goddess). "The practice of dedicating Dalit girls to the local Goddess at an young age, between five to 10, is prevalent in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"> Assam" states. This kind of practice is not limited to a particular state but prevalent in many states.The priestly class enjoy the girls of oppressed and downtrodden families.

"According to an estimate, girls dedicated as Devdasis to Yellamma and Khandoba temples in Maharashtra-Karnataka border area number about 2.5 lakh and all are from the Dalit community."*

Most of the girls comes from the fresh families, who have no history of devdasi. This tells us that more fresh families have been forced to go into this evil practice. Most of the devdasis become prostitutes: "of which nearly 40 per cent join the flesh trade in urban brothels and the rest are involved in the trade in their respective villages satisfying the libido of landlords, village heads and other influential people. A Devdasi, in a way, is considered as "public property" in the village. Rest are struggling to survive as agricultural labourers or maid servants."*

 

The Causes: The faith plays a major role in shaping the society. The faith which these people practice and propogate suits to the needs of the land lords, caste people but to the Dalits it makes their lives hell. It is said in the studies conducted by this NGO, "Blind religious faith, poverty and customary practices are the main reasons for the continuance of Devdasi system in the country, K Shanta Reddy, member, NCW pointed out. Landlords exploit these Dalit girls both economically and sexually. "The biggest impediment to the elimination of the evil of Devdasi system comes from these powerful sections of society who control not only the economic and social activities but also the minds of the poor in villages," she said.

So this is the way, the 'high caste' treat the Dalits. They make rule and religion which suite them. One side they hate these people but another side they "use them as their property". And they call themselves 'high' but their the works are "lowest".

 

The solutions: First of all, the authorities should look into the matter. They should make it clear that where does it happen, what is the police station area. The concerned area officers and leaders  should be honord and recognized publicly who work and do some positve works for the eradication of the evil practices but also they must be  punished legally if that occur contiously and if they fail to bring this kind of evil practice to legal aspect.

 

Secondly, the social awakening is needed in the area. The NGO and human rights organizations should go and teach the people.The awareness of the society would play a good role.

 

Thirdly, The dalits should be empowerd economically. The families should be taught some skills to earn thier own bread, so that they dont depend in everthing on the local sahukars.

 

Fourthly, The media, radio, news paper and T.V. has to play a key role. They should write articles and publish the disadvantages of the evil practices of the villagers. The Radio and T.V. can broadcast drama, musich ,and  speech.

Fifthly, The teaching of Bible should be shared with the whole society. Let a high caste hear that it is not good to indulge in sexual relation with another girl other than his wife. Let the wife of the land lord and priest hear this. That they deserve the man, who married them and the husbands should not be allowed to go for other women for it is sin.

 

Let all the people know that God is  Creator of all. Therefore all the people are equal. Any daughter of the villager should not be forced in any immoral activities.

Let all the people know that God is righteous God, who will pay back as we do and deserve. God is holy God and can not be mocked. A man will reap what he sows.

 

Finally the True God can be fooled. He is not a stone or wood. He is the real one. He loves people, loves justice and He loves righteousness. Any one who loves True God will not hate his people. And Any one who claims to know God will not do immoral thing. The faith and actions should go together. And if any faith or tradtion propogates the evils, they must be rejected.

 

The Dalits themselves need to realize who is  real God. They must seek HIM who loves them and cares for them. God cares for the captives, God cares for the people in slavery. He came to unchain them. He came to share the good News with them.

Jesus accepts you as you are. come to HIM there is hope in HIM. Let the blind faith no more ruin the precious lives. Let the people be transformed including the oppressors. Then we can claim, "yes our India is shining". If the condition of Dalits continue to remain same, Our India will not shine and rather we will be people of darkness. The evils of society must be purged, with the help of all sections of society.

 

May God give wisdom to all of us to love, to serve, to transform, to save, to make our nation a better place, on which we can be proud of. May God help.

*Origial story can be read here:

http://www.dailypioneer.com

*NCW Bangalore (a joint woman"s Programme)

Posted by Raj at 23:46:43 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |