Christian concern for the oppressed
The caste system is the unique feature of Hinduism. It was invented to keep the monopoly of some. It's main intention was to keep some people lower so that they will serve freely and will never ask their rights (appropriate wages) and dignity. The caste system broke the people into many divisions. Caste system was imposed on people in the name of divinity, so that no one would dare to question its authority. But God has seen the misries of His people as He did in the time of Egyptian slavery. The Light of Truth has reached to the villages and cities of our country. The Truth shall uproot the evil of our society and will free those who will apply it in their daily life.
"Casteism is enslaving because it rests on a lie that God created us unequal from the birth. We are different from each other because we are unique, just as each child in a family is unique and different.Being different in our aptitudes, abilities, interests, and motivations does not make us unequal. Just as wise and sensitive parents invest more of their love , affection, time and resources in a child who is weak, we too must invest in caring for those who need greater support."*
We need to be a voice of the voiceless. We need to represent the oppressed in the media and other places wherever it is necessary. The Lord Jesus was very much interested in the people who were seprated by the false traditions, presuppositions, false philosophies and false values of his time.
Jesus sat beside the lepers, He touched them, talked to them and listened to them. Jesus also talked to the people called Samaritans. Jesus also broke the walls between clean and uncleans. He made it clear that there is no one lord and no one servant but we all need to be servant of each other to serve.
He said He has come to heal the (physical, spiritual, social and religious)sick. Jesus paid attention to the people in need. And He gave this same commision to the Apostles to carry it to the nations.
We, as Christ followrs need to do the same in our time. We can not be lover of God if can not be lover of his people. The people for whom He died and rose again.
Dear friends its time to pray, to identify, to serve oppressed with our gifts and resources. May God bless each of us to serve the needy, the oppressed (Dalits).
Jesus shall say to you...whatever you did to them.......you did it to me.
*Dr. V. Mangalwadi
Raj
