| Awaken Bharata |
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| Books By David Frawley |
| HINDU POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS CRITIQUES | |
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| Modern
Hindus appear to be unable to discriminate between how to deal with
other religions on a political level, on one hand, versus how to
deal with them on a religious level, on the other. They have
confused political tolerance with religious acceptance, thinking
that they must accept all religions as true in order to create
political harmony with their followers. This has led to a situation
in which Hindus do not defend their religion so as not to
politically offend other religious groups, even though other
religions do not reciprocate and continue their criticism and
missionary efforts against Hindus.
The result of this confusion is that Hinduism is losing any clear identity for itself and failing to counter the forces that are assailing it. One does not need to sacrifice one's religious beliefs at the altar of political exigency, particularly when other religious groups hold their own ground. One can be clear and strong in one's religion, including defending it against missionary attacks and media distortions, without having to lose one's political tolerance. Unfortunately most political leaders in India, including some who claim to be staunch Hindus, don't seem to understand how to do this. They have chosen to hide their religion in this age of the clash of cultures and instead give their public praise to the beliefs of others. This has been done mainly out of political accommodation but there is a pretence that there is something deeply spiritual about it. |
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