| Awaken Bharata |
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| Books By David Frawley |
| THE DANGER OF HINDUS SPEAKING IN THE NAME OF OTHER RELIGIONS | |
| Above
all, the missionary activities of Christians and Muslims, their
efforts to convert Hindus, must come to an end. As long as they are
trying to convert Hindus, it is clear that they do not think that
Hinduism is really helpful to people. For
the statement that all religions are one to be realistic, rather
than a fantasy or an ideal, both sides must say it. It must go
beyond superficial tolerance to an acceptance of universal teachings
like karma and rebirth, and universal goals of religion like
Self-realization.
Otherwise it is like Indian politicians today saying that India and Pakistan are really one country. Such a statement, though having good intentions, cannot of itself eliminate the borders between the countries, their hostilities, or their different governments and laws, particularly when people on the other side don't believe it. When a Hindu tries to speak not only as a Hindu but as a Christian, Muslim or any other religious identity it is like an American trying to speak as an Indian, Chinese or a Russian. He cannot really do so. It is not his country of birth or residence. He has not lived that life. While we can all speak as human beings, we must recognize that other human beings have their points of view that we must honor, even if they disagree with us. For us to speak for others, or pretend that they don't mean what they are saying, is insensitive. It is not true unity but an attempt to impose our views upon them. |
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