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I revere Christ. One of the reasons why I do so is that I am a Hindu. There is much to admire in Christianity - the life-story of Jesus Christ, sayings of the prophets, educative parables and the ideals presented therein. The precious teachings in the 'Sermon on the Mount' certainly leave a, deep impression upon the mind. But despite all this, one is unable to identify oneself with the orthodox Christianity and the Church. So in India when Christianity challenges Hinduism the Hindus draw a sharp distinction between Christian sectarianism and dogmatism and the spirit and teachings of Christ. It is a line that separates Christ from Christians. The Holy Bible and Jesus Christ are held in high reverence by the Hindus but the activities carried on by the Churches in His name are looked upon with suspicion.
The church has discovered that Hinduism is full of faults. The fiction of a degenerated India and debased Hinduism seems to be the lifeblood of missionaries and they have no intention of parting with it. Missionaries boast of giving pagan India the first printing press. India is thankful. But how can a Hindu forget that the very first pamphlet Carey's Printing Press at Serampore published contained nothing but insulting and filthy attacks on Hindu Culture. During his talk at Detroit, Vivekananda had drawn this line distinctly. He had said When you come to us as missionaries, you ought to throw over all idea of nationality. Jesus did not go about among English officials attending champagne suppers. He did not care to get his wife into high European society. If your missionary does not follow Christ, what right has he to call himself a Christian. We want missionaries of Christ. Let such COME to India by the hundreds and thousands. Bring Christ's life to us and let it permeate every village and corner of India.
The ability to obtain converts by paying money during famine hardly qualifies anybody to be a disciple of Christ. Christ crucified has become a silent spectator to the foulest exploitation of His name by his doubtful disciples.
Author : Shripaty Sastry
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