======================================================================== Goa's phone numbers change from Nov 10, 2002. Prefix old number with a 2. New numbers will be seven-digit 2XXXXXX (where XXXXXX is the old number). ========================================================================
--- In [EMAIL PROTECTED], A Remedios <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >A COCKEYED VISION IN HARASSING MISSIONS. > >By Joe D'Souza & Agnelo Remedios. > I can fully understand and appreciate the need to speak out against the fanatical attitudes and beliefs of the fundamentalists of any religion. But I am yet to see a single article that does this without shamelessly promoting the well-chosen virtues of the religion of its authors, usually with the intent of producing a self-assuring contrast with the target religion. I am also yet to see an article that does not resort to absurd rationalization and defense of inconvenient contradictions while trying to achieve its stated objective on this subject. Unfortunately, the above article has failed to prove itself to be an exception to these generalizations. Here are some observations that support my view: > >This in itself clearly reveal the unlimited tolerance shown by the >flock committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ. > Score "One" in the virtues of Christianity column. > >Inadvertently, he very clearly supports the claim that conversion >taking place by Christian missionaries is not based on availability >by numbers, poverty allurement or coercion, but because of the >urgent need to stop the centuries old discrimination and >exploitation by casteists Hindus. > One wonders how much less severe, less urgent and less deserving of the attention of Christian missionaries, the racism, slavery and misery inflicted on the people of Africa were. But count "Two" in the virtues of Christianity column for the single- minded prioritized effort against exploitation by casteist Hindus. > >It must be understood that the Manus principles of Caste and Class >laid down centuries ago was not directed towards exploitation and >suppression, but to define and assign duties and organize labour to >traditional societies at that point of time. It was directed towards >good governance and quality life and not selfish arrogances and >discrimination. > I cannot figure out how the authors would know this to be true, or could it be just a patronizing concession? > >Nobody doubts that Hinduism is a way of life which would lead to >salvation. > Would a Hindu really feel grateful to the authors for this yet another feel-good concession, even though salvation is a Christian concept? Perhaps a fundamentalist Hindu would empathize with this sentiment because it is a rather poignant illustration of looking through colored glasses. > >Is Hindu philosophy and Hindus so weak as suggested by Rajesh Singh? >We do not think so. > Wouldn't one want to know why they do not think so? > >It was the British and the Muslim rulers of the past who too seem to >interfere with the rituals and dogmas professed and imposed by the >so-called upper castes in the Indian society. > Is this a humanitarian defense of the British and Muslim rules in India? > >The tenets of Christianity, focused on equal opportunity for all, >has been becoming increasingly a threat to the society practicing >the dogma of Casteism. > Count "Three" in the virtues of Christianity column for the selective fight against the dogma of casteism. > >The Christians missionary in their zeal to liberate the society from >exploitation felt education was one weapon to bring about social >change. > Spreading Christianity appears not to be an object of the missionary zeal. Score "Four" in the virtues of Christianity column for having the zeal to liberate society from exploitation rather than to spread Christianity. > >Unfortunately, the good intentions of the church has been again >exploited by the vested interest. The objective of the Christian >missionaries in opening educational institutions was to arm the >downtrodden with knowledge and values, and to also make the >exploiters realize through education, that we are all equal, and the >centuries old oppression by them should cease. > Whatever happened to the good intention and objective of preaching the word of the Biblical God? Score "Five" in the virtues of Christianity column for pursuing selfless non-religious objectives. > >The motive of the missionaries is simple: save the exploited from >the exploiters > Not to spread the word of God? Score "Six" in the virtues of Christianity column for first saving the exploited from the exploiters. > >But, the Christian missionaries return home penniless after >discharging their duties. There is one big difference one uses >wealth to save souls the other uses souls to generate wealth. > Count "Seven" in the virtues of Christianity column. > >Jesus did not tolerate gambling in the temple too. He used the whip, >when he felt it was best needed. > And finally, the answer to WWJD. Cheers, Santosh ---------------------------------------------------------- What's On In Goa (WOIG): Nov 06 Children's book exhibn opens, Walkabout, Anjuna... (all weekdays) Nov 06 ArtHouse, Calangute: Chaitali's acrylics on canvas till 19.11 Nov 07 Revision of electoral rolls (till Nov 30) See schedule. Nov 07 Creative science, for children, Goa Sc Centre (till 16.11) Nov 10 Corporate summit on IT and biotechnology, Intl Centre (till 11.11) Nov 17 Goan Engineers and Assoc meet, at Pickering, Canada. Nov 20 Fr Agnelo's 75th death anniversary, Pilar Dec 01 Two day conference, Goa Agenda. IT For Society. (Ends 2.12) Every Sunday: Music therapy sessions at Moira, 5 pm. 278, N.Portugal ----------------------------------------------------------
