Sandesh, I'm not so much concerned about the urge to "convert" (because we're always trying to convert to people in our way of thinking, in religious and non-religious ways -- to vegetarianism, atheism, Free Software or whatever our cause...). But it is worrying indeed to see the stereotyped manner in which one religion (and cultural trend) views another, even in the 21st century.
Needless to say, bigotry is not a monopoly of Christians; but I disagree strongly with the endeavour to judge someone else's religion by way of stereotypes and cliches. The "report" begins by saying: "Prostitution is a serious problem in India, especially among the poor." Then it talks about devadasis, which, I suspect must today be at best a tiny part of the larger prostitution "problem" in the country. Yet, such aspects are picked on (as the British and Portuguese sometimes chose to highlight sati in colonial times) because it suits one's ideology. In any case, prostitution is as much of a "problem" (if not more) in all parts of the globe, regardless of religious differences. Those who dislike the Catholics will highlight the "paedophilia" charges against priests, and the blame-game goes on. If anything, this "problem" has not been sorted out in the so-called "Christian" West either, but is taking on more modern forms of slavery for itself.... FN PS: I checked the source of the report, and it comes from some place, if I understood right, calling itself Mission Network News http://mnnonline.org/ which says it all. Religions have a big job in the 21st century, of helping to create understanding among diverse people, not creating more bitterness, as this approach seems to be doing.... PPS: Social problems need working on from within too. In Goa, the social reform movement among the former devadasis is one of the big untold stories of our time... On 13 February 2012 16:41, Sandesh Anvekar <[email protected]> wrote: > in the end the motive of the Church is always to convert (as always)... > On Mon, Feb 13, 2012 at 2:47 PM, Con Menezes <[email protected]> wrote: >> http://persecutedchurch.info/2012/02/11/the-gospel-provides-powerful-hope-for-indias-temple-prostitutes/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
