Religious Conversion

New-South-Welshman · Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:00

I've gone through this forum and haven't found much about this topic. This maybe a touchy subject for some, so sorry in advance if this offends. I've read and heard about how religious charities, mainly Christian organisations, travel through the slums and poor areas in certain cities, or villages, and promise them food, clothing, and more charity, but, only if they converted to Christianity, or accepted that Jesus was their saviour. Certain people, and books, have also noted that kids are usually approached and are being taught about Jesus, and given sweets or chocolate milk as a reward. I don't really know too much about this, so I'm asking around here.

Have any of you fellow IM'ers heard, read or seen anything like this in India? Also, what are some of your thoughts, opinions and comments on this subject?

greenchutney · Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:12

angry, frustrated, pained, flustered, pissed off..how many other synonyms do i need to find for these words!.

the religious missionaries specially the ones that forcibly convert are crooks...those that spread lies and myths about others to attract a following..nothing else!

the pope be dammned when he issued a statement last month...and the indian govt reacted decently...would have expected india to withdraw the ambassador to the vatican honestly...

religious missionaries should not be issued visas period!!!!

Shaktipalooza · Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:23

i sat in front of a jackwad missionary coming back from india last february. his arrogance and total lack of respect for other cultures was beyond vile.

i think his most repulsive comment was something like:

"Looking at Hinduism one comes to the only conclusion that it is a religion spawned from evil."

sego · Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:29

North American church attendance has been dropping like flies, so we need a lot of of converts to keep up the numbers. Lots of churches are opening daycares, dance studios etc. to remain operating due to this loss of income, also many churches are being sold to newer immigrants e.g Filipinos, Korean, Chinese and other South Asian groups.

nadreg · Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaktipalooza

"Looking at Hinduism one comes to the only conclusion that it is a religion spawned from evil."

I was recently told by a missionary that I was going to hell for not being a christian. So, since my fate was sealed anyway, I kicked him in the crotch.

PeakXV · Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenchutney

the religious missionaries specially the ones that forcibly convert are crooks...those that spread lies and myths about others to attract a following..nothing else!

There is nothing wrong with being able to freely choose between religions to find what is right for you. However if missionaries are manipulating or bribing prospective candidates and/or somehow ridiculing, disrepecting, or using blasphemous descriptions of an indigenous religion for the hidden purpose of perpetuating their own - it is unacceptable and should be stopped.

I had heard that Mother Theresa was not totally exempt from some of these practices - but never had this clarified one way or the other?

Condi Rice420 · Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:42

Yes this religious conversion is very degrading to India and her native Hinduism. When you think of it, how many third world Christian countries do you have? Please everybody in the world should work hard to make sure India doesn't become another Phillipines or Zimbabwe. There is only one India and these missionaries are murdering her very soul.

edwardseco · Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:52

No fondness for missionaries but I haven't seen any succesful results while in India over several years. This topic has been around since the 1800's. The high powered approach turns off potential converts in my opinion. On the other side of are the Hindu elites who certainly see it as a step toward empowerment of the low castes (judging from interviews) and a distinct threat to their power..

edwardseco · Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:54

Dropped an s above but didn't feel the need to feed the troll by lingering..

greenchutney · Jun 2nd, 2006, 02:16

well..most of the northeastern states have 'become' christian..and this problem is real. its not fictitious or trivial by any means. they were tribal before and have been converted by zealots.

add to the appeasement of minorites by our crooked politicians..and especially the commies..its of dangerous proportions at the moment.

yes PeakXV..there is plenty of ammo against Mother Teresa..but i will reserve my opinions till they mature a bit. she did good work as well..and thats why its so hard an issue.

i think a lot of us struggle with the issue of this. where do you draw the border between doing it with good intentions?

greenchutney · Jun 2nd, 2006, 02:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by nadreg

I was recently told by a missionary that I was going to hell for not being a christian. So, since my fate was sealed anyway, I kicked him in the crotch.

ha!...thats a good one!..i have been told by many a missionaries that. its amazing how much dogma there is and a hardcore non-acceptance that there are many paths to reach the truth.
only book, only god, only son...i am the devil...yeah heard at all..

have a couple of 'born again' christians as friends..yeah they are worst in the scale..! i love them though except when they start yapping about religious stuff! and the ONLY way!...and wanting to convert...

Condi Rice420 · Jun 2nd, 2006, 02:31

The Lower Northeastern states are 90% Christian and are becoming more and more alienated with the rest of the country. The terrorist groups there are on the payroll of the Baptist and Methodist zealots. Goa is more than 30% Christian and Kerala more than 20%. But you are right Hindus have resisted conversion more than other people. How else do you explain a country where pre Partion 70% population was Hindu after 700 years of Muslim rule and 200 years under the Christians.

poipleshadow · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:05

When I visit came to India to volunteer I found an organisation called El Shaddai based in Goa. It had been described to me as a Christian organisation, which didn't scare me away beacause I just thought they'd have similar ideas to me (well I was brought up a Christian, although at present I'm an Atheist).

So I went and the first time it really hit me was when I was at one of their homes in Assagao and one of the staff said, lets pray for him, the whole room of about 60 children then turned to me put up their hands (hitler style) bowed their head and started praying at me, My first thought was 'I've joined a cult!!', it was also a bit scary and very uncomfortable. Adding to this is that nearly all of them come from Hindu families, it also makes it really dificult for the children when they go back home, the children are faced with their parents (who they love, but struggle to give them food etc), or these New Age Christians who give them shelter and food... and preach that there is one God and his name is Jesus...

I tried to put up with it, as I thought it would be for the benefit of the children to think that not all white people believe in this 'Jesus fellow'.. But in the end I left. One good thing came of it though, I decided (or it was decided for me....) that I would start my own charity, which had NO religious undertones what-so-ever! We now help lots of children and give the families in Goa a choice, whereas before they just had the one to choose from when they were struggling.

So you could say they converted me, just not into a Christian!

) - I'd never have dreampt I'd be doing this 3 years ago....

Thanks

capt_mahajan · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:19

the poor in india want an alternative to their lifestyle and get exploited by missionaries.
the confused in the west want an alternative to their lifestyle and they get exploited by eastern "mystics and gurus"

whats the difference?

moral of the story: all organised religions suck.

PeakXV · Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_mahajan

the poor in india want an alternative to their lifestyle and get exploited by missionaries.
the confused in the west want an alternative to their lifestyle and they get exploited by eastern "mystics and gurus"

whats the difference?

moral of the story: all organised religions suck.

Gr8 analogy Capt! And its always the weak minded and/or weak walleted who are always the most susceptable to these types.

Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:00	#1
New-South-Welshman Drunk Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sydney, NSW Posts: 1,397	Religious Conversion I've gone through this forum and haven't found much about this topic. This maybe a touchy subject for some, so sorry in advance if this offends. I've read and heard about how religious charities, mainly Christian organisations, travel through the slums and poor areas in certain cities, or villages, and promise them food, clothing, and more charity, but, only if they converted to Christianity, or accepted that Jesus was their saviour. Certain people, and books, have also noted that kids are usually approached and are being taught about Jesus, and given sweets or chocolate milk as a reward. I don't really know too much about this, so I'm asking around here. Have any of you fellow IM'ers heard, read or seen anything like this in India? Also, what are some of your thoughts, opinions and comments on this subject? __________________ Mr. Burns "Non-violence never solved anything!"

Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:23	#3
Shaktipalooza Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Portland Oregon USA Posts: 896	i sat in front of a jackwad missionary coming back from india last february. his arrogance and total lack of respect for other cultures was beyond vile. i think his most repulsive comment was something like: "Looking at Hinduism one comes to the only conclusion that it is a religion spawned from evil." __________________ IndiaGroove - Train finder now in beta! Pics from India 2006 Traditional Indian Dance

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Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:12	#2
greenchutney Account Closed Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: planet earth Posts: 1,578	angry, frustrated, pained, flustered, pissed off..how many other synonyms do i need to find for these words!. the religious missionaries specially the ones that forcibly convert are crooks...those that spread lies and myths about others to attract a following..nothing else! the pope be dammned when he issued a statement last month...and the indian govt reacted decently...would have expected india to withdraw the ambassador to the vatican honestly... religious missionaries should not be issued visas period!!!!

Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:29	#4
sego Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 91	North American church attendance has been dropping like flies, so we need a lot of of converts to keep up the numbers. Lots of churches are opening daycares, dance studios etc. to remain operating due to this loss of income, also many churches are being sold to newer immigrants e.g Filipinos, Korean, Chinese and other South Asian groups.

Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:42	#7
Condi Rice420 Account Closed Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In the deepest recesses of W's anus Posts: 19	Yes this religious conversion is very degrading to India and her native Hinduism. When you think of it, how many third world Christian countries do you have? Please everybody in the world should work hard to make sure India doesn't become another Phillipines or Zimbabwe. There is only one India and these missionaries are murdering her very soul.

Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:52	#8
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,208	No fondness for missionaries but I haven't seen any succesful results while in India over several years. This topic has been around since the 1800's. The high powered approach turns off potential converts in my opinion. On the other side of are the Hindu elites who certainly see it as a step toward empowerment of the low castes (judging from interviews) and a distinct threat to their power..

Jun 2nd, 2006, 01:54	#9
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,208	Dropped an s above but didn't feel the need to feed the troll by lingering..

Jun 2nd, 2006, 02:16	#10
greenchutney Account Closed Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: planet earth Posts: 1,578	well..most of the northeastern states have 'become' christian..and this problem is real. its not fictitious or trivial by any means. they were tribal before and have been converted by zealots. add to the appeasement of minorites by our crooked politicians..and especially the commies..its of dangerous proportions at the moment. yes PeakXV..there is plenty of ammo against Mother Teresa..but i will reserve my opinions till they mature a bit. she did good work as well..and thats why its so hard an issue. i think a lot of us struggle with the issue of this. where do you draw the border between doing it with good intentions?

Jun 2nd, 2006, 02:31	#12
Condi Rice420 Account Closed Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In the deepest recesses of W's anus Posts: 19	The Lower Northeastern states are 90% Christian and are becoming more and more alienated with the rest of the country. The terrorist groups there are on the payroll of the Baptist and Methodist zealots. Goa is more than 30% Christian and Kerala more than 20%. But you are right Hindus have resisted conversion more than other people. How else do you explain a country where pre Partion 70% population was Hindu after 700 years of Muslim rule and 200 years under the Christians.

Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:05	#13
poipleshadow Help Where You Can... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Goa Posts: 171	When I visit came to India to volunteer I found an organisation called El Shaddai based in Goa. It had been described to me as a Christian organisation, which didn't scare me away beacause I just thought they'd have similar ideas to me (well I was brought up a Christian, although at present I'm an Atheist). So I went and the first time it really hit me was when I was at one of their homes in Assagao and one of the staff said, lets pray for him, the whole room of about 60 children then turned to me put up their hands (hitler style) bowed their head and started praying at me, My first thought was 'I've joined a cult!!', it was also a bit scary and very uncomfortable. Adding to this is that nearly all of them come from Hindu families, it also makes it really dificult for the children when they go back home, the children are faced with their parents (who they love, but struggle to give them food etc), or these New Age Christians who give them shelter and food... and preach that there is one God and his name is Jesus... I tried to put up with it, as I thought it would be for the benefit of the children to think that not all white people believe in this 'Jesus fellow'.. But in the end I left. One good thing came of it though, I decided (or it was decided for me....) that I would start my own charity, which had NO religious undertones what-so-ever! We now help lots of children and give the families in Goa a choice, whereas before they just had the one to choose from when they were struggling. So you could say they converted me, just not into a Christian! ) - I'd never have dreampt I'd be doing this 3 years ago.... Thanks

Jun 2nd, 2006, 10:19	#14
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,525	the poor in india want an alternative to their lifestyle and get exploited by missionaries. the confused in the west want an alternative to their lifestyle and they get exploited by eastern "mystics and gurus" whats the difference? moral of the story: all organised religions suck.

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