Harijan Christians
Representatives of four Christian Organisations called on
the Prime Minister recently, stressing that the benefits
available to Hindu Harijans be extended to the Christian
Harijans also. Christianity was offered as a way out to
the Hindu Harijans but once they are christianised, the
old basis is re-borrowed. It is a confession that the
Hindu Harijans converted to Christianity are not
benefited and their economic condition is not improved
and the change of religion is not a change for the
better. The number of former converts returning to the
Hindu fold is also increasing. You cannot give equality
you promise at the time of enticement. But you want to
have the best of both worlds.
In June 1981 about 200 Hindus and 50 Christians of
Kurayoor Village, only 40 KM from Madurai embraced Islam.
The reason is Harijan Hindus and Harijan Christians
buffer from the same disabilities. Christianity has
failed to overcome the so called evils of casteism. There
are clear distinct groups within with absolutely no
social exchange and the backward class converts are still
regarded as low-caste Christians by others.
In a reply to a question Are not Christians entitled to
combat untouchability Mahatma Gandhi said, "Not only are
the Christians entitled, but it is their duty to combat
untouchability in their own midst. But if the question
is that Christians should combat untouchability in
Hinduism my answer is that they simply cannot do it
because untouchability of Hinduism should not be
untouchability of Christians. The anti-untouchability
movement means weaning Hindus from their error. This
cannot be effectively done by non-Hindus, even as Hindus
cannot bring about religious reform among Christians and
Mussalmans. If the question means that Christian should
combat untouchability among Hindus by converting
untouchables to Christianity they do not advance the
cause in any shape or form; the cause being reform among
caste Hindus. If the latter repented their sin the
Harijans would be delivered from the yoke of
untouchability in a moment. Conversion can never do it.
It can only add to the prevailing bitterness and
introduce a disturbing factor in a situation which is
already bad".
Back to Table of Contents
Back to HVK Home
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This site is part of Dharma Universe LLC websites.
Copyrighted 2009-2010, Dharma Universe.
|
|
