KSJ Writer's Forum April 2015

APRIL 2015APRIL 2015 Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg.02Pg.02

undamentalism is a term drawn from

Protestant Christianity as early as the 1920's Fbut now we see it as a common issue that

n e e d s a t t e n t i o n a c r o s s a l l r e l i g i o n s .

Fundamentalism essentially is linked to extreme

views about any reality. Religious fundamentalism

i n p a r t i c u l a r i s

promoted by a small

group of people with

hidden ideologies

and often a non-

balanced view of

religion. India is a

m u l t i - r e l i g i o u s

s o c i e t y .

F u n d a m e n t a l i s m

across religions in the

Indian scenario can

hit the very fabric of

our country, namely Democracy. We have a varied

number of fundamentalist ideologies emerging

today. Right from the Hindutva and the ISIS, not to

leave out the Christian fundamentalists, sects are

mushrooming in various pockets. Cold-blooded

murders, violence, conversion, Ghar Vapasi, one

nation, one culture, one religion are some of the

ideas that these fundamentalist organizations give

expression to. It causes a lot of harm to society and

leads to unrest among peaceful peoples.

Politically power centered circles use the

strategy of bringing together common enemies. We

have heard – An enemy of an enemy is a friend, they

conveniently play on this. What must we do in these

situations? The renowned Vietnamese Theologian,

Peter Phan, once said, to be religious today is to be

interreligious.

All religions aim at establishing peace in

society and among its followers; why then do we

have so much of strife? I understand that we need to

educate our young towards a better brighter

tomorrow. What else ought we to do? Organize

multi-religious rallies, do not panic in these testing

situations, Internationalize

these issues by means of the

s o p h i s t i c a t e d

communications we have

today, write, discuss at

various forums, analyze the

situation and give it enough

attention. Invoking the

Shānti Mantra from the

Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣhad,

thus praying for peace across

all religions, I wish you a

frui t ful and joy-f i l led

reading.

Sarveśām Svastir Bhavatu || Sarveśām Shāntir

Bhavatu ||

Sarveśām Pūrnam Bhavatu || Sarveśām

Maṇgalam

Bhavatu ||

May there be

happiness in

all; may there

be peace in all;

may there be

completeness

in all; may

t h e r e b e

success in all.

EDITORIALEDITORIAL

Ryan RodriguesRyan Rodrigues

LAW AND HUMANLAW AND HUMANGeorge CV George CV

Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg.03Pg.03

oday religious fundamentalism is

becoming a callous disregard for the Tfeelings of others. Every religion is good

and wonderful. But a religion degenerates when it

tries to showcase itself as greater than others. Today,

especially in India, a true

understanding of religion

at a deeper level is lacking

in many. As a result

violence, fights, war, ill-

treatment in the name of

religion are increasing

everyday

Fundamentalism

m e a n s a r i g i d

understanding and a strict

practice of the basic rules and teachings of any

religion, In a way, fundamentalism seems a great

threat to human life.

The rise of fundamentalism is due to the increase of

conversions. For example, Christians think that their

religion is the greatest and start baptising people to

Christianity. Then the other religions, to safeguard

their religion, become more fundamentalist.

Today attacks on churches, or temples are on

the increase, because people are filled with these

fundamentalist ideas. They become very narrow

minded, unable to be open to know about others'

religions.

All religions spread the same message, but to

safeguard the message, sometimes they choose to

take up violent ways which, in a way, make them

deviate from the core idea of their own religions.

Religion is good, as it aspires to help people

to live in the right way; it offers rules and rituals to

facilitate its practice. But fundamentalism is not

good, because of its rigidity of interpretation and

hostile attitude towards people of other faiths

Every one of us is

called to inspire others.

Inspiring doesn't mean

that we force others to

follow our way; rather

our way of life should

induce others to follow

us. People must see in us

a change in behaviour

and in the way of living.

That will lead us also to

be more humane

Many a problem today is the outcome of

conflicts among religions. ISIS is one of the major

Muslim fundamentalist groups, that indulges in

killing many people in the name of God.

People need to be more love-oriented rather

than law-oriented. Laws are for man and man is not

for the laws.

APRIL 2015APRIL 2015

Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg. 04 Pg. 04

he Preamble of the Indian Constitution

reads: “We, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, Thaving solemnly resolved to constitute

India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its

citizens JUSTICE, social, economic and political;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity.” But

where is that justice, liberty and equality? It is

preserved, with much reverence and respect, in our

Constitution.

Jesus brought

p e a c e , l o v e a n d

forgiveness to the earth

a n d f o u n d e d t h e

Church. All Christians

affirm and lead their life

a c c o r d i n g t o h i s

t e a c h i n g s a n d

preaching. Now this

Christianity is facing

enormous challenges, especially in India. Minorities

like the Christians and the Muslims are treated very

badly. They are threatened by the Communist

parties and the Hindu fundamentalists. There have

been persecution and forceful conversions in order

to make India a 'Hindu Nation.' So this article may

help all Christians to be ready to pay the price for

keeping up their faith.

Each religion has its own faith practices,

belief, culture, tradition, etc. Then why these

conflicts and hatred towards each other? The first

reason could be, today people love their religion

more than they love God and their motherland. And

so they discriminate against people in the name of

religion. We need to avoid religious indifference and

religious fanaticism.

Indifference results from lack of faith and fanaticism

from lack of charity. There is no appreciation of,

respect to and tolerance towards each other, this lack

leading to superiority. Hence we fail to see God

labouring in our fellow humans and we plot against

them. This leads to grudge against one another.

Given this scenario, let us see how the Hindu

fundamentalism is a threat to Christianity in India.

H i n d u

fundamentalists are

the supporters of

'Hindutva', namely

Shiv Sena, Bajrang

D a l , p o l i t i c a l

organizations like

S a n g h P a r i v a r ,

R a s h t r i y a

Swayamsevak Sangh,

Bhara t iya Jana ta

Party (BJP) and the

Viswa Hindu Parishad

(VHP). These groups are against the Christian

religion in India because of the missionary spirit of

the Church. Missionaries were sent to India to

preach the Gospel and they converted many Hindus

to Christianity. So now the Hindu fundamentalists

are training thousands of young people to achieve

their goal of Hindu “Rashtra of Akhanda Hindutva.”

Mr Mahendra Kumar, an ex-RSS member,

gives a beautiful statement.”.......the teachings of

Vivekananda are the real Hindutva. It is not the RSS

type of Hindutva.” So with all these agendas at the

back of their mind, the Hindu fundamentalists are

biding their time to annihilate the minorities,

especially the Christians who are a big block to their

goal.

FUNDAMENTALISM IS A

THREAT TO CHRISTIANITY

FUNDAMENTALISM IS A

THREAT TO CHRISTIANITYNishanth Noronha. Nishanth Noronha.

APRIL 2015APRIL 2015

Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg.05Pg.05

he communal violence in Kandhamal was

a heavy blow to the Christians. This Tincident has warned the nation to go deeper

into the campaigns going on in society. Churches

were attacked, and Christians were deprived of their

places of worship. Many people fled into jungles for

their lives, a

n u n w a s

b r u t a l l y

raped and so

on... Some of

these places

are Orissa,

Kandhamal,

Mangalore,

Bangalore ,

New Delhi,

P a t n a a n d

other parts of

North India.

Many more incidents occurred that were the bane of

Christianity as well as of our Country. But let us stop

here. What is very important for us is to know that

Hindu fundamentalism is a real threat to Christianity

in India.

Now the Hindu fundamentalists are

proactive with the support of the government of

Modi. Since the BJP and the RSS and other groups

join hands to make India a 'Hindu Nation', we need

to be aware of what is happening around us. The

following signs show us to what extent Hindu

fundamentalism is a threat to Christianity. The

Church, the altar, the Holy Bible and the cross were

burnt in New Delhi. Ms Sushma Swaraj was trying

to make 'The Bhagawad Gita' the national holy

book.

A few days ago the BJP and RSS were targeted by

the opposition leaders for involving themselves in

forceful conversions. The PM Narendra Modi made

a shocking statement to observe 'Good Governance

Day' on 25th December, making it a working day.

Shankaracharya, the head of Jyotirmath in

Uttarkhand, said, “It is from the Hindu religion only

t h a t

Chris t iani ty,

I s l a m a n d

Sikhism have

o r i g i n a t e d .

Everyone must

return to their

roo ts .” And

now we see the

R S S c h i e f ,

M o h a n

B h a g w a t ,

coming up with

new ideologies, especially making adverse

comments on the charitable work of Mother Teresa,

in order to turn the entire country into a 'Hindu

Nation.’

Through all these signs we can see the efforts at the

destruction of our religion in this country. By

looking at all these challenges to Christianity in

India, we cannot merely say that there is no faith in

the Christians. Now the BJP government, under the

leadership of Narendra Modi, is trying its best to

make India a theocratic 'Hindu Nation.' I strongly

feel that this era is the biggest challenge to

Christianity. If we are not united at least now, then

that would be the end of Christianity in India.

Let us strengthen our faith in Christ, who built on

earth His Church which, he assured, cannot be

destroyed.

FUNDAMENTALISM IS A

THREAT TO CHRISTIANITY

FUNDAMENTALISM IS A

THREAT TO CHRISTIANITYNishanth Noronha. Nishanth Noronha. Contd. from pg. 4Contd. from pg. 4

APRIL 2015APRIL 2015

Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg. 06Pg. 06

FUNDAMENTALISM FUNDAMENTALISM

ules are always needed for human beings

to function well and to run their lives Rsmoothly. But which is greater, rules or a

human being? Each time a fundamentalist fights in

the name of religion s/he claims that rules and rituals

are greater! Is there any benefit from fighting for

one's religion? It only leaves behind a black mark in

the history of the people and gives rise to violence,

blood-shed and hatred.

In fact, there is only one God; one heavenly

reality; one Creator...

We call that reality Christ Jesus, Shiva, Vishnu,

Allah, Rama, Kali, and so on. Ultimately, our

prayers, our cries, our gratitude reach the same God

who has many names. Generally it is

we who speak! Today let us allow God to speak...

Yahweh speaks

You are a chosen generation. I carried you on eagle's

wings. I loved you so much, but you are more

worried of your laws and Sabbath day. You never

listen to me. Sabbath is for you to relax, and not to

make your life miserable! I am all love and

compassion...

Allah Speaks

Each time you stone a woman, you are stoning me!

Each time you refuse a woman entry into the

mosque, you are not allowing me to enter! Each time

you marginalize a woman and not allow her to show

her skills and talents, you stop them from glorifying

me. Each time you kill a soul, you are killing your

own brother/sister and you are hurting me. I am all

Love and Compassion...

Jesus Christ Speaks

The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your

God with your whole heart, with your soul and with

your mind, and your neighbour as you love yourself.

I came so that you may have life and peace. But you

have divided yourselves into numerous groups in

my name! All are my friends, and I laid down my life

for all of you. I'm all love and Compassion...

Pruthvi Rodrigues Pruthvi Rodrigues

APRIL 2015APRIL 2015

Joseph JeraldJoseph Jerald

Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg. 07Pg. 07

HUMOURHUMOUR

A group of religious and laity

came together for dinner.

There were only a few water

melon pieces kept on the dining

table. They were certainly big in

size.

One sister (nun) took one big piece and ate it all

alone.

A lay person sitting beside her shared it with her

friends.

An old sister who was watching this commented :

challenges and opportunities in consecrated life !

God (sahasranamadipati) speaks

Oh! My dear people, it is I who created you and gave

you life. You call me by various names! Feel free to

call me by any name. But why do you oppress your

fellow beings in the name of caste? Allow them to

enter my house and to know me better, for I'm all

love and Compassion...

Ultimately, God is loving, compassionate,

and forgiving. It is we who are fighting in his name.

Rules come second, but the human being first. Let us

respect every person, leaving behind all rites, castes,

colour, faith, or economic status. Let us learn to love

others, and not to rob another's freedom.

When we say fundamentalists, we may assume them

as those who practice traditional religion. But that is

not the case. They are just against modernity but use

modern techniques like the latest communications,

war weapons etc to combat it.

Fundamentalism is an

e m b a t t l e d f o r m o f

spirituality. It emerged as a

result of perceived crisis.

The fear of being wiped out,

being outdated causes the

people to have this attitude.

It is also a response to

scientific and secular

culture which have challenged the traditional beliefs

of religion. This culture was started in the West and

now it is widespread. In this context we can use the

imagery of a child clinging on to a doll as something

very dear to it. Similarly religion is something that is

dear to them, so that they are not ready to give it up.

They are ready to do anything for its survival. The

dearer it is the more reaction is shown.

eat of fundamentalism is fast spreading.

At this point it is apt for us to reflect over Hthis much debated topic, especially the

origin of fundamentalism and how it has destroyed

peace and harmony among different religious

communities over the years.

Fundamentalism arises when one

r e l ig ious communi ty f ee l s

threatened by the modern thinking.

It is an embattled form of

spirituality. It is a battle against

modernity - modern thinking,

lifestyle, discovery, culture etc.

Fundamentalism was started by the thProtestants as a theological movement in the 20

century. But right now it is a political movement. It

is violent in nature. It is dependent on a charismatic

leader, then on institutional support, just as

Narendra Modi is for RSS. We often associate

fundamentalism with Islam. That is true, but it is not

FEAR LEADING TO VIOLENCEFEAR LEADING TO VIOLENCEVishwas MisquithVishwas Misquith

FUNDAMENTALISM FUNDAMENTALISM

Pruthvi Rodrigues Pruthvi Rodrigues Contd. from pg. 6Contd. from pg. 6

APRIL 2015APRIL 2015

Now the cause of fundamentalism viz.,

modernity began because of diverse factors.

Specially it started with the Renaissance, when the

focus was shifted from God to humans. Then the

Reformation questioned the supremacy of the

Church. That was followed by the scientific

revolution that gave importance to observation.

During this period Darwin came out with the theory

of evolution as opposed to creation. That was also an

age of exploration, when the awareness of diverse

religions and cultures came in. Finally the French

Revolution challenged both the Monarchy and the

Ecclesial authority to obtain equality, liberty and

fraternity for the people. All these things coming

together resulted in the Secularization of the world.

So Fundamentalism is a revolt against the threat of

modern culture that is seen as secular, atheistic,

materialistic and western.

As we look into the Indian scenario, we find

it was rigid, with caste system, untouchability,

practice of sati etc. But the British education system

opposed this. And so there arose a conflict.

Alongside there was a missionary attack on Indian

deities. The Christian monotheistic religious

cultures questioned India's diverse religious

practices and traditions like Brahminism,

Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism etc. as Hinduism

was not a religion but just a way of living.

This led to the creation of modern Hinduism as a

religion among others. Its identity is: all those born

in India minus the Christians and the Muslims.

Anyone born in India is a Hindu, except those who

claim themselves to be Christians or Muslims. Thus

Hinduism becomes a national religion, arising from

a sense of threat. This Hinduism has also given rise

to militant

movements

like RSS,

H i n d u

Mahasabha

etc. which

h a v e

c a u s e d

communal violence and destroyed peace in society.

Fundamentalism will continue, as religion

will be affected by modernity and secularism. War

on terror will not solve the problem but will only

create insecurity. On the other hand, we cannot turn

down modernity and go back to the Stone Age, but

rather have a dialogue and accept the things that

can't be changed. Let the genuine religion be neither

carried away by secularism or modernity nor be too

rigid about it.

*Insights from Prof. George Karuvelil SJ's

classes on Faith and Reason

FEAR LEADING TO VIOLENCEFEAR LEADING TO VIOLENCEVishwas MisquithVishwas Misquith

APRIL 2015APRIL 2015 Pg. 08Pg. 08 Writers’ ForumWriters’ Forum

Contd. from pg. 07Contd. from pg. 07