Re: US Views on God and Life are turning Hindu

ModerateMallu wrote:

P. Rajah wrote:
ModerateMallu wrote:

I think that the point of contention is not one of an individual changing his/her faith, but changes in large numbers driven mainly by politics. I find that the KCBC (Kerala Catholic Bishop's Congress) to be extremely meddlesome in politics, all in the guise of "secularism." The RC Church will not meddle in the same way in politics in Europe (including Italy :-)), where they have been shown their "secular" place.

Perhaps the KCBC's role in Kerala politics is not that different from the VHP's and the RSS'.


I don't believe so. The RSS definitely does not make any claims to being a religious organization. The VHP does attempt to speak for Hindus, and apart from speaking up about core issues dear to Hindus, makes no attempt to foist itself as a religious organization whose dogma all Hindus have to follow. The mess begins in trying to equate "Hinduness" with "Indianness." To me they are two separate concepts, but... (will save that for another day and another thread :-))

The VHP's mission statement declares its intent "to establish the VHP as the voice of Hindus *everywhere* and _represent_ Hindu organisations and institutions on matters of Hindu interests."

However the RSS and VHP choose to see themselves, or portray themselves for public consumption, the fact remains that they meddle in politics on the basis of religion. Now, the Christians have no political party, and it makes little sense for them to have one given their small numbers. However, if _anyone_, whether a bishop or a priest or a school principal, gives them some input on where their vote would best serve their community, I don't see how it is different from what the VHP/RSS or, for that matter, the Muslim League does.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_jains-should-not-be-rivals-in-polls-sadhus_1291187
http://www.jstor.org/pss/4406155 [Marg Darshak Mandal, which is a sadhu group under the aegis of the VHP]
http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/feb/09sadhu.htm
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-21934875.html
.

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