Is rapid increase of Christianity in India raising a threat to indigenous Sanatan dharm?

 

The Complex Tapestry of Faith: Christian Missionary Activities and Hindu Concerns in India

​The topic of Christian missionary activity in India is a complex and often contentious one, woven with threads of history, social dynamics, religious freedom, and cultural identity. For centuries, Christian missions have been a part of India's social landscape. However, in recent decades, their activities have become a source of deep concern for some Hindu groups, who see them as a significant threat to the country's indigenous culture and civilizational fabric. This article explores the various facets of this multifaceted issue, focusing on the arguments regarding cultural preservation.

​A Historical Perspective

​Christianity in India is not a recent phenomenon, dating back to the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in the first century AD. However, organized missionary work gained significant momentum during the colonial era. While missionaries established educational and healthcare institutions, this period also marked the beginning of organized attempts to spread the faith, often with the tacit or active support of colonial powers. This historical association with colonial rule continues to color the perception of missionary activities today, with many viewing it as a continuation of "cultural imperialism."

​Concerns Over Cultural Erosion and Heritage

​A central pillar of the criticism against missionary activities is the argument that Christianity, as propagated by certain groups, actively erodes and destroys the indigenous cultural heritage of India. Critics and Hindu organizations raise several specific points regarding this cultural impact:

• ​Loss of Indigenous Traditions: A primary concern is that conversion often leads to a complete severance of ties with ancestral traditions. Critics argue that when individuals, particularly in tribal belts (such as in the Northeast or Central India), convert, they are often encouraged or compelled to abandon their traditional festivals, rituals, dress, and even names. This is viewed not just as a change of personal faith, but as a rejection of the community's collective memory and identity.
• ​The "Inculturation" Controversy: A significant point of contention is the practice of "inculturation," where missionaries adopt Hindu symbols, language, and rituals to make Christianity more acceptable to locals. This includes using terms like "Veda" for the Bible, wearing saffron robes (traditionally worn by Hindu ascetics), or incorporating aarti (ritual of worship with light) into church services.
  • ​The Criticism: While proponents call this adaptation, critics vehemently argue it is a form of "cultural theft" or deception. They claim it confuses vulnerable populations by masking the distinct theological differences between the religions, effectively "digesting" Hindu culture while hollowing out its original spiritual meaning.

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    An image showing great cultural heritage of India 

    
    
    
• ​Erosion of Knowledge Systems: There is also an argument that the missionary-led education system, while spreading literacy, has historically marginalized traditional Indian knowledge systems (such as Ayurveda, Vedic mathematics, and classical philosophy) in favor of Western, Euro-centric models. This, critics posit, creates a generation disconnected from their own civilizational roots.

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  An image showing a protest to stop forced conversions 

  
  

​The Hindu Perspective: Demographic and Social Anxieties

​Beyond the loss of specific cultural practices, there are broader fears regarding the long-term survival of the Hindu demographic and social structure.

1. ​Allegations of Inducement: A persistent allegation is that missionaries use unethical means to convert people, particularly those from economically disadvantaged sections. Accusations include the use of "allurement"—offering money, free education, or medical treatment in exchange for conversion. This is seen as exploiting poverty rather than a genuine spiritual change.
2. ​Threat to Social Cohesion: Many Hindu groups argue that conversion creates social fissures within villages and families. When a part of a community converts, it often leads to a refusal to participate in communal funds for village festivals or temple upkeep, leading to social friction and the fragmentation of once-unified communities.
3. ​Demographic Concerns: While national census data shows the Christian population as relatively stable, critics point to specific pockets in states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of the Northeast where the demographic shift has been rapid. They fear that this could lead to a minority becoming a majority in strategic regions, potentially altering the political landscape.

Concern of people over forced conversions 

​Legal Framework and the Political Debate

​In response to these concerns, several Indian states have enacted "Freedom of Religion Acts," commonly known as anti-conversion laws. These laws typically prohibit religious conversion by use of force, fraud, or allurement.

• ​Proponents argue that these laws are necessary to protect the country's cultural integrity and prevent predatory conversion tactics. They view the state as a necessary guardian of indigenous faiths that lack the institutional funding and global organization of the church.
• ​Critics argue that these laws are often vague and can be misused to harass genuine religious practice.

​Conclusion

​The debate over Christian missionary activity in India is deeply entrenched in the question of what defines Indian identity. For those who view India's culture as inextricably linked to its indigenous spiritual traditions, the aggressive propagation of a different faith is seen as a direct threat to the nation's soul. As the discourse continues, the challenge remains to address the genuine anxieties regarding cultural preservation while navigating the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.

​Christian Conversion in India: The Deception of Inculturation!

​This video is relevant as it directly discusses the controversial practice of "inculturation," illustrating the specific argument that missionary adoption of Hindu symbols is a deceptive tactic that threatens indigenous culture.