World Religion
I need these questions in about 150 words each I’m anticipating some more thoughtful, substantive posts on a fairly complex topic that we’re learning about- Hinduism! I spent a brief time in India, immersed in a Hindu environment with infusions of Muslim and Christian culture. One of the most impacting moments was walking the “red light district” of the Sanagachi neighborhood of Kolkatta (Calcutta). There were hundreds of “gods” being crafted out of wood, wire, plaster and paint that were being readied to be paraded in one of the many annual Hindu festivals. It’s a very poor area…sewage ran in the streets and beggars abounded. But we were there to touch something even darker–the scourge of human trafficking, sex slavery. Young girls, and boys, were being held captive in brothels from house to house which is completely normal and part of the culture. (BTW, you don’t have to go all the way to Kolkatta to find such evils–Orlando near where I live is one of the most active centers for human trafficking on this side of the globe.) 1. What do you think makes this human tragedy able to be accepted as the standard industry–the use and abuse of young human bodies? I propose this for at least part of the answer: The fundamental worth of the individual. I see that under Hindu like some other religions, the individual only has significant worth if he/she is born into the higher caste. That produces deep darkness—I feel like I’ve seen it first-hand. In contrast, under Judeo-Christian influence (and here’s my bias), EVERY individual has great worth because EVERY person bears the image of God their Creator. That produces great light–I’ve seen that firsthand through the lives of precious Indian people (and Floridians) who are in there sacrificing and serving to set the captives free. My daughter has been one of them. 2. Anyone else has a burden for the victims of human trafficking? I was naturally drawn toward the “peace and love” ideal as a teen, but fortunately I was being drawn even more to God’s Truth (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) which is more powerful than man’s empty wishes for things & people to be nice in a fallen world. It turns out that His Peace is a reality in us through the work of Jesus alone (cf. Ephesians 2); I discovered that in college days. 3. When was that for you? (Please share with us on that level). Looking forward to the discussion on a religion that is probably quite obscure to most, if not all of us. 4. Wondering…has anyone ever met a Jain? I have not, but I have a feeling that if I apply myself to understanding their faith and practice, and keeping praying for them, that God will direct my path to meet and even get to know some of these folks. When I do, will I be more Jiva or Ajiva I wonder? For more information on World Religion read this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_religions
