The Complex Dynamics of Religious Conversion or Why Conversion?

         India's modern history begins from the end of Mahabharat and nirvaan of Shri Krishan, more than 5000 years back. India successfully resisted Alexender march into its heartland and attained golden age, during the Gupta Period, spanning from 400 to 660 AD, marking a time of cultural and scientific prosperity. However, the following 1300 years, from 660 to 1947, were marred by foreign invasions and exploitation. This era witnessed the destruction of temples and concerted efforts to erode India's cultural and heritage properties. Despite these challenges, India's deep-rooted spiritual strength, which transcends physicality, ensured its survival. This resilience is reflected in the Indian Constitution, which embodies democratic principles, as evident in the preamble and key articles (14, 19, and 21), along with the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties.

        Globally, the religious population is divided among various beliefs, with Christianity and Islam being the two largest.

Sl.	Religion	Percent	Population
1	Christianity	31%	2,511,000,000
2	Islam	24.90%	2,016,900,000
3	Unaffiliated	15.60%	1,263,600,000
4	Hinduism + Sikhism	15.50%	1,255,500,000
5	Buddhism	6.60%	534,600,000
6	Folk Religions	5.60%	453,600,000
7	Others	0.80%	64,800,000
	Total	100%	8,100,000,000

 Forceful conversion has been a significant and controversial issue associated with Christianity and Islam since their inception. Christianity, rooted in the teachings of Jesus from the mid-first century, and Islam, established in 622 after Muhammad's migration to Medina, both encompass historical narratives that intertwine with the concept of conversion. Notably, certain factions within these religions, particularly some missionary Christians and followers of Sunni Islam, have historically pursued conversion efforts based on interpretations or misunderstandings of their respective philosophies. These interpretations, often espoused by a minority within these religious groups, tend to inflame passions among their followers. This fervor has sometimes led to conflicts, both within these religious communities and with those outside them.

Such actions often stem from a few individuals or groups within these religions who interpret religious texts and teachings in ways that justify or encourage forceful conversion. This (mis)interpretation of religious doctrine has contributed to a history of inter-religious strife and tension, impacting social and cultural dynamics globally. The fundamental goal for both Christianity and Islam appears to be achieving a majority population status. However, this is a complex and potentially unattainable goal, considering the diverse global religious landscape, where approximately 45% of the population adheres to other faiths or beliefs. The philosophical differences in the concepts of salvation or spiritual liberation among various religions are notable. For instance, in Hinduism, the concept of 'moksha' (liberation) and 'nirvana' in Buddhism emphasizes individual karma and spiritual growth, contrasting with the Christian belief in salvation during the Day of Judgment and Islamic views on 'Qayamat' (Day of Resurrection), both of which will arrive when they are in majority.

Efforts to convert populations have profound impacts:

❤ Alteration of the subcontinent's civilizational character.

❤ Exploitation of ethnic diversity and undermining of the notion of a unified cultural identity.

❤ Promotion of the belief that local cultures are products of invasions or migrations.

❤ Creation of societal conflicts and divisiveness on religious, caste, and economic grounds

❤ Denigration of intellectuals and nationalists.

❤ Economic and cultural impoverishment through various means, including armed conflicts and                terrorism.

❤ Deployment of inducements like free medical services and education for conversions.

❤ Encouragement of drug use and other forms of entertainment as tools for conversion.

❤ Humiliation and degradation of ancient ethnic cultures and spiritual values.

The practice of converting individuals through allurements, threats, or intimidation contradicts the principles of democracy, which is a fundamental aspect of the Indian Constitution. Such practices also violate the spirit and letter of Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.

Look East For Answer - DNA 11.07.2009

By removing the shackles of criminality from consenting partners, homosexuals or lesbians, the Delhi High Court does not take the Hindu thought only a step forward. It in fact takes a quantum leap forward towards freedom of will, thought and action. Consensual sex amongst adults does not in any manner degrade, denigrate, humiliate or corrupt human beings — though it is perceived as immoral by those who chant the mantra of morality but in practice substantially contribute to the perpetration of a corrupt society.
For a large number of people who are not looking for spiritual growth or salvation, interaction in worldly affairs is natural. It's permissible too, so long as their actions don't thwart or impinge upon the life and liberty of others. These people are as much a part of the social system, as those who look towards life as a journey towards self realisation. Inclusiveness lies at the core of the East. A civilised society is one where you are not only tolerant, but you also have genuine respect for the other being. Disagreements are natural and can be only answered by democratic principles where fair and free majority win and rule.
There has always been and will always continue to be the greatest respect for the most pious and powerful institution of marriage; a one-man one-woman relationship. It's the bedrock of civil society. Such a powerful relationship alone will at all times provide the necessary laxman rekha essential for spiritual growth and also for the security and protection of the mind and development of the children.
But neither consensual sex amongst adults nor procreation of children through extra marital relationships has ever been a big issue or a taboo in the Hindu mythology. Pandu, Dhritrashtra and Vidhur were born by the blessings of Vyas, the greatest rishi. Karna and all the five Pandavas were born from the blessings of various devatas. Draupadi had five husbands. All of them were powerful, potent and revered human beings, unique in their own way and part of a glorious history.
Utopianism created and propounded by Plato (427-347 BC) is the basis of western thought and penned down in 'The Laws', that dealt with the 'Problems of Sexual Conduct' (as if sexual conduct is a problem). Plato emphasised the importance of self control and declared that "males do not have sexual relations with each other, because such things are unnatural" and that three influences should be used to compel them not to break the law — "respect to religion, ambition to be honoured and a mature passion for spiritual rather than physical beauty" (religion was being used to support the laws and this brought the conflict between religion and sex).
The thought was logically carried forward by Jeremy Bentham (1748-1792) in his 'Theory of Legislation' and was enacted under the aegis of Lord Macaulay into the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (like the 'Books of the East'). The basic purpose of the British Raj was to distort Eastern thought, emphasise the Western and create structures to enable legal plundering, loot and exploitation. Interestingly, the unnatural Western thought has long been accepted as natural even in that part of the earth where now sun sets as it sets in the East.
It depends on the nature of a person to decide what is natural or what's unnatural. In fact it is most unnatural, amoral and inhuman for one set of human beings (authors of the final words of God) to decide what is natural and unnatural for generations to come and the whole civilisation on earth and spill blood to establish the same. The inclusiveness of all and total acceptability and flexibility in the Eastern philosophy to allow every individual to seek ultimate realisation (or not to seek realisation) through a process known or unknown to others and peculiar to him or her alone has always made it universally acceptable without missionaries or terrorists.
The Delhi high court aptly synthesised the genes of our Constitution saying, "If there is one Constitutional tenet that can be said to be the underlying theme of the Indian Constitution, it is that of 'inclusiveness'. The Indian Constitution reflects this value deeply ingrained in Indian society, nurtured over several generations. The inclusiveness that Indian society traditionally displayed, literally in every aspect of life, is manifest in recognising a role in society for everyone. Those perceived by the majority as 'deviants' or different are not on that score excluded or ostracised". The honourable judges summed up that dignity and equality is possible only in a society that displays inclusiveness and understanding.