Dalit Christians reconvert to Hinduism (Jesus, tradition, Buddhism, prophet)

[Hema]

Madurai, April 15: About 300 "Dalit Christians", including 180 women, have 'recoverted' to Hinduism at Tirunelveli, 150 km from here, in Tamil Nadu, alleging 'discrimination' in Christian community.

The 'reconversion' was held in the presence of "Hindu Saints Peravai (federation)" organiser Swami Sadha Shivananda yesterday at a ceremony organised jointly by Hindu Makkal Katchi and Hindu Dharmaseva Trust, police said.

However, the organisers said that the number of people who got reconverted were 800.

Head of ancient Saivite mutt, Sengole Adheenam, Kalyanasundara Sathya Gnana Pandara Swamigal handed over 'certificates converting them to Hindusim.'

Those who 'recoverted' also said they were returning to Hinduism as they would get back their scheduled caste SC status and get benefits of job reservation.

The religious leaders smeared holy ash on the forehead of the reconverted Christians and gave them Hindu names. They read out a "printed oath" wherein it was stated that they got reconverted on their own wish.

Bureau Report

Original story: http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=437013&sid=REG

Hmm, benefits of job reservations eh?

I always say that the caste system is misunderstood. Even when the Lord came in his Avatar of Shri Ram, he showed that God does not care about these caste systems. He embraced people of all castes. I always say that caste is merely one's role in society. One is not higher than the other.

Anyway, I was happy to hear about these Hindu brothers and sisters returning to the fold.

[Random]

Are Christian numbers dwindling in India? I heard they were, a lot of it due to hostility from Hindus.

Also, are there still mass conversions of Hindus to Buddhists, like a few years back?

Sorry if I wrongly expect you to have your finger on the tap regarding these issues, Hema, but I don't often get to talk with people of your faith.

[Seyorni]

It's hard to imagine that Dalits living in a Christian community would find it more opressive than a Hindu community. Traditional relations between Dalits and caste Hindus are not good. Between Christians and Dalits there is less history, less tradition of oppression.

[Father Heathen]

The caste system is disgusting and has lead to a lot of discrimination and abuses.

[Hema]

Originally Posted by Random

Are Christian numbers dwindling in India? I heard they were, a lot of it due to hostility from Hindus.

Also, are there still mass conversions of Hindus to Buddhists, like a few years back?

Sorry if I wrongly expect you to have your finger on the tap regarding these issues, Hema, but I don't often get to talk with people of your faith.

I was aware that Christianity was on the decline but I'm not sure if it was largely due to the attacks by the Hindus.

I don't condone violence but at the same time I do not like when people try to convert others. Hindus respect all prophets, even Jesus.

Actually I just learnt from another forum that even when these low castes convert, there is still segragation among the Christian community. It is sort of engrained into the Indian psyche.

I know that there was a mass conversion to Buddhism last year.

If Indians give up this practice of caste system, there would be no need for them to convert. There are many Hindus in my country...our ancestors came from India and the caste system has never been practised here.

[Random]

Originally Posted by Hema

I was aware that Christianity was on the decline but I'm not sure if it was largely due to the attacks by the Hindus.

I don't condone violence but at the same time I do not like when people try to convert others. Hindus respect all prophets, even Jesus.

Actually I just learnt from another forum that even when these low castes convert, there is still segragation among the Christian community. It is sort of engrained into the Indian psyche.

I know that there was a mass conversion to Buddhism last year.

If Indians give up this practice of caste system, there would be no need for them to convert. There are many Hindus in my country...our ancestors came from India and the caste system has never been practised here.

Thanks.

[Don Penguinoini]

Originally Posted by Father Heathen

The caste system is disgusting and has lead to a lot of discrimination and abuses.

It is your mass ignorance and assumptions which drive it on.

Well, can't say im sad. Im sort of surprised that Dalits found Christian society opressive, shocking, but im not complaining.

[Don Penguinoini]

The mass Buddhist conversions do happen often. I have witnessed a few too. It doesent make me feel sad. I know that they are re-entering a more accepting society. But Hinduism has more of a capability to change and adapt to today. I believe it will happen, within time. People need to realise, even though the caste system is not AS bad as thought out to be, it is still creating problems, and must be eradicated.

[Father Heathen]

Originally Posted by Don Penguinoini

It is your mass ignorance and assumptions which drive it on.

Wow. I had no idea I had so much influence over Indian society. But seriously. Read up, kiddo.

"

• Over 100,000 cases of rape, murder, arson, and other atrocities against Dalits are reported in India each year. Given that Dalits are both reluctant and unable (for lack of police cooperation) to report crimes against themselves, the actual number of abuses is presumably much higher.
• India's own agencies have reported that these cases are typically related to attempts by Dalits to defy the social order, or demand minimum wages and their basic human rights. Many of the atrocities are committed by the police. Even per