Religious Trouble

“Live in such a way as to cause no trouble either to Jews or Gentiles or to the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:32  GNT)

Recently, I read an article in The Voice of the Martyrs about the persecution of Christians in India. Here are a few direct quotes:

“The intolerance of the Hindu unity movement is equaled only by that of radical Islam.”

“Indian Christians are boldly and lovingly proclaiming the gospel amid a majority Hindu culture that has always treated them as outcasts and now seeks their elimination.”

As a Christian who has lived in India, amidst a Hindu majority--I find these statements to be a bit distorted. Majority religions in every country try to assert their dominance over those of other faith traditions. Extremists--whether they are Christian, Hindu, or Muslim--wear intolerance like a badge of their religious superiority.

Treating minorities as outcasts and seeking their elimination is not exclusive to any religion or region. Religious tensions resulting from discrimination, pressure to conform to the majority, and social injustice are nothing new. St. Paul knew what it was like to be part of the majority as well as the minority. Thus, he admonished Christians to live in such a way that caused no trouble to those of other faith traditions. Living the gospel is more effective than merely proclaiming it. Let us display our faith through the practice of compassion, justice, inclusivity, tolerance, and mutual respect.