The PuritanBoard - Blogs - Making Every Thought Captive by Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/ A forum for the discussion of Reformed Theology and the historic Christian Faith en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:25:14 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.puritanboard.com/images/retro/misc/rss.jpg The PuritanBoard - Blogs - Making Every Thought Captive by Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/ Does True God care? http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/431-does-true-god-care.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:19:34 GMT I have been thinking about the Dalit people issue. It doesn’t seem to go out of my mind. When I see people around me having no hope in their lives. There are countless people who don’t eat properly, don’t have dress to cover their bodies and no... I have been thinking about the Dalit people issue. It doesn’t seem to go out of my mind. When I see people around me having no hope in their lives. There are countless people who don’t eat properly, don’t have dress to cover their bodies and no shelter to sleep peacefully, after hard work.

The question keep coming back to me. Does God care for Dalit people? Can He offer any hope? Can He free them from the clutches of extreme poverty and illitracy? Can God help those who don’t get timely food, warm clothes to cover during winter, and a small house to lay head in peace with their wives and children.

When the Lord saw His people being exploited in Egyptian Society, He came to help them. He heard their cry. He came down to see them. He also provided a leader (Moses) to lead them, to speak for them and to guide them.
But it all happned, when people realized that they were being victimized. And that they were not getting their wages according to their hard labor. They realized that in the hard times they can approach Someone. They understood it that the One who created them, can bring justice and freedom to them.
So these people in troubles and hardships shouted in unison to God the Father. They put their trust in Him who loves justice and freedom. They believed that He can bring changes in their lives. So they agreed together and called upon His Name.

Finally, we read in the Bible that God heard their groaning, cry and saw their pains. And we read further that God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them (Ex 2:23-25).

And under the leadership all the Israelites were freed. Their yoke was broken. They found their Messiah and Liberator. They understood what it means to be under the leadersip of the True God.

Will our Dalit brothers and sisters will cry out for help to this true God and Messiah? Will they see Him as the one who bring changes and transformation? Will they understand that true God never enslaves?

May you find and seek the one who promises, Come to me and I’ll give you rest (Matt 11:28). May you know that there is Someone (Lord Jesus Christ) who really cares for you. May you learn about God’s care. ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/431-does-true-god-care.html Saraswati puja discrimination... http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/205-saraswati-puja-discrimination.html Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:24:02 GMT This news of piece comes from a reputed newspaper from our nation. Let's pray, and help and share the Word with these people.

How happy these people would be when they hear of the Good News of our LOrd Jesus Christ, who came to love us and gave us freedom to come to the True God.

Saraswati puja discrimination: Probe ordered

KENDRAPARA, Feb 3: Dalit children were allegedly prevented from offering puja to Goddess Saraswati in a government-run primary school under Rajnagar police station area recently.
The incident occurred on 31 January Saraswati puja function at Sidhamarichani Primary School, under Koilipur gram panchayat.
Meanwhile, Kendrapara district administration has ordered an inquiry into alleged show of discrimination towards Dalit children.
“The administration was told of the purported incident. The block development officer of Rajnagar has been asked to inquire into the veracity of allegations and submit a report. In the event the school authorities are found guilty, they would be taken to task,” said Kendrapara collector, Mr Sisirkanta Panda.
It was alleged that head of the said school had stopped the Dalit children of the institution from offering puja to the deity. The agitated guardians had later drawn the attention of local BDO. But the local authorities turned a deaf ear to their complaint. Finally the district magistrate and collector was petitioned on the arbitrary behaviour on part of head master of the school.
Despite grounds-well of opinions and legal sanction for abolition of the practice, caste-related discrimination is still prevalent mainly in remote rural pockets of this coastal district. n sns

http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arc...5510&usrsess=1 ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/205-saraswati-puja-discrimination.html How do we view ourselves? http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/59-how-do-we-view-ourselves.html Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:25:33 GMT There are times when we all suffer from negative thoughts and the circumstances tend to put us down. If we do have a right image of our self then we can easily over come those moments but if not we continue to suffer in those thoughts and make... There are times when we all suffer from negative thoughts and the circumstances tend to put us down. If we do have a right image of our self then we can easily over come those moments but if not we continue to suffer in those thoughts and make ourselves a miserable people.
God has not left us without comfort and sweet words. His Words gives us hope and a reason to live. When we see ourselves from His perspective, we find ourselves in a better position. Thank God, we are not left alone to guess the way out but Scripture guides us in all matters of life.

I am currently reading “The Christian Looks at Himself” by A.A. Hoekema. I found this book very helpful and thought of sharing a few thoughts from it with you all.

“If we claim to be Christians as honest with ourselves, we shall have to admit many of us tend to have a self-image that over-accentuates the negative. Many of us commonly see ourselves through the purple-colored glasses of our depravity-sometimes even called “total depravity.” I do not deny that according to the Scriptures we are all by nature depraved or sinful in every aspect of our being, but the same scriptures teach us about redemption and renewal. Sad to say, however, many of us tend to look only at our depravity and not our renewal. We have been writing our continuing sinfulness in capital letters, and our newness in Christ in small letters. We believe in our depravity so strongly we think we have to practice it, while we hardly dare to believe in our newness.

Jesus loves you. ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/59-how-do-we-view-ourselves.html God so good... http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/58-god-so-good.html Sun, 17 Feb 2008 14:45:08 GMT God is so good... is a very famous and old small song sung by the people of God for many years. I love also it. I have sung it many times but today, I thought of this small composition in my own life fitting true and thought of writting some... God is so good... is a very famous and old small song sung by the people of God for many years. I love also it. I have sung it many times but today, I thought of this small composition in my own life fitting true and thought of writting some thoughts about it.


1. God is so good

Yes, God is good. There is nothing wrong or evil in Him. He created me. He loved me. He provides me. He sustains me. He loves me. He watches over me. He heals me. He guides me. He thinks about me. He maked me His dear child. And says, "I love you so much". I praise God that He loves me and considers me as one of His friend.

It is only through His love that I write about His goodness to me. I feel His goodness in all of my life. God is good indeed. The love of God...


2. He took my sin

God took my sin. He sent His Son to die in place of me. He became sin for me. He became human being to get punishment of the Rightous and Just God, who can not overlook sin. He punished Jesus for my sake. I hide myself in Jesus for righteusness. I believe in Jesus now for this reason.
Jesus paid it all. I don't need to be condmned anymore. Jesus did it all, and said, "it is finished." I don't need to do anything to add more to be accepted for the citizenship in heaven. Jesus has accomplished it all. He made me me rightious. He declared that, "whoever believes in me shall be saved." God's Word gives me hope to live now. The Bible says, "one who was sinless, God made Him to be sin for us". Praise God that Jesus took away my sin. I will sing of my Redeemer...


3. Now, I'm free

Yes, I'm free now. I'm now no more condemned. I have been set free socially and religiosly. I thank God that He cares so much for me. I thank God that His love abounds for me. I thank God that Jesus did it all to set me free from the clutches of satan.

I don't need to offer any sacrifice or offerings to God to make me free. I don't need to offer money and I don't need to go to a astrologer to know my future. I don't need to do good 'karmas' to be born as a human being again. I thank God He himself did it for me. I don't feel any more guilty. I dont feel any more unlovealbe. I don't feel any more uncaring. I'm a child of God. I feel I am a special creation of God. I feel that I am worth of living in this world.
I praise God that all the dark side of thinking has been put away. I thank God that He loves me. And His love gives me freedom. I thank God that my life is no more a slave of any human system. I don't need to think of kind inferior being. I praise God I bear the image of my God the Father. I praise God that His word sets me free.

I love you Jesus. But I want to say that it is you, who loved me first and I am indebted to you for it all. Glory be to your holy Name.

Praise God for these beautiful words composed by an unknown (to me) man of God. ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/58-god-so-good.html The Good News of His Birth is for all the People!!! http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/47-good-news-his-birth-all-people.html Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:15:42 GMT Luke 2: 10 The Lord Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, in relation to plan of God to redeem His entire creation from the sinfulness. The birth was foretold even in the book of Genesis (3:15) many centuries ago. God in His faithfulness never... Luke 2: 10

The Lord Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, in relation to plan of God to redeem His entire creation from the sinfulness. The birth was foretold even in the book of Genesis (3:15) many centuries ago. God in His faithfulness never forgot His promises made to our forefathers. The generation died in the hope of seeing the full liberation of creation and to see the Promised Messiah. But many people including some great men and women of God could not see the birth of the Messiah of the mankind. The promise of Jesus’ birth came true at the appointed time.

When Christ was born, His birth was celebrated in heaven and on earth. Many people came to see this Messiah including the wise men from the East. Some worshipped Him and enjoyed His very coming but others feared of Him even when He was a baby. The kings stood against HIM when He was of a tender age. But God protected His Son and made Him fulfilled His plan on the earth to bring Good News to the groaning Creation.

The Disciples of Jesus were concerned for mere physical Israel restoration. They asked Him, Lord when are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel? But Jesus understood their intentions and asked them to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to them, when the Holy Spirit will give you power and strength then you will be my witness to your local place, neighboring place and to the corners of the Earth. The basic idea of Lord Jesus was that they do not limit the work of restoring people into God’s relationship and men to men relationship to a particular boundary, although it started from Jerusalem.

The birth of Jesus was meant for all the people on the earth and not just for Israelites and the Western people. As we celebrate Christmas, let’s not forget the birth and the unique message of the Messiah, for redeeming all the people from the spiritual and physical bondages. People enter this world with different concerns, mainly focused around their own life, family, friends and nation but Jesus entered this world to care for each person. His love did not limit to any specific community, sex and colored people but it extends to the ends of the earth.

We thank God that He included our nation, community and even us in His eternal plan. We thank God that He provided us with the perfect gift on the first Christmas. We thank God that His Son came to love us and to give us a hope and life of dignity. We thank God that His love never ends for us. We thank God that His message makes us acceptable to God the Father. We thank God that He cares for us.

And we also acknowledge on this Christmas, that we will not limit His love just for our family, friends, community, but will do our best to spread the “Good News” to all the people through all means. And as we take the ‘Good News’ to all the people, the restoration and transformation will follow. God’s blessing of redemption and restoration for all the people. Amen.

Happy Christmas to all!!! Dec/2007 ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/47-good-news-his-birth-all-people.html what causes one to hide his identity? http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/44-what-causes-one-hide-his-identity.html Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:09:16 GMT The U.P. and Punjab Governments has banned Madhuri Dixit's new movie Aaja Nachale. The movie was banned because of the derogatory remarks against the Dalit community in India. The U.P. chief minister has also written to the central govt. to ban the movie from the theators.

Although I have not watched the movie and did not hear the songs of it but I just read on the internet that the movie has been banned because of a song which contains these words, "bole mochi bhi apne ko sunar hai". Well, what's wrong with this statement? Actually, this song or the statment shares with us about the damage done to Dalits by the so called high castes in India. It is just a glimpse of the big scene.

The high castes mistreat the people of so called lower castes. They abuse them, they harass them, they tease them and They punish them for minor offences by death or serious physical injuries. They also abuse them by their caste names and make fun of the lower caste people.

Since Caste Hindus don't believe in equality of humans, so they practice untouchability and do whatever they can do to put dalits down. This is not only true of Dalits but also of women and tribals. The caste Hindus never miss a opportunity to bring disgrace to their fellow beings. They can not bear them as sitting beside them, getting education, putting on good clothes, eating good food, living in a good house. All these things are intolerable to the caste Hindus.

Since the honor and dignity of labor has not been recognized by the Hinduism, so the people belonging to labor classes are untouchables for them. The people who mend and polish shoes, cut grass for the animals, who keep sweeps the roads, houses and cities are called "dirty". This is all about our Hindu religion.

Coming back to the topic "kahe mochi bhi apne ko sunar hai" (even the cobbler call himself a goldsmith). Why A cobbler has to call himself a goldsmith? Why need of keeping secret one's identity. The answer is simple a dalit/cobbler wants to hide his identity. It is not a 'low caste', who wants to hide but it is caste minded Hindus who force him to do so. It is not of a person's choice or like but a constraining thing.

After all, who in this world does not want dignity of human being? Who does not deserve to be treated like any other person in the world? What's wrong being treated as a human being? WE should go back to the history of our nation and religion. What is the fundamentals of this problem ? We should question those books and systems which degrade the human beings. We should put that systems and books down itself which put people down.

Now a days miss Mayawati is (a Dalit) chief minister in the U.P. State, so she could ban the movie which contains the bad remarks, it's only possible because of the power in her hand, if she was not in the power, think of the movie, who could stop it, after all it is still shown in other states of our nation, why simply because other people have no concern about it. It does not tease them. IT is not a derogatory thing for them.

In the ancient times that is what happend in most of the societies, the powerful people wrote whatever they wanted, and there was none to stop them doing so. The Hindus have done the same in India and Nepal, since the woman, the tribals and oppressed classess had no people who could read, so it was easy to write anything about them. And even if somebody was there, he/she could not do anything because there of powerlessness and lack of support from the society but thanks be to the fathers of democracy philosophy, it has come to rescue in many ways to the weaker sections.

IT is so sad that a person has to hide his name, caste or race in this world to get honor as a human being. We should do away with all bad things of our society. We should practice good ideas of the world and do away with the local bad customs and philosophies. And we should honor all communities and people irrespective of their works, places and castes. IF Indians don't honor their fellow beings, some Dalits or even others (there are times when a lower Brahmin calls himself higher) will continue to hide thier identity and it's a shameful act and a black stain on the name of our religion and Indian society.

The Bollywood can do great work to unite and to bring peace and equality among the section of Indian society. If the media (digital and Print) play a good role in eradicationg the social evils of our society, then soon we will be creating a caste free and tolerable society. But if Bollywood also do the same as others then it's time to think. The Bollywood should seriously think about the issue and should learn from the movie not to repeat the same.

Ps. The ban has been lifted up after the apologies and removal of the particular section from lyricist, the movie director and the censor board director. ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/44-what-causes-one-hide-his-identity.html Beauty of languages http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/43-beauty-languages.html Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:23:18 GMT Languages are interesting. some time they may make you feel good other times you may have to feel bad for you don't know each of them.

Languages were a gift of God to humankind to save them from problems and ultimately from death(remember the event of tower of Babel). But these languages in Christ bring glory and honor to God(remember the disciples, praising God in different tounges) . It is so beautiful to see and hear word of God and the beautiful hymns in different languages.

All these languages will be a part of praising our God in heaven, as all the saints will be gathering together to sing Holy Holy Holy to the Lord!

What a majestic scene it will be to see different choirs singing in praise of our God.

* * *

A few days ago I learned that 'tite' means in Tagalog 'sister'. A Korean friend came to our campus and she said, "her name is Lee." So the Filipino friends began to call her, "titeLee".

When I heard this, I was amazed on the name, because when "tite+Lee put together, it becomes 'titeLee" and that means "butterfly" in Hindi!!!:lol:



Thank you Lord for making so many beautiful things in the world, one of them is language. ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/43-beauty-languages.html The Relevance of Gospel in the Context of Indian Social system http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/34-relevance-gospel-context-indian-social-system.html Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:35:14 GMT It is interesting fact of Jesus’ life that He not only came to preach the good news of the kingdom to set the captives free but He also came to heal our sickness of hearts and body. Luke Presented Christ as great healer.Since he was a doctor, the... It is interesting fact of Jesus’ life that He not only came to preach the good news of the kingdom to set the captives free but He also came to heal our sickness of hearts and body. Luke Presented Christ as great healer.Since he was a doctor, the Lord used him in his capacities.

The gospel preached by Christ must heal our social system too. It is the power of God to transform not only human being but the entire aspects related to them. The whole system which is influenced by the sin must be healed by God’s power. And Gospel must confront every evil practice in our life, home and society. Caste system is one of the major aspects of sinful humanity.

I read recently from one author, “caste has to be there and we need to accept it as the feature of Indian society.” My question to the author is, how about those people’s feeling, who have been ‘killed’ physically, spiritually and socially by this ‘feature’ of society?

If Christ can not unite people and bring together under one roof then the sacrificial death of Christ has no meaning, ‘for He died to make us not only reconciled to God but to man to man too.

If you want caste churches to be continued then it means, you are saying, “Let the people be superior and inferior and let them treat each other as they had been doing for generations.” You also saying, “let people continue to treat the image of God ‘as lower’.” What it implies actually, it makes fun of the Creator, who created each one perfectly and declared them to be equally good. Caste Churches don’t follow the gospel but it is the perverted interpretation of the word of God.

The caste based Churches also are a symbol of mixed philosophies. They don’t follow the only way to heaven. They don’t follow the only one who has the Words of life. They compromise God and the idols. The caste based Churches continue to propagate that the Manu and others are right. The Brahma is right, who divided people from their very existence. It is a lie that is perpetuated by the so called Christians, who treat their own brothers as untouchables and make their lives bitter. I wonder! if they will be permitted to enter heaven, for heaven will not tolerate any discrimination. Thank God, Jesus says, I will be with my people, I will be their God, the liars will not be part of that celebration. The racist and the discriminating people will not be there for the presence of God gathers all kind of people and not just any special people or race.

If you think, Indian society can not be caste free society; then, you don’t really have faith in the God, who made this world out of nothing. And ultimately you are implying that your God is not the God of impossible anymore. Remember, He is the one who made Mephiboseth sit on the table of the king. Remember, He is the one who sat with the ‘sinners’ of the society. Remember He said, I live with the person of humble spirit. Remember, Jesus chose disciples from Fisherman, tax collectors, and educated like Paul, Who humbled himself like his Lord, became Paul from Saul. Remember, it was God in Christ, who broke the curtain between the holy of holy. Remember, Christ walked in a Samaritan village, two thousand years ago, for the first time. He made impossible possible in His earthly ministry.

If you think caste Church is God’s plan then it is useless to believe “God honors all” communities. Because the moment you say, caste Church is God’s plan then you are also implying that some people are lower than others and they can not get the special privileges like being Children of the same Father God.

It also implies that God as a Father does not treat his Children equally. He wants them to be divided and to be higher and lower in one family. But this is cruel joke with the Gospel of Christ, who came to restore us in the image of God, with which we no longer see anyone as mere human. It shows that our minds have not yet been renewed by the Holy Spirit and true repentance still needed.

Jesus came to make us new and renew in our mind, heart and daily conduct. If the Christian life does not reflect, the renewal of mind, heart, and daily conduct then, it is useless to say, “so and so is a Christian (Follower of Christ)”, Because Christian means, a follower of Christ and His teachings. Christ message must be reflected in the daily life and must be seen by the people. Christian life is compared to a city on the hill and a candle on the lamp stand which can be noticed by anyone. And ultimately can not be hidden. If the Christian life continue to do what ‘unbelivers’ do then this short of Christians still in darkness and they have not yet seen the Light of the World.
For every society, country, and man, Christ message has to be relevant. The Gospel must penetrate in the inner parts and must transform the inner man, society, and nation. Wherever the Gospel will go, it will confront the local corrupt system and the false values. It will make people uneasy and uncomfortable but it does not matter for Gospel must transform each part of our culture, society and daily life which is contrary to God’s word.

The Gospel must make us see things as Christ would do if He were to visit our life, society and culture. We must ask a question, if Christ were to visit us today, where do you think, he would go first, don’t you think, He identified with the weaker sections of society? Don’t you think that as for Christ there is no difference for any Church gatherings, as they all meet in His name? But it is sad if we make Church higher and lower. Some people false idea is, Christ will visit them first, for they belong to the higher specy of Christianity. It is nonesense.

If people sitting in the church building still think they are better than other followers of Christ, then I would say they have not understood the message of Christ. ‘They need to examine whether they are in faith or not?’, Because the Bible ask us to “consider other better than yourself.” Their thoughts show they are still in their sinfulness and need to repent before God and his people in the light of God’s word.

God made this world one, although divided by physical and cultural boundaries but for God they matter not. He is still the owner of all. And He is the only One Master of all. His mastership must exceed all the human mastership. All the human rules must reflect his nature and thinking. God no where felt ashamed of his true people. He does not feel to be ashamed of their God and king. Shouldn’t this be the standard of His people too? Should we fear, what others will say, if we fellowship with the new believers from oppressed society? Certainly not, for the praise and appauluse will be mere human but If we obey God, our appreciations will be great value.

When we preach Christ crucified then we are spreading the good news of liberation, the liberation not just from sinfulness of heart but the liberation of total human being. The Gospel must enter and the tiny and isolated thoughts. We can not keep some rooms closed to Christ. He must come in each room of our house, life and society. He must see all dirty and nice one. We have to allow Christ not only to our drawing room but to our toilet, kitchen and the bedroom. He must see all the filthiness in our home and transform it. Unless we allow Christ’s presence in all of the rooms of our life, we can not call him Lord of our life, He must be allowed to reach and touch every aspect of life. The people, who want to propagate caste in the Church, are such who limit Christ only to their guest rooms. They are liars, who become blocks for many seekers. Jesus has to come in the house as a Liberator He must set things free which are bounded by sin and false philosophies.

The gospel of Christ must be superior in all the matters and practices. We can not please everyone. Our first and foremost goal is to please our God. We can not mess it with false ideas anything which is inferior and taken from another sources. After all, our pleasing someone (a section of society) will not bring him/them to Christ; it will only serve for a time. We must make God our exclusive standard. Let all the philosophies of the world be inferior to His Word, the supreme authority.

The concept like one people, one baptism, one bowl, One Lord, only Savior and One way, one Master say a lot to the oneness of Christianity. Paul rebuked Corinthians on the point of schism in the Church. If you call yourself of Paul and Apollo’s or of Peter, Is Christ divided? The divisions especially which implies hatred and discrimination can not be part of the kingdom of God. The intention of Christ’s coming was to unite people with God and with man to man.

Any motives which divide people, doesn’t matter, even if it is to plant Churches or to spread the gospel, is contrary to God’s word. And it has no place in the light of God’s Word. The Lord hates those who divide his people on the pretext of false philosophies. The caste system must be uprooted in the light of God’s word and the Christian missionaries must think to do away this sinful practice. The message of Christ must confront it and must purge it from the hearts and minds of the people so that all people, as one, may enjoy God’s presence and continue to worship HIM as their Lord while staying together.

What is Christian’s duty today? Is it by pleasing some people (the so called high caste) to make the church of God grow? No, certainly not. Can pleasing majority will make the Church grow or win people for Christ? No, Gospel is God's standard, it can not be compromised to please some. On the contrary the people of our country must humble themselves before the God of Heaven and His message. The people must follow the rules of the King. Jesus is king of the kings, and we must follow His guidelines in all the ways of life. People can not make their outlines of healing as did Naaman. He thought his recommendation letter from king, gifts, vast army will heal him. But he was wrong and was corrected to believe and act as per God rules. Many people want to come to Christ along with their prejudices and outlines of salvation. They want Church to follow their man made stories. They want to make church their own property instead of the Christ. Any ‘Church’ which does not believe in the Lordship of Christ, is a false Church and has nothing to do with the Head and King.

The regeneration must be seen in every aspect of life and not merely on the altar of God. Jesus must become the Lord in each aspect of life including accepting all people of the same God’s Children and treating them equally and having relationship with them in terms of eating, fellowship and marriage. “If you just greet the people who greet you, then what is good in it? If you marry only from your own people, don’t the unbelievers do the same? What is Christian in it? Jesus must transform us in all matters. If we don’t accept him Lord of all the matter of Life, forget about Jesus Lordship. We must surrender to the will of God to be regenerated, to be citizen of the kingdom of God.

Jesus is ready to heal our corrupt social system but it is only possible if the Disciples of Christ will carry his message faithfully and not mess it up with the secondary thoughts to appease some. Jesus’ message is unique and it gives hope in all the problems of life and even to Indian social system. Jesus waits for the people who will make this truth plain to all believers so that people like Dr. Ambedkar and Dr. Udit Raj will not opt for other faith but the only WAY to emancipation. Jesus message unites people from different cultures and background. He says, “I don’t caste out any from my house if they come. I welcome them. I embrace them, I love them. I give them rest and dignity in my house. I am honored to be the God of renewed sinners.” “The lamb and lion shall sit together in my kingdom.”
The first fruit of the Holy Spirit-Love must be exhibited for God and for his wonderful people.

The caste system must not be practiced inside Church and all the people should be treated as brothers and sisters, “for the old has gone and new has come”. If we only claim only love God and not his people, and not practice what the Bible says, then let’s be sure to hear from the Lord Jesus Christ, “I know you not.” ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/34-relevance-gospel-context-indian-social-system.html The Man behind Gandhi! http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/32-man-behind-gandhi.html Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:44:03 GMT This week on Oct 2nd the Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated as the Day of Non-Violence and peace by the United Nations. “Mahatma Gandhi is a personal hero”, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. The day was celebrated to remember Gandhi and... This week on Oct 2nd the Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated as the Day of Non-Violence and peace by the United Nations. “Mahatma Gandhi is a personal hero”, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. The day was celebrated to remember Gandhi and His principle of Non-Violence. This program was attended by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of India’s ruling United Progressive Alliance, Who spoke on the relevance of the teachings of M.K. Gandhi, “His teachings are very relevant and timely needed for all the people.”

Gandhi jee is famous for his teachings. The whole world knows him as a great man. His main contribution to the world was non-violence, peace, simple Life and truth. I have no problem respecting Gandhi jee as he indeed was a great man of his day. I also accept him as father of our nation.

But I want to question some of the things which I have been startling in my mind. The first thing is about Gandhi jee’s Non Violence; I want to you know where did He get this idea from?

Most of our country men consider, he was a worshipper of Ram god. Other’s point out that his insights came from Geeta. Well, it is the people’s idea but this is not mine. I don’t believe Gandhi learned Non-Violence from the gods of Geeta or Ramayana. Why? because Ram throughout his life killed uncounted people and fought for his kingdom and wife.
Krishna, the other god was also engaged in the Mahabharata (the famous battle) of Pandavas and Kouravas. He said that he will not fight directly but will simply a help (sarthi) to run the chariot. But the Kourvas forced him to take up his bow and fight.

Who else do you want to name? In Hindu religion, there is no god or goddess, who can be named a non violent being? Name any and you will find them in their scriptures fighting for their throne, fighting for their people, fighting for their kingdoms against people and demons etc. Their stories end when they win.So it is hard to say to that Gandhi jee’s role model was anyone from Indian soil.

Well, this is how I see Gandhi jee’s Non-Violence. He found His guiding principles in the Life of Christ. Gandhi jee read The Bible, specially the New Testament thoroughly and He saw Christ life and teachings. He himself said, “I’m very much influenced by the New Testament specially the Sermon On the Mount.” It is from the Bible, that Gandhi jee took the principle of Non Violence and practiced it.

We should honor Gandhi jee for his Non-Violence life and principles but I believe we must also ask the question who stands behind these principles giving us, a model of simple life, Non-Violence and practicing truth. The media and the people must know the God-man, who lived in history, two thousand years ago. The people who honor Gandhi jee and his principles must also pay honor and respect to the original source of Non-Violence and a simple life.

It was Lord Jesus Christ who became the model for the humanity. He never took physical weapons to kill anybody, indeed on one occasion, He taught His disciples, that that use swords, will be killed by swords”. He forgave the people who crucified Him. His disciples like Stephan and Paul and many others followed Him. The recent one is a famous Australian Christian missionary Glady Staines who forgave her husband Graham Staines and two little children’s killer.

It is good that Gandhi jee quoted Jesus’ teachings and practiced them but it is also equally important to give the proper credit to the original God-man, Jesus Christ. It is sad that Gandhi jee repeatedly talked about other things but forgot to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savoir. We must also know that Jesus was not just a good teacher or another good man as was stated by Gandhi jee but that Jesus is the unique way to bring peace between God and His people. ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/32-man-behind-gandhi.html Indian society needs change... http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/31-indian-society-needs-change.html Wed, 03 Oct 2007 03:31:35 GMT “… Indian society needs to change; it needs to inculcate the values of doubt and dissent….Nowhere in the world would you find the kind of abominable caste system that still persists in India, and the indignities that are heaped on humanity. Yet such... “… Indian society needs to change; it needs to inculcate the values of doubt and dissent….Nowhere in the world would you find the kind of abominable caste system that still persists in India, and the indignities that are heaped on humanity. Yet such issues are very cleverly skirted by organizations like the VHP (World Hindu Congress).”*

Well said swami Agnivesh. This is the need of the time. If our society don’t change our superstitions and baseless beliefs then we can not imagine, India becoming a developed nation in the world.

If there are differences at home how can you talk about the peace and unity of the world? What is the meaning of vashudhev kutumbhkum (whole world one family) from your concept? At home you divide people into four divisions and countless subdivisions then how can, we be one people? What kind of religion is that which asks to pay homage to stones and to worship the animals and birds yet when it comes to treat our own fellow being we consider them lower beings?

The foundation of beliefs like caste system, (untouchability) and making women inferiors, which does not make sense any more, must be done away. After all, don’t we throw away garbage which hinders daily life? Do we keep the dirty and old clothes in our home? Do we keep the old plastic or leather shoes in our homes don’t we do away from them? Do we keep the garbage in our home which disturbs the beauty of the home? Don’t we sell it to the junk people (the kabadi)? Don't we chage our jobs to get better payments? Don't we change the doctor if we dont improve from sickness? Don't we change the bus or train if getting late or want a comfortable seats? If this is the case with the physical beauty and cleanliness of homes and body, IF this is case with our daily life and necessacities, then why shouldn’t we think doing away it in the religion too?

If Indians can not do it then don’t blame the people who want freedom and dignity through other faiths and conversions. It is always important to believe in the best. If my forefather or any other were living today they might have asked me to do the same, son! “Do away with the things which keep you enslaved and under oppression. Throw away the chains of slavery which we had been carrying generations after generations.” They might say, “We wish we could do it in our time but there were no provisions for it. Nobody thought about other alternatives but son, “you have the alternatives. Why people should still consider you degrading, when you have all the talents and qualities of life? Why should you be humiliated like us in the 21st century like our times?”

While all Indians know about this bitter truth that untouchability exists in our society and it degrades the countless human beings, not many seem to bothering about it at least the Hindutva contractors. Why should they bother about it, for if they do, their ‘chair’ will be shared by the “lower humans?” These ‘lower people’ will ask to sit beside, to send their children in better schools, to pay them appropriate amount of wages for their hard work, to give them equal opportunity. It is absurd to talk about “India is shining” or calling “ India is great.” without solving the problems of social evils like caste system and low treatment of women’s at home and work.

Yes, if things don’t change, let people follow the steps of Dr. Ambedkar in rejecting those sacred books and unwanted practices of our society. The Dalits and the oppressed must find the solution today for them and for their dear children, so that they don’t anymore be degraded, just because of their birth in a particular caste or belief system. No problem, if others don’t play a role for change, now lets do it ourself. Don’t wait for the last time. Good work should be done as soon possible. We have seen the history and there is nothing to be doubt of our success. Throw away the chains imposed on you and on your children and let the change begun today…

Jesus said, "YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE."


* http://www.time.com/time/world/artic...100748,00.html [/INDENT][/INDENT][/CENTER][/LEFT][/RIGHT] ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/31-indian-society-needs-change.html Why do some of our people hate Christianity? http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/28-why-do-some-our-people-hate-christianity.html Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:06:03 GMT
Christian service is hated because it is a greater threat to the Hindu social order than the phony ones.Consider this scenario:

Kallu grazes his landlord's cattle. He is an illitrate, landless, poor, "untouchable" peasent who dresses in rags and goes barefoot. He gets a little cut on his dirty feet. which turns septic. He goes to the village doctor who sells him an ointment. The oitment is good, but ineffective without proper washing, badaging and shoes. kallu has little sense of hygene and the upper caste doctor isn't going to wash a Shudra's feet. The infection ulcerates and spreads. Kallu is not able to keep his job, his family is not able pay for his treatement, so he is thrown out on the streets of Kolkatta to beg and die. His family loves him, but is unable to cope with a white elephant whose "karma" is taking him to an early death. His caste may be sad for him, but the rest dont care.

A mother Teresa (or a Graham Staines) comes along and interrupts Kallu's "karmic suffering. The misionary is scandalized that a family and a culture can discard a human being with such indignity. She washes the "untouchable"s feet with her own hands. She not merely treat him but also appeal to generous Western donors to hel feed him.

The misisonary belives that she is simply obeying Jesus' command to love her neighbor as herself. she dies not have the faintest idea that in fact she is stirring up a revolution. She has thrown down a gauntlet at a three thousand year old worldview and religious system. kallu is shocked to discover that he is not an 'untouchable', that he is in fact precoius.

Why? The misionary says that she loves him because God does and because he commanded us to love our neighbor.

"How do you know God loves me?"

"I know because He sent his Son to take your sin upon himself. Jesus shed his blood as the sacrificial lamb of God to save you from eternal death in hell."

Kallu can not belive anyone loves him, let alone that someone would love him enough to die for him. But the missionary is irrfutable evidence that someone does love him and holds him precious. Kallu is attracted to the missioanry's belief system. His family is overjoyed by the new life that has been given to him freely. They want to convert to new faith; in fact, their whole caste has become interested in exploring a worlview that affirms their dignity.

The upper caste in their village are infuriated that their slaves want to escape their slavery. Weren't these folk born to serve us because of their bad "karma"? Do they now want to become our equals? Will these misionaries educate these sub-humans and make them officers- our doctors, inspecters and judges? Who will then graze our cattle? If upper caste landlords don't prevent Kallu's conversion, their economy, life-style and culture would indeed be ruined.

Options open to the upper castes?

a) To outdo the misionary's service.

b) To condemn her, and forcefully prevent her from serving the likes of Kallu.But if they can't get the govt. to throw the missionary out of the country then, they claim their only option is

c) to murder her.

The misisonaries try to show the love of God in practical ways to the needy and despised. The missionaries obey their Lord to love their neighbor, the image of God. And they want to make the society and our courrpted culture better but some don't like it for above mentioned reasons.

Should misionaries stop this work No not at all. Jesus loves us and commanded us to serve God and his people till the end of the age as He will be with us there.

So the work of God, transforming the lives, cultures and society and nations still continues...

The readers may join us in prayers for the Work.

(Major part of this article has been taken from "The Quest for Freedom and Dignity by Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi, It is published by Bibles for the World, CO, USA., Thanks Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi.)
]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/28-why-do-some-our-people-hate-christianity.html Costly worship... http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/21-costly-worship.html Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:00:18 GMT People with the wrong philosophies trouble every where. It is very true of our nation. A young man had to pay for his life because of entring a temple to worship god Shiva. This happend a few months ago, when a youth of 26 years, belonging to a,... People with the wrong philosophies trouble every where. It is very true of our nation. A young man had to pay for his life because of entring a temple to worship god Shiva.

This happend a few months ago, when a youth of 26 years, belonging to a, so called, lower cast went into a temple to pray, he was beaten for entering into the temple of god Shiva. This young man died in the hospital due to severe injuries.

The temples are basically meant for higher castes, although built by the labor and sweat of labor castes. Once they are built, entry is restricted for "lower humans". The lower caste makes, the 20% of the total (1 billion) population.

The cry has been raised thousand of years ago till today, "come over and help us."

Blessed are the feet of those who bring good news, message of hope and freedom.

Many are waiting to hear that God loves them and treates them equally with dignity and respect. Since they have not been given option, it is hard to blame them.

The question still remains the same, Who will go for us? Who will help us to go?

Will you?

http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/feb/09dalit.htm ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/21-costly-worship.html Culture and Ministry http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/10-culture-ministry.html Mon, 10 Sep 2007 03:19:29 GMT Introduction: Cultures wow! We all feel proud of them when it comes to talk. We talk about our culture a lot when somebody takes interest in that. The cultures are very much part of our identity. We reflect them. Each country and people group has... Introduction: Cultures wow! We all feel proud of them when it comes to talk. We talk about our culture a lot when somebody takes interest in that. The cultures are very much part of our identity. We reflect them. Each country and people group has its own. And in most cases we are proud of our cultures. While we should be feeling proud of our cultures, we must also remember from the biblical point of view that all the cultures of the world are infected by sin. Each culture of the world has some good points and bad points. No culture in the world is perfect one.

Cultures are made of beliefs, traditions, values, language, music, dressing and behaving, different foods habits etc. When we go out of our cultures we feel uneasy and uncomfortable for it becomes harder for us to manage the life.

When it comes to Church…how it affects:

1) Food habits: for example in our North East culture you eat beef, pork etc freely but when it comes to North Indian states, you can not do so in some particular places and communities. If you are a minister and trying to reach the lost for God then you must think of North Indian way of eating. May be you have to stop your own eating habits and adopt the vegetables and Roti if you want to be effective to reach the people. The people of North India will accept you, more easily if you follow the local food habits. If you don’t follow then you ministry is going to suffer and people even may not give you their house on rent for worship and residence purpose.
Although as believers, we must remember that “food does not draw us to closer to God and if we don’t eat it, it does not keep us away from HIM.”. Our culture of eating has great impact on our Church ministry especially in Asian set up.

2. Smoking and drinking: Smoking and drinking also play important role in the cultures. In the Western Culture a minister can drink and smoke and still accepted by the people in general and Church members. In North East India they can chew a pan, chew tobacco and smoke but drinking is not allowed. If you drink then you can not serve and be a pastor. Well, in North India and Nepal as a whole, the minister and the believers both are expected not to drink, chew tobacco and smoke. The pastor or minister can not do that at all. IF they do the church will not allow them to be their head. The seminaries and Bible Schools in North India does not accept students who smoke, chew tobacco and drink, if found guilty of doing that then after warning the students are sent home.
If in a new situation where you have to plant a Church then you can not smoke, drink, chew tobacco, if you do and people notice you then be sure, no one is going to hear you and take you as a serious man. You message will be taken lightly. And people will be gossiping about you.

3. Traditions: Dress and outlook: there are girls who in order to share the love of God with the Muslim put on veil on them. If they don’t put this, they will not be considered good girls either leave alone the religious ones. And it is good that they have been accepted. T o share the love of God the culture need to be maintained not to be religious but to let people accept them with their Message.
In some particular places the Christians use the Sadhoos dress to be accepted by the people of the locality, when it became hard for them to stay there and to share the gospel. They changed it for the sake of God. In the villages area the girls with the pants and shorts are not accepted but with kurta and shalwar appreciated.


4. Sab chalta hai culture (All is Ok): In our country this saying is common to all. In Philippines it is ‘bahalana’. To get your work done, we might be asked by the offices to pay extra money. This is bad, but when we don’t pay, they make us come again and wait. Many times there may be work which needs to be done in time but because of this “sab chalta hai “ thing, even the ‘lating’ does not matter, they say it is ok. But according to God’s word, late is not good. How does it affect the Church, the Christians are also tempted to bribe to the officials. While we should not be giving that, many fall prey to it.

If a member is a sick and did not attend worship service, then the Pastor is also tempted with this philosophy, no matter, if he/she did not come. The church will still continue, but it is a bad thing to think like this. We should be going and meeting the member and asking what went wrong. And then we can pray and give some counseling and advice.

5. Culture of modern media: The modern media has given some good positive points to the ministry of Church. With satellite channel and broadcastings we can reach the world with the message of hope and salvation. Radio ministry, TV ministry and internet have given more opportunities to us to minister to masses. The media makes possible for us to reach where we can not reach physically. And it makes possible that we can reach millions of people at one time, which physically not possible, although media can not do what we personally if allowed can do.
If you can not carry a Bible to Middle East or restricted Communist states, the Computer makes it possible that wherever you are, you can get Bible printed now. This a good gift of modern technology to the Church. Printing Bible and other Theological books now been made easy and cheaper, this in the olden times was not possible.
The Christian music, messages, and drama can be listened to any corner of the world through internet and computer. We must be thankful to God for giving us such “media means” to reach the people with his message. The Church should seize the opportunity to present the gospel.

Along with some advantages of media we are also getting pornography, other cultures/faiths being propagated, light moral values (just do it) being propagated. And our members, youth and kids get impacted by these or struggle with these. The Church need to know its disadvantage for her members and take necessary steps.

Conclusion: There is no complete and perfect culture. What for me is appropriate may be wrong for other culture. When God created man and women, they were in the perfect state and culture but when sin entered the world, all things became corrupted including the cultures. As the world is becoming global village, the cultures are changing and they are not absolute anymore but wherever they are strong enough, the church should honor them as far as they don’t contradict the Word and God’s will. But there are some bad cultures too, like burning of widow in the past, killing baby girl, dowry system, burning of bride, caste system, bribe, polygamy, etc the Church need to preach against them and bring reform in the society. The cultures of sin and oppression need to be redeemed in and Through Christ. All cultures need to seen right and wrong in the light of the word of God, which is ultimate authority of decision in all maters. And if there is anything which is not mentioned in word, then we need be wise and use our head to decide basically it should be depending on the Christian values. ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/10-culture-ministry.html <![CDATA[Dalit Children entry makes 'temple polluted']]> http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/1-dalit-children-entry-makes-temple-polluted.html Sun, 09 Sep 2007 12:34:48 GMT
Almost, every day there is news related to Dalit atrocities. On September 1 also, it was reported by Indian Express that in Danapur (Bihar), " Steaming 'dal' was poured on a Dalit woman and her six-month-old daughter, while several others were beaten up for allowing their children to play in the premises of a temple here, police said on Saturday."*1

These children of Dalit caste never knew that they will be punished for playing in the local temple premises. When a man belonging to Yadav caste saw this he "objected and roughed up the children". Later on, the parents of these children came and spoke in favor of their children, which the Yadavas did not like. They made a decision to teach a lesson to the dalit women and children. So these 'high caste' man and his family members, later on on the same day evening, beaten the 3 women and their children, and not only that " Steaming 'dal' (boiling soup of pulses) was poured on a Dalit woman and her six-month-old daughter."

What a sad thing to read. Children who knew nothing about what was their fault, were punished. These children may not know that they were "lower' humans and not allowed to enter in the temple of their gods. Shame on our society, and on our system, where the educated people involve in such inhuman activities. The man, who involved in the crime was an educated one, retired from the Indian railways.

Yes, For these reasons, Dr. Ambedkar protested against the Caste system. And he literally burned the book called Manusmariti, publicly on 25th December- 1927, which divided the people into different sections, making them lower and higher. And on that same day Dr. Ambedkar asked his followers to take the following wows:

1. I do not believe on Chaturvarna based on birth.

2. I do not believe in caste distinctions.

3. I believe that untouchability is an anathema on Hinduism and I will honestly try my best to completely destroy it.

4. Considering that there is no inequality, I will not follow any restrictions about food and drink among at least all Hindus.

5. I believe that untouchables must have equal rights in temples, water sources, schools and other amenities.*2

Well, Dr. Ambedkar did his best to fight against the evil of societies in regards to caste system. And little has improved but mostly, it is same even today, as it was during the time of Dr. Ambedkar. He has been called 'Messiah' by the Dalits because of his love and contribution for his people.

Nothing is wrong in calling Dr. Ambedkar as Messiah, but let me point out that, 'Messiah is the biblical term and has been used only for Jesus Christ, who loved his people, cared for them, fought for them against injustices and ill practices of then religious and social system.

Jesus Christ, the Messiah stood with the lepers, the outcaste, the unclean, the Samaritans (the untouchables), the tax-collectors and with the weaker section of the people. He became the voice for the voiceless. His love and work was perfect and great for his people. The weaker section of the people, the womens, the sinners, the uncleans loved HIM and liked Him but the religious, social and political authrities hated him very much. But Jesus did not disassociate Himself from the service of the humanity. He said to the people, "I have come to serve and not to be served." His teachings inspired his disciples to carry the misisons in the first century until now. He stands with with the people even now invisibly and speakes for them.

The Church today is Messiah's agent to do the same for the weaker sections. Many people hate the Church and its teachings, not because they are wrong or corrupt but because they attack the evil practices of the societies and brings dignity, equality, peace, freedom, liberation to the adhrents. The oppressers and the evil minded people can not bear that. They want a system which will protect their system of enequality and social injusctice.

The same loving Messiah shouts for Dalits (children) today, "Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them, for the kindom of God belongs to such as these." Jesus' discples had thought, the children would disturb the function and meeting with Jesus but Jesus asked his disciples, not to stop the children from His presence. When children were brought to Him, He loved and blessed them. What a love of the SAVIOUR! Many thanks to the Messiah of the oppressed and the lover of children.

Jesus teaches us a lesson to love the children, work for them and to do our best for them. The children ministry of the Church plays an important role in the eyes of their CREATOR.

All the children, women, and people are welcomed in the house of God (the Church). And there is no discrimination. If there is, then, those people do not know who Christ, the Messiah is and They are liars according to the Bible, though they claim to know God but they have no relation with HIM.

Will our poeple understand this?

*1.http://www.indianexpress.com/story/213973.html

*2. www.ambedkar.org ]]> Raj http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/raj/1-dalit-children-entry-makes-temple-polluted.html