Why Pope follows two ways in the name of God – Globalization of “division” / “denomination”and “caste”!
Introduction: The call of the head of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches on the North American Christian family made to “engage in some house cleaning” as divisions within the Church and lack of collaboration for God’s mission continue to plague the Body of Christ” last month (September 2007) is interesting. It is not known why their houses are so dirty to be cleaned. If at all dirty, how that dirt has come and by whom, it has been deposited in their houses is not clear. To what extent, the “House cleaning” can go, as it “plagues the body of Christ”!
The speeches of Christians, Christian leaders, writers and others and also that of Pope from time to time appears to be very strange, intriguing and contradicting. The following is the news item which criticizes the “divisions’ among the Christians of USA and
Canada, both are very advanced nations on the earth with all comforts and wealth. God has showered and provided them with everything, but why the “division” should come?
| Christian ‘House Cleaning’ Needed Amid Divisions, Says Global Church Leader
By Eric YoungChristian Post ReporterMon, Sep. 17 2007 09:46 AM EThttp://www.christianpost.com/article/20070917/29333_Christian_”House_Cleaning”_Needed_Amid_Divisions,_Says_Global_Church_Leader.htmThe head of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches called on the North American Christian family to “engage in some house cleaning” as divisions within the Church and lack of collaboration for God’s mission continue to plague the Body of Christ.WARC general secretary Setri Nyomi said that when Reformed churches heal divisions in their own families and commit themselves to engage in mission in unity with other Christians, they are fulfilling an essential Reformed call.“It is a shame that there are so many divisions within the Christian family – especially within the Reformed family,” he added in a presentation Friday marking the 150th anniversary of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in
North America. “This shameful tendency calls us as Reformed Christians to engage in some house cleaning within our own family.”The Dutch Reformed churches in the
Netherlands, where the CRC traces its roots to, have a long history of mergers and schisms, and the CRC has not escaped these. The CRC split from the Reformed Church in
America in an 1857 Secession, which was in part the result of a theological dispute that originated in the
Netherlands. Some other denominations later merged with the CRC, most notably the True Protestant Dutch Reformed Church in 1890. Other churches later split from the CRC, including the Protestant Reformed Church in the mid 1920s, the Orthodox Christian Reformed Church in 1988, and the United Reformed Churches in North America in 1996. |
“Anti-Dalitness”: Believers have to respect their “beliefs” in the name of their “God”. “In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond / slave nor free, male or female; for ye / you are all one in Jesus / Jesus Christ” (Galatians 3.28). This is very often quoted for the Christian equity, Jesus justice, ecclesiastic equality, Gender equality and so on. But why there has been social segregation and discrimination?
“ John Sentamu, became the
Britain’s first Black Archbishop (June 2005), he brought out one book in which he says that the Church of England is “institutionally racist”. Immediately, the “Daily Telegraph” (September 2005) dismissed this as nonsense quoting
St Paul that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek. They said that
St Paul might have added that are there black or white archbishops, merely good and bad ones. “ That is they try to interpret theologically, in the appointment of Archbishops, there is no discrimination based on colour! “ Of course, UK blacks pointed out that MacPherson inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence introduced them to the uncomfortable concept of institutional racism in the Police. “ They point out that racism goes beyond individual attitudes and experience to their collective experience of fairness and justice and noted the discrimination in Katrina relief in
USA. In the land of individual freedom and opportunity it was poor Black people Hurricane Katrina left stranded in
New Orleans suffered heavily.
The CRC and DRC are definitely racist Churches. The DRC divides African Christians – Whites, Blacks and Coloured / Browns and allows three Churches accordingly. Whether DRC merges with CRC or otherwise, the white dominated Churches always treat the non-whites inferior. For them, it is black, brown, etc is irrelevant. This is further aggravated by their theological positions and rivalries. When a non-white comes to higher position, immediately, the whites oppose one way or the other. Maximum, they can have the postings of Bishop and Cardinal, but can they have a Black or Brown as Pope? Can they have woman as Pope? Therefore, the “anti-Dalitness” or the oppressive, suppressive, repressive, tyrannical, despotic and exploitative authority is accepted, justified and concretized theologically. [Note, the word “dalit” is a misnomer and it does not connote any exclusive group as writers and journalist try to imply].
Besides, theology, money, material benefits and other factors join the race. In the western world, the bishops, priests, theologians, and other religious functionaries have not been religious but material enjoying the life. More spirit flows into their mouth than the coming out Spirituality of God. Their affluent, opulent, status of both combined take them as the most privileged at higher-higher level.
So the sharing of material benefits affect their theology reflected in theology and refracted through race and other ethnic factors ultimately percolated as hardened divisions in the society. Jesus or Christ, Joseph or Jehovah, Mary or Mary Magdalene, the apostles, saints, who is responsible?
Racism, racialism and Christianity: Racism and Christianity in American and European political and social regulations, controls and immigration laws have been implicit acting at different levels. The White males openly vent out their feelings of Racism through Christian fundamentalism. The Christian politicians of the west have never hidden their hatred, as many times, they have been explicit in mannerism and body language. Remember, in August 2007 how Indians were beaten up brutally by the German racists? If one goes by colour, the beaten-up Indians appear white only. Why then the Germans attacked? So for them, it would be easy to thrust on their brethren, as “caste” has already been there in
India, with due courtesy of the “Portuguese invention”!
But, why Christians still practice such shameful “divisions” much against the wishes of the Pope? The assertion that, “The divisions which exist among Christians are a scandal to the world,” appears to be applicable globally, as he points specifically. How it could amount to disgrace, dishonour, humiliation, outrage or indignity, they have to explain.
| Pope: Christian Divisions a ‘Scandal”
By Brian MurphyAP Religion WriterThu, Nov. 30 2006 09:38 AM ETISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) – Pope Benedict XVI called divisions among Christians a “scandal to the world” at a joint ceremony Thursday with the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christian church, which split from Catholicism nearly 1,000 years ago.……………………………………
“The divisions which exist among Christians are a scandal to the world,” the pope said after joining Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to mark the feast day of St. Andrew, who preached across
Asia Minor and who is believed to have ordained the first bishop of
Constantinople, now
Istanbul. |
Sin, scandal or sanctified? For Christians, sin is a “moral defection”, but every “moral defection” is subjected to interpretation theologically and they can only decide whether it is really defective morally or otherwise. So “sins” are sinning and sinned and no botheration. As it has been fail-safe, fool-proof and above all, infallible, none can ask about it also. Scandal, oh, it is theological again. It is not ordinary scandal for gossiping, gimmick for comments or fraud to be questioned. So if it is sanctified, no discussion in the name of God. This is very tricky in the theological context.
V Paul exhorts the church in Rome to be gentle and accommodating, not quarrelsome, ‘for the sake of the weaker members’. Don’t judge each other but live and die for the Lord so that you will know that under the judgement of God we are all found wanting. To know your own weakness helps you to be tolerant of others.
V Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”
V Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18.21-22).V It is also quoted: “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”. “Do as you would be done by”. V It amounts to enslaving a person again after his release, as someone is responsible for his release! And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. V So their heavenly Father will also do to every one of them, if they do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart. (Matthew 18.35). V So Indian Christians can escape theologically for oppressing and suppressing their brethren putting blame on Supreme Court, Indian Constitution, Hindu religion and so on!
Indian Christians and Theology: Of course, in India, our Christian friends too debate about the rights of “Dalit Christians”! It is evident that the “Dalit Christians” do not fit into Indian Christian social entity or Global Christian status. While they debate about divisions and denominations, here, they are perplexed about the –
V “division within division” or
V “denomination within denomination” or V “division among the denomination” or
V “denomination within the division” and so on!
Ultimately, every theologian would laugh to know that what is going on in
India is better than the ones happening in USA, Europe and African countries.
After all, their “God” is same only, whether he is prayed at USA, European countries or India, but why the divisions are shame? If there is no caste for Christianity or Christian God, then, it should be applicable to Indian Christians also, as Christianity and Christian God cannot be different for them. Suppose, if they have to accept caste and untouchability, then, their Christianity and God become redundant, because Christianity become unsuccessful and God too failed utterly in their case. They can no longer claim that “Jesus never fails”, as already “Christ” has gone with the “caste”!
Pope, Caste and India: The “Dalit Christians” give memorandum to the Pope accusing the Casteist Hierarchical Church Authorities in India with copies to the Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican,
Italy, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, New Delhi and various Councils / Congregation / Commissions of Cardinals and Bishops in Vatican. So they in turn bring pressure on the government to cover up their “divisions”, “denominations”, “congregations” etc., working in segregation, racism, racialism and superiority complex. But, who perpetuate caste in India?
N Pope Gregory XV (1621-1623) formally sanctioned caste divisions in theIndian Church. This papal bull confirmed earlier decisions of the local Church hierarchy in 1599 and 1606. N The Bull “Bulla Romanae Sodis Antistitis” dated January 31, 1623 accedes to the requests of the missionaries to accommodate themselves to certain caste practices and usages of the new converts. N The Bull of Pope Gregory XV, “Bulla Romanae Sedis Antistitis”, dated 31 January 1623, accedes to the requests of the missionaries to accommodate themselves to certain caste practices and usages of the new converts. The Pope was granting this permission only as a provisional and conditional measure.
N Why can’t the present Pope annul the Bull to prove his egalitarian or utopian position?
If they believe in God, then all discrimination in the name of accepted God and religion should be accepted theologically. If Christian theology itself has such discrimination as exhibited in US and European societies, then, such social discriminations in India cannot be differentiated. When such discriminations, scandals and sins could exist in the advanced, civilized and 100% pure Human-right enforcing countries, why they bother about India?
Christianity, caste and untouchability: In spite of the tall claims made but the Christians, the caste, racism, untouchability and other factors have been there in Christianity. The hundreds of denominations in different countries based on theology, practices, tribes etc., are the direct proof. Pope Gregory XV published a bull sanctioning caste regulations in the Christian Churches of India.
Even the U. N. Commission of Inquiry (1953) into the racial situation in
South Africa reported the Biblical background of inspiration for them to adopt “Apartheid” or “Christian caste system” with untouchability [Genesis. 9.25, Joshua. 9.21, 23 ” 27].
Noah”s curse on his grandson Canaan (Gen. 9:20-27) served as the prime proof text for their twisted arguments but sanctified ones. When Noah exited the ark, he planted a vineyard. He sampled too much of his wine, got drunk, and lay naked inside his tent. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham had a son named Canaan. Ham saw his father”s nakedness, but his brothers walked backward into the tent to avoid the sight. When Noah awoke, he put a curse on Ham”s son, declaring that
Canaan “shall be a slave to his brothers.” The drawers of waters have to draw waters for ever and brewer of wood should brew wood forever! For, “Biblical Defenses of Segregation”, see the following site: http://www.h-net.org/~south/archives/threads/biblical.html
Untouchability also finds its way to Bible [Joshua. 9.19]. In
Ireland, there are separate streets for Roman Catholics and Protestants, as each group treats others “untouchables”. Whites treat non-whites accordingly in US and European countries. As the converted Indian Christians follow their God and scriptures faithfully, they follow the same principles in
India. So whether, it is denomination or division, it works faithfully without fail.
Slavery has been a divine approved system [Levi. 25: 44-46; Timothy. 6.11]. Prasadam offered to Jehovah should not be eaten by others [Exo.12:43]. They should not touch things holy to him or offer sacrifice [Levi. 22:25]. Bible should not be taught to others [Jewish Encyclopedia, Vol. 5, p.623; Exo.27:33]. They cannot offer incense [Numbers.16:40]. They should not approach the holy tabernacle i.e, the “Garba Griha” / Sanctum Sanctorum [Numbers 1.51]. In MNcs, do you find any white or foreigner cleaning bathrooms or latrines or engaged in “house-keeping” job??
“Dalit Theology” is the superior theology masqueraded in mere theoretical egalitarianism to fool “Dalits” projecting Jesus as the Super Star Saviour and Christianity to solve all their social problems, suppressing all cold facts, historical truths and the past tract record of Christianity. But, whether Jesus fails or the Pope fails or the Bishops fail, the Indian converted Christians shuld watch carefully and realize the facts.
“Liberation Theology” is nothing but “Christian Communism” with God offered in different garb mainly advocating violence. It advocates violence, terrorism and anti-national activities in a country where it is preached. After the death of Communism and exposure of their deadly acts in Latin American countries, they have turned their attention to “Dalit Theology”. When the million of dollars coming is divided and given to their brethren, the problem is solved. Why then, Bishops loot banks and indulge in such activities?
Theological and political Christians: The dishonest Christians suppress everything and try to fool the gullible SCs and STs projecting that their religion saves them. they could not save their own souls of SCs / STs with dubious methods. There are A to Z Churches with denominations (castes) running into more than 3000 depending upon the nation, language, ethnicity, culture, civilization and other factors. The matrimonial columns appearing in the newspapers and periodicals expose their hypocrisy, as the bride / groom are hunted only on the basis of “caste” and not on the “Christ”!
Crores of Rupees flow into India from abroad to convert
India to Christianity. World Christian Organizations never hide this plan. After the Neogi Commission Report, they have only changed their tactics in routing the money. Political pressure at national and international levels is applied through different cannels to pump money in. only 30-40% is actually spent under the guise of charity, service, and liberation etc., whereas, 60-70% is adjusted in their manipulated accounts duly certified. They have formed their own high castes and they do not want to share profits with the new converts. They treat them just as “natives” counting numbers and sending statistical figures to parent organizations. Thus, the discrimination persists and percolates to bottom reaching new complications and crating new social tensions. Therefore, to divert the issue, as decided by the World Council of Churches and other organizations, they set up different “research groups” to shift the blame to Hinduism and escape. After politicizing, they have tried to internationalize the issue. Whoever Indian writer, journalist or “scholar”, who supports this theory, is received aboard usually USA or Germany and taken care of.
Globalization, Liberalization and Privatization in Christianity: Christianity works globally with all tactics, network and associations. Their operations missionary have been worldwide, the evangelical angles evade all territories and thus international, their goods and services been inter-continental, their funds transfer in large-scale, and thus, everything has to be studied at micro level. Therefore, globalization of godly and theological disputes, internationalization their divine differences, privatization of punishments but liberalization of sins have been unique and exceptiona. They cannot be controlled by any national or international acts and rules. Through WTO, they get all exemptions, double-taxation benefits, of course with many pay-backs. Therefore, there should be limitation at one level.
From scandalous division to fraudulent caste suppression: In the age of Globalization, global flows and religious encounters, the “scandalous division” has to be taken as “technology / theological transfer” taken place in India without any MOU or IPR. That it had entered in to
India in the 16th – 17th centuries and perpetuated, protected, propagated and preserved has been marvelous one. Perhaps, none could have created such more than 400 years working system in
India without after-sales service, upgradation of “technology / theological transfer” and support. The “harvest” / royalty percentage, they get has been enormous in fund flows to the respective country. Only the point is that certain Christian groups want to absorb, indigenize and make it Indigenous one. They tried with all methods – inculturation, inter-religious dialogue, dalit theology, liberation theology and so on. They are reaping the harvest. They sow what they get. So they have to do some R ” D to find out the solutions for the following problems:
V Why Jesus Christ differentiates their believers? V Why the Pope discriminate his sons and daughters? V Why the Bishops separate the sheep with colours?V Pope called division as “scandal”, then is it not caste here a “fraud”?V Why then Pope encourage such fraud in
India?V Why they should have two types of religion, Jesus and scriptural interpretation one there in the west and another in India?
All these clearly prove that the conversion is also a scandal in
India, even if Pope does not accept in Indian context. It is a scandalous fraud in
India carried on in the name of religion. If the minds are not turned towards Jesus or Christ or Mary or Joseph or Jehovah etc., then, it is shameful, disgraceful, immoral and outrageous for any Christian to convert any Indian in India. The onus lies on them for every subsequent social, political, legal and any other problem or crisis.
But, still it is going on. Can they be asked to get it patented all methods adapted and adopted? It is right time that the hundreds of thousands of missionaries working in India should get registered with the Indian government so that whether what the processes they carry out in their missionary-factories are not harmful to themselves and as well as to India. We can have some sort of theological Pollution Control Board, whenever, they want to dispose their waste, scrap, sludge etc., a they may contain hazardous contents. As they have been given and provided with various exemptions and concessions, it is quite reasonable that they should be answerable to Indians about their processing, and other activities.
VEDAPRAKASH
09-10-2007
Issues concerning Indian society 