Christian leaders urge pope to defend religious freedom in Russia
In Russia, a Russian Orthodox group wants the Bhagavad Gitā banned, claiming that Hinduism’ sacred text has “dangerous contents”. Embarrassed Russian authorities reiterate their “great respect” for the book.
Bhopal (AsiaNews) – Leaders from a Christian group, the Isai Mahasangh (IMS) in Madhya Pradesh, have written to Benedict XVI asking him to oppose this violation of religious freedom in Russia. They made the request after a Russian Orthodox group in the city of Tomsk tried to get a court to ban the Bhagavad Gitā, Hinduism’ sacred text, because of its violent content and praise for social conflict.
For Hindus in Russia and India, the claims made about the book are seen as absurd. Russian authorities are embarrassed by the case, which could turn into a diplomatic incident, and were quick to say that they had “great respect” for the text. Meanwhile, the court in Tomsk is expected to rule on the matter on 28 December.
For IMS general secretary Jerry Paul, it is clear that Russians are not aware of the importance of this religious scripture, the teachings and values it upholds, and above all its place in the life of millions Indians.
In the letter to the pope, the IMS praised the Holy Father for organising inter-faith meetings in Assisi (Italy). Papal efforts, the IMS believes, can bear more fruits if he takes up this matter with the government of Russia.
The IMS also urged Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to intervene in the matter.
Across India, the letter to the pope has been met with surprise for it shows that Christians are concerned about the religious freedom of Hindus, despite the fact that in the State of Madhya Pradesh, there have been numerous attacks by Hindu extremists against Christians as well as Christian schools and places of worship.
Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won state elections, the climate of intolerance and persecution has worsened0
In the past, the party has backed a number of radical Hindu groups and movements, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bajrang Dal, which have been involved in various anti-Christian incidents across India.
The Bhagavad Gitā is in the Sixth Book (parva) of the Mahābhārata, one of India’s most important epic poems. Its 18 chapters can stand alone because of their great theological and philosophical value.
The poem describes a conversation between Krishna (incarnation of Vishnu, the divine protector of the world) and a virtuous warrior, Arjuna, who is preparing for the Battle of Kurukshetra, in which he will fight members of his own family.
In order to solve the young man’s moral dilemma, Krishna talks to Arjuna about the duties a warrior and a prince must uphold. He delves deep into yogic and Vedic philosophies, and explains how to free oneself from the cycle of births and deaths.
Thanks to all the issues the Bhagavad Gitā covers, the book represents a concise guide to Hinduism.
For Hindus in Russia and India, the claims made about the book are seen as absurd. Russian authorities are embarrassed by the case, which could turn into a diplomatic incident, and were quick to say that they had “great respect” for the text. Meanwhile, the court in Tomsk is expected to rule on the matter on 28 December.
For IMS general secretary Jerry Paul, it is clear that Russians are not aware of the importance of this religious scripture, the teachings and values it upholds, and above all its place in the life of millions Indians.
In the letter to the pope, the IMS praised the Holy Father for organising inter-faith meetings in Assisi (Italy). Papal efforts, the IMS believes, can bear more fruits if he takes up this matter with the government of Russia.
The IMS also urged Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to intervene in the matter.
Across India, the letter to the pope has been met with surprise for it shows that Christians are concerned about the religious freedom of Hindus, despite the fact that in the State of Madhya Pradesh, there have been numerous attacks by Hindu extremists against Christians as well as Christian schools and places of worship.
Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won state elections, the climate of intolerance and persecution has worsened0
In the past, the party has backed a number of radical Hindu groups and movements, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bajrang Dal, which have been involved in various anti-Christian incidents across India.
The Bhagavad Gitā is in the Sixth Book (parva) of the Mahābhārata, one of India’s most important epic poems. Its 18 chapters can stand alone because of their great theological and philosophical value.
The poem describes a conversation between Krishna (incarnation of Vishnu, the divine protector of the world) and a virtuous warrior, Arjuna, who is preparing for the Battle of Kurukshetra, in which he will fight members of his own family.
In order to solve the young man’s moral dilemma, Krishna talks to Arjuna about the duties a warrior and a prince must uphold. He delves deep into yogic and Vedic philosophies, and explains how to free oneself from the cycle of births and deaths.
Thanks to all the issues the Bhagavad Gitā covers, the book represents a concise guide to Hinduism.
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