Ephesians 6

We must be the only people to visited India and never step foot in a temple. Although Hinduism claims 330 million gods and goddesses, we have paid homage to none of them. Whereever you go there is someone asking if you would like to have a blessing from the goddess Parvati or some demonic one eye monstrosity with 50 arms. Someone will grab your hand and start to read your palm as you walk down the street and we have to very politely explain that we can't use their service or worship their gods as we are born again, bible believeing Christians and our God is a jealous God.

Thoughts on religion in India

What struck us when looking at the Hindu, Christian, Muslim problem (or lack of it) in India is that the reason they all get on is because most of them don't have a clue what their religion means. Ask an ordinary Muslim about the Koran and he'll give a confused, vague answer. The Muslims even have castes up in the north! Ask a Christian about Jesus and he'll tell you about the lattest saint who's 1000 year old body is still on show in the cathedral. Ask a Hindu what they believe and they'll tell you about their god which they have a vague story about.

We have met some born again Christians in the south who were very serious about their beliefs and had a firm set of morals and ethics. The problem with the Hindus (it seems to us) in India is their lack of social responsibility. They are not taught the difference between right and wrong or that they need to care for their neighbours etc. The caste system means that many of them are forces into slavery or a life of begging and destitution. For centuries the notions of reincarnation and karma have been used to support the cruelties of the Indian caste system, which relegates the majority of people to poverty and subservience.

The religion we have been impressed with is that of Sikhism. They do not believe in the caste system and have a very strong work ethic. It is a sort of mixture of Hindu and Muslim belief and they believe strongly in charity and helping the poor. You never see a Sikh begging or ponsing around in designer gear. They are a well mannered, mild, caring people.

One thing is for certain (if you believe in a spiritual realm), that the dark forces of this world are very much alive and kicking in India. The Bible says: "For we struggle not against flesh and blood, but against the kingdoms, against the powers, against the leaders of this darkness, against spiritual wickedness in the high places" Ephesians 6:12.