As far as I am aware, no significant security risks exist in posting updates about the labors here. While Christianity is an extreme minority, and substantial political opposition and hostility to the Christian faith is rising, the Bible training facility where I am teaching is very visible to the public. At present, India is relatively indifferent to Christians teaching other Christians about their own faith. The problem comes when you proselytize Hindus and/or try to persuade other Indians to convert to Christianity. Then the hammer comes down. Since Hinduism already has umpteen zillion gods, they are happy for us to have ours — as long as we do not interfere with the worship of their idols. In other words, they are more like America than we might think.
The increase in political opposition to Christianity stems from the fact that many Hindus are turning to Christ, and thereby undermining the influence of the Hindu dominated government. The common man on the street views Christianity as distinctively western and as a white man’s religion. Apparently they exhibit shock when they are told that Christianity began in Asia.
The religious profile in Sri Lanka differs greatly from India. I will find out when I get to Sri Lanka whether any precautions are necessary for posting to the blog.
In India, 80% are Hindu, 13% Muslim, 2% Christian, 2% Sikhism, less than 1% Buddhist.
In Sri Lanka, a close neighbor to India, 70% are Buddhists, 12% Hindus, 10% Muslim, 7% Christian.
May the Lord increase the faith and fervency of our prayers for the advance of his cause in this land. “Thy kingdom come.”
Warm Regards,
Pastor Rob McCurley
