Will Hinduism Overtake Christianity?Dr. K N Bastola October 2002 The article is divided into four chapters.

1. Christianity & Hinduism2. Hinduism in the West.3. Will Hinduism overtake Christianity?4. Future of Christianity.

Christianity and Hinduism Chapter 1

Civilisations have generally been moulded by religions. Before, people were not in touch with one another as today, because of lack of communication, and lack of means of transport, creating, what can be called pocket civilisations. When a civilisation becomes refined to a certain extent, added with lack of communication, as well as lack of interest in trying to understand other civilisations, it makes people believe that their civilisation is the best in the world. During the British Raj, since it was the winner, British Empire along with its appendage Christianity had a major impact in the world. The ruling class at that time believed that their civilisation was the best and let the world believe so as well.

Modern civilisationThere have been tremendous changes since the British Empire collapsed. The modern civilisation has created its own identity, following the principle of change in every sphere of life. Concepts have been modified or totally changed. Say for example, the concept of multicultural society in the West. This is a recent development; compare this with the previous concept of, one had to be white to be accepted as British, and it is a well known fact that blacks in the USA were not thought to be of much use, except menial jobs. Almost every culture has changed or is in the process of changing, giving way to an entity called modern culture. Since the inherent nature of this modern culture is change, the culture present today may not be there at the end of this century. The change is brought about especially by the tremendous amount of development in science and technology as well as the education of women. Cultures are always protected, and resist change at all cost, but because of its obvious advantages over the traditional ways, modern technology, has been accepted by all cultures, causing them to change. Dogmatic religions are having a tough time with the education of women. Thus, science and technology as well as education of women, has had and will have, unbelievable influence in our lives, giving us a new culture, new words like surfing the Net, browsing etc.; and many more to come.

Internet has made almost every branch of knowledge accessible & available. It is said that because of the Internet, some patients know more than their doctors. In the previous days people used to read about a subject (either pro or against something) and make up their idea, according to one side of the subject, because they would not be able to get the view of the other side. Now Internet has made things so easy that you can see both the positive and negative side in the same page. If one wants to know the rights of woman in Islam, one can put it on search and you will get both positive and negative articles in the

same web page. This is the beauty of the Internet. On top of that, one can become a member of various discussion forums. This will have a tremendous effect on the query of the people, making them aware of what something really is. Because of the modern culture, religious philosophies are also changing, especially in the west. Some intellectuals in the west maintain that the present civilisation is the continuation of the Judaeo-Christian culture. I believe that the modern civilisation is anti Christian civilisation as maintained by the church, because of the following reasons-

1. Freedom of speech is the backbone of the present civilisation. One is allowed to express himself/herself. We all know the persecution of Galleleo and host of other heretics in the hands of Christianity.

2. In Christianity, the slaves are asked to obey their masters making slavery a normal practice. The modern civilisation is totally against slavery.

3. Christianity says women should obey their husbands and does not allow them to take prominent post in the church. They are regarded as sinful and less intelligent and therefore unable to do certain things. The modern civilisation says that woman and men should be treated equally and should have equal opportunity. There is a place for women even in the army. With their intelligence they are outsmarting the boys in education. While Christianity confines the sex of God, despite it being omnipotent, to male (with huge social implications), modern women are openly asking, why can't God be female?

4. Christianity says apart from Christians no humans can go to heaven. This essentially means that, out of 6 billion people in the world, only less than 2 billion people have that facility. Rest of the people i.e. a staggering number of more than 4 billion people, do not have that right, despite many of them being genuinely devoted to God and are good for the world at large. Modern people obviously have difficulty in believing in this concept. This is because, firstly, they cannot understand why people like Gandhi, the Dalai Lama etc. who have done so many good things for the humanity at large, should go to hell, and secondly this concept creates huge imbalance in the creation with disproportionately overcrowding of hell. Creation, they argue, works in a balanced way. This sentiment of 'my God is right and only we will go to heaven', has created many Christian sects, including various suicidal cults, who believe that only they will go to heaven and the rest of the world, including other Christian sects, will go to hell. This has created problems for the modern society. It does not believe in exclusive privileges of any group of people.

5. Modern civilisation believes in tolerance towards other religions/opinions. It teaches us to respect other religions. Christianity, by its essential belief cannot do that. It on the other creates antagonism with other religions/cultures by calling their follower’s heathen. This by itself is not conducive of a peaceful society or world at large. The modern society is looking for peace in the world. Some people call for banning of the use of the word like heathen, as they have done to the word Niger.

6. Christianity believes that man is the master, and the rest of the creation is there to serve him for his food and pleasure. This has lead to destruction of forest and killing

animals for pleasure. Modern civilisation believes in conservation of both vegetation and animals, specially the rear species. Modern civilisation believes in balance in ecology. Scientists have shown that animals can be trained to learn like us. Monkeys and parrots have already shown that capability. Modern civilisation talks about rights for animals as well, and not only for human beings. The varieties of pets are increasing. All these factors give dignity to animals- they are not mere beasts.

7. Modern civilisation believes in temporary punishment and believes that they will refine after that, whereas Christianity is comfortable with permanent punishment in everlasting hell.

8. Modern civilisation believes in the power of people- democracy. It believes in a powerless king. Christianity on the other hand believes in an all-powerful king. This concept of powerful king has lead to the concept of kingdom of heaven ruled by God, as well as the absolute power and the infallibility of the Pope.

9. Modern civilisation believes that this universe came to existence billions of years ago Christianity believes that it started less than 8000 years ago. This, later belief has had a huge implication in writing history.

Let us look at the impact of Christianity at the present time.Largest number of countries in the world is under Christianity. In Europe, the effect of Christianity is however very much less marked with an average of only 50 % of the people believing in (Christian) God. In the UK less than 3 percent go to church regularly. People think religion, as represented by Christianity (Northern Ireland), is the cause of war. The rich churches have become empty houses, which are taken over by other religious groups. People are trying to find peaceful alternatives, like paganism. In intellectual discussions, secular minds are given prominence to religious ones.

In the USA however, things are quite different. 95% of the people living there believe in God. This has baffled the scientific community. In the early part of this century, perhaps following Darwin's theory, the number of people believing in God was less. I think one of the reasons is, USA, the land of opportunity, knows the importance of combining religion, with media and money. The commercial media about God everyday constantly hammers people. The philosophy is, religion sells and does earn money, and it is a big business. This has not caught up in Europe as yet. At the moment in the USA the people are hammered by the Christian faith so people believe in the God of that faith. If this faith changes another God could take its place- the commercialisation remaining the same.

Situation in the developing worldIn the developing world people have less money and they are bombarded with modern amenities which cost money. These amenities are believed to be coming from the west, and the west is regarded as the gold standard. During the British Raj, the Raj and their religion was the gold standard, as visualised by some people. To attain the standard, perhaps, almost all of the Anglo-Indians became Christians. People want to be associated

with the gold standard. Christianity is taken as part and parcel of the west. While European churches are lacking in funds and are closing, some American churches are flourishing. Since religion is combined with business, there is abundance of money with the American Christians. Part of this money is being siphoned to the poor countries for conversion.

Important thing to note and ask here is why this money is not channelled to Europe to convert the non-believers? The simple answer to this question is, the people of Europe are educated and ask intelligent questions. Perhaps Christianity does not have the ability to give them satisfactory answers. Despite Europe being the homeland of the Pope, why isn't there advertisement of this religion? The black church infused song, hence spirit, into the American church proceedings by the influence of African spirituality. Since music is glamorous this has had a positive effect on American Christianity. Since religion there is a big business, I am not quite sure if some of the propagators of Christianity in the USA themselves believe in God. It looks like financial gain plays an important part in the propagation process.

The future of mankindAs mentioned above, the world is constantly changing. Because of freedom, People do not like any sort of rules. What they do is change the rules, create new rules. Rules are restrictive, which is contrary to the notion of freedom. The freedom part of things gives them the freedom, to create new rules. They like to be different and create a different trend. They will need philosophical guidance (as given by religion like Hinduism) but not rigid laws (as given by Semitic religions). Concept of family is gradually diminishing. In some ways we are gradually becoming animals. The only philosophy/religion we will be governed by will be "don't hurt". This could be applied to humans, animals and vegetation. This will perhaps be the religious philosophy in the coming century, apart from yoga and meditation, which are techniques to attain something- one has to master those skills like a surgeon masters the art of operation. Since the surgical skill will always be there, similarly, yoga and meditation will also be there. There could also be further hybridisation of religions e.g. taking yoga and meditation from Hinduism and taking the God from the other religions (depending upon which religion's God is glamorous and which God people know). Sufism, though not excepted by mainstream Islam, is a clear example of hybridisation of religions. It has to be mentioned here that religion is not important for a modern person with its rigid laws; they will however except guidance as given in Hinduism. People of modern society will however always need God: for they want somebody to help them in this severely competitive world where there are failures as much as successes. Loneliness amongst a crowd will not be an exception.

What is in Hinduism that fits the modern world?1. The highest authority book, the Vedas, say that Truth (God) is one but it is only people who call it by different names. This is a very inclusive statement. It gives respect to other religions and opinions. Hinduism does not believe that all religions are the same but what it believes is that all religions are attempting to reach God, the incomprehensible one, in different ways. This philosophy fits into the modern philosophy of respect for other

religions. The concept of development of interfaith relations in the modern world arises from this.

2. Hinduism is the only religion whose numbers of years since creation is similar to what the scientists have found in terms of billions.

3. Hinduism teaches about respect of quality and ecological balance. Hinduism does this by respecting not only humans, but also animals like cows and various plants, which are beneficial to human beings and who have qualities, as well. Hinduism knows their importance. Hinduism has always taught about the balance of the universe and the importance of every living and non-living thing, which helps to maintain that balance (ecology). It does not teach us that every thing is created for man and he should not bother, about other inhabitants of the world. Modern society also has a similar attitude, like Hindus that we need to preserve our world. Modern society has found out that animals also have intelligence and have the ability to learn like us. They have trained monkeys and parrots who have shown the ability to correspond with us about their feelings. We have just begun to understand the animal world. The concept of monkeys should have rights, like human, is coming. Forest conservation is a very well known fact in Hinduism. In other words Hinduism understands ecology like the modern society.

4. Hinduism gives importance to knowledge - It says that according to action (training) and circumstances people are divided into four groups or varnas. The goal of which is to elevate every varna to the Brahmin (One who is learned and a teacher). It is important to note here that a Brahman's (teacher's) son or daughter does not automatically become Brahmin. The concept of Brahmans offspring becoming a Brahman, by birth alone, was a result of distortion of Hindu culture, because of various factors, which is against the Hindu teachings and therefore cannot be called part of Hindu religion. They are born as Sudras and have to make their way up, according to training, they opt for and receive. Similarly a Sudra's children can also become Brahmins after training e.g. Narad and other rishis. If a Brahmin does not show proper conduct, he looses respect and becomes a Sudra. The modern world recognises the fallacy of the communist propaganda, of people being equal. Like Hindus, the modern society gives importance to making people learned and also recognises training of people, giving them respect, as per their training.

5. Equality of sexes - While Hinduism did not give enough direct encouragement, for woman to educate, it did not hinder woman, who were determined to succeed. This is evidenced by the fact that Hinduism is the only society, which can boast of woman intellectuals (as discussed later), who were writers of scriptures and others, who have even acted as judges in great intellectual discussion, let alone being just member of audience. In fact in the Vedic period there were equal. Modern society gives equal opportunity to men and women.

6. The technique of Yoga and meditation, which are very useful for the modern individual, in relieving stress and improving health, can also give human being super human qualities. Many yogis have shown such qualities. The present scientific

community looks for such powers. Hinduism is the only religion, which gives us yoga and meditation, which in turn gives us the opportunity to observe the paranormal (otherwise we would not have anything to go beyond the normal). In fact scientists are doing special scans on the brains when people are in deep meditation. They have in fact found that in deep meditation a part of brain becomes very inactive. Hinduism gives them a chance to observe the mysteries of nature and study it. Though it must be stated here clearly that, yoga and meditation are for attaining God and not to show power. Similarly research is going on to see, if people do have incarnation. All these concepts give the people of modern society, the opportunity to solve the mystery of creation and to further understand the cosmos.

7. Basudhaiba Kutumbakam - This philosophy of Hinduism says that all the people of the world should be treated as a family. This is an action oriented, great philosophy. This is to say that we have a divine tie together and not a worldly tie. This peaceful slogan does not limit to any creed, race or colour. It recognises the diversity at the same time. This is distinctly different from the Adam and Eve family, because the propagation of family after Adam and Eve was, logically, out of incest relationship, amongst their siblings. The brotherhood of mankind of Hinduism does not rely on incest. The modern world also says, we all are not very different; it goes further and says that close relative marriage causes health problems, which Hinduism advises not to as well.

8. Karma and reincarnation - This theory says that the present situation of a person is the result of past performances, in previous lives. It also says that better performance in this life, will lead to better life, after this. This concept blames the person involved for a bad life (yes we human do make mistakes, we need to learn from our mistakes and progress), but at the same time gives him/her the opportunity to do good, in this life, for a better next life. It does not blame God, because God is beyond blame. In Semitic religions, logically the blame has to go to God, if it is nobody's fault. Modern philosophy is also individualistic.

9. Peace - Some religions talk about their religion supporting peace in the world. The very mantra of Hinduism calls, not only for peace in the world but peace in space, vegetation and the spiritual world, as well. This is a very catholic philosophy. Support of peace by modern civilisation is well known. One can easily see that Hinduism goes even further than the modern civilisation.

10. Vegetarianism - This is increasing in the west. Many people are understanding the rationale of it. Taking life out of a living being is a sin. The fact is that one cannot live without eating. For our selfish existence, one has to commit the sin of taking others life, in order to live. Hinduism teaches us that killing plants for our food, is definitely an evil act because we are taking life away, for our selfish needs, but since we cannot do without eating, killing plants is regarded as lesser evil than killing animals. I am sure everybody would agree that plants are a lower forms of life than animals- hence the lesser evil. Yes this makes us sensitive and hence civilised.

Here I would like to mention ahimsa. Some writers have suggested that ahimsa or non-violence is totally foreign to Hindu dharma, which I think is not true. Others like Gandhi have suggested, it teaches ahimsa. The truth is Hindu dharma teaches, both himsa and ahimsa - important thing is the cause of himsa or ahimsa. It all depends upon the situation at the time of the incident. It is difficult to make a strict rule of himsa or ahimsa because circumstances change. People give example of Krishna's advice to Arjuna to fight, in Gita and say that Hinduism teaches violence. Yes it is true Krishna teaches violence in Gita. One has to remember that the conversation in Gita is taking place, just at the beginning of a war. Conversation at the place of war cannot be of peace, when people are ready to kill one another. It can only be of defence and action. If an army man refuses to fight in war, he is called a coward and is shot.

If one wants to judge Krishna's teaching, then one has to see the things done by Krishna, to avoid both the Mahabharat war, through his peace proposals, and the exodus to Dwaraka, to avoid war. We must not forget that this is very much part of ahimsa he is teaching. Yes Hinduism teaches both himsa and ahimsa, but it wants a full justification, for the necessity of himsa. Yes himsa can be justified, but it should be the last, and the only option available under the circumstance. One action in one situation is good, while in another it is not. The act may not be important but the cause of the act is important. For the act is done and done with, but the cause remains part of the history for others to follow.

11. Belief - Hinduism does not encourage people just to believe in scriptures, it teaches people to rationally analyse the knowledge they are provided instead of believing in it just because they are part of the religion. One is allowed to decipher the truth by themselves, with the help of Yoga and Meditation and rational arguments. There is no place for dogma in Hinduism and no human being has the authority/right to give a decree.

Hinduism in the West Chapter 2

Hinduism did establish a root, following Vivekananda's presence, in the USA. Though the British were there in India, they did not care to try to understand the local philosophy. Those who did did not look at it through the Indian eyes. The west remained ignorant, about the philosophy of Hinduism. It was only after Vivekananda, that the west started taking notice of Hinduism. Gradually the Gurus got accepted, even in the UN. In the process, Hinduism started accepting followers from the west as well. It is said that Hinduism is spreading substantially in the west, especially in the USA. However it has to be understood clearly that because of ignorance, many people in the west still regard Hinduism, as a culture, rather than a religion. Gradually books on Hinduism are put in the religion section of bookshop. There are 3 types of people in the west.

1. The die hard spiritual seekers- they go to India and Sri Lanka and other places, far away from their country of origin, in search of spirituality. While some stick to the available Gurus in the west.

2. These are the academicians and lay people, who are interested in the Hindu philosophy and not necessarily, spirituality. While the Gurus are helping out the spiritual seekers, the second group have not got, the proper guidance, though slowly the Internet is giving them information, about Hinduism and of course the discussion forums like hinduunity.com does help.

3. These are the people of Indian origin in the west. This group is looking for some sort of identity in the west.

Potential and future of HinduismHinduism has a very good potential, in fact Hinduism is like Internet business, and both of these are in the infant stage, with huge potential, because of the following reasons.

1. Present civilisation respects knowledge and is in an accepting mood, despite some resistance. People in the west are proud to feel civilised, because for over the last 300 years they are the main contributors for the development of modern civilisation. They do not easily want other cultures or races to overtake them (instinctively and intentionally). The force of acceptance as well as resistance goes hand in hand. But it has to bow, to the intellectual philosophy, like Hinduism. In fact many western intellectuals are already doing that. Unknowingly many are Hindus already, because many people in the west, believe in reincarnations and the theory of Karma, which is essentially Hindu. The Vedic cosmology has been studied and parallels are drawn between science and the Vedas. All they need, is a change of name of God, and formally call themselves Hindu.

In this environment, Hindu philosophy can penetrate the minds of western people. In fact, in Europe, there is a religious vacuum, with people turning to paganism. This is a fertile ground for Hindus. Remember, they are educated people, they need answers (that's why they have gone away from organised religion) and Hinduism does have answers. Now the trend is towards, individual search and experience, of spirituality rather than going to an institution and finding out. Though the Hindus have to understand that there is a powerful lobby in the west who wants to see the whole world with one so called "Christian culture"? They are perhaps interested in numbers, in the form of Christian community, rather than regular churchgoers. The other group, which includes secular people as well, is racist and wants to see the white man as givers (if it includes the 'unimportant' religion, so be it) to the enslaved coloured humanity, controlling the world in the form of Church power. The leaders of these churches are almost all white males.

2. Vedic/Hindu astrology: This is becoming more and more popular, day by day. If it becomes the gold standard in astrology, then its followers will increase dramatically showing a steep graph upwards. While, in the Semitic religions, people can only pray and go for pilgrimage for betterment of life, in Hinduism people can use astrology remedies, in their day to day life. The Hindu astrology remedy consists of precious stones, japas, yajnas, pujas (prayers), yoga, meditation, tantra and pilgrimage. Many people are having hard time in the west. The above said practical methods can be applied and if people feel they work, they will develop curiosity and become tempted to learn about Hinduism. This practical side of Hinduism has got a huge potential, to draw people to Hinduism. It

can spread like wild fire, like the Chinese method of Feng Shui, because people need remedy, just praying is getting them nowhere. Semitic religions can only provide pray.

3. The Vedas: What do these "heavily guarded" books contain? Either it is written by a bunch of primitive people (as some in the west think) or by people of high calibre (as the Hindus maintain). What is important is, books or knowledge continue in the form of editions. Each new edition deletes some part of the old edition and adds new things. Even the Bible has new editions, which makes subtle changes. This fact is based on the principle that every day we learn new things, so we add this knowledge to the book. It accepts the principle that we know better now than before. Putting this principle to the Vedas, it does not work. It is the opposite principle in the Vedas. There are no new editions of the Vedas. The Vedas has remained unchanged, since the beginning. Why did not the Hindus of ancient India change it? Why does almost every Hindu religious book regard the Vedas as the ultimate authority? Books written by primitive people cannot, by definition, be of high intellectual quality. We are far away, in time, but why did the writers of Mahabharata and the Ramayan and other books regard, the Vedas, as the authority? The only reason we can think of, assuming the Vedas were written by primitive people, is, people during the Mahavarat/Ramayan time, were stupid.

The question now we can ask is, how can the writers of the longest poem in the world, Mahabharata, a drama, which in a TV serial form, caused a virtual standstill of life of people of whole of India and beyond, during its shows, be regarded as stupid? Only a bunch of genius can do that. The Hindus provide the scientists, ever voracious for knowledge, with Vedas. Scientists are especially interested in the astronomy in the Vedas. However there are several other fields in the Vedas, which will be of particular interest to the modern world. The Bible has been explored almost exhaustively. It is time for the scientist to explore the Hindu scriptures. The co-operation between various Gurus and the scientists will definitely contribute, to further understanding of the universe. This will of course tremendously increase the prestige of the Hindus. Some scientists are seeing similarities between the Hindu and the scientific concept of Universe. They are also the concept of equality among sexes in the Vedas, which goes along with the modern concept.

4. Identity: When minority of people, live in a majority society, they tend to look for their own identity, because everybody wants to feel, intellectually and emotionally secure of what they have, which works as a shield against the majority. This is true for Islam as well. Hindus from various part of the world converged in the west. They are trying to find their roots. They are trying to find something to be proud of. This force is helping the Hindus to learn, unite and go forward.

5. Finance: Every civilisation needs money to form, develop and propagate. Hindu civilisation is no exception. For many years, Hindus were subjugated to external forces and hence were poor. Previously there was money with some Maharajas, but sadly they were not smart enough. Now things have changed. This is the first time, perhaps in the history of India, that commoner with brains, have amounts of billions of dollars. Now with the Indians rampaging, the NASDAQ share market, with their software company

listing in it and earning a lot of money, does say something. Every month many Indian companies are listed in NASDAQ and London Stock Exchange. India is heading to be world superpower in software technology. Clinton's visit to India has changed things further, for the better. Indians have started talking about brain gain rather than brain drain. Hindus have always talked about western money and petro-dollar involved in India. Now I think, India can talk about software dollar. Important thing is however, these billions, has to be translated into the cause of Hinduism. I however was surprised to know that VHP India does not take money from the NRIs. With the money available, Hindus can propagate their philosophy and spirituality, by every means of communication available, to the needy. Money makes the religion rich and glamorous. It gives employment to its workers, who need it, for their livelihood. With the elevation of living standard and education in the subcontinent, I think, the process of conversion will be lessened and perhaps re-conversion will increase.

6. Mr A. B. Bajpai: I have put this name because I think his personality is important to the overall progress of Hinduism. Mr Bajpai's roots with the RSS has given him a sense of Hindu ethos, which has moulded him. On the other hand, he has also realised the change, which has, and is occurring throughout the world, of which he wants to be part of, for which he has to go beyond RSS. He shows that he is doing this. He also does not have any prodigy. All these features make him a good raja and I believe that this will contribute, to the overall progress of Hinduism. Without a developed India, there is no future for Hinduism.

7. The Paranormal: People in the educated part of the world need further proof than the people in the third world, or the people of history, when there was little chance of comparing and contrasting any story. They believed in stories. Now people need more than stories. Hinduism is the only religions, which can give the paranormal evidence, in front of the people, through yoga, meditation and tantra.

8. God realisation: Hinduism is the only religion, which claims of God realisation, in the present life. This gives great opportunity for people to come in touch with the cosmos directly in this life. Christianity talks of quite contemplation only. Yes some talk about Jesus coming into their dreams or even giving them the feel of him. This depends upon Jesus’ selection of person and the person cannot repeat it because it depends upon Jesus. Hinduism on the other hand provides techniques, which repeatedly allows the users of the technique to experience God.

9. Broad rules: Hinduism gives broad rules- it gives importance to dharma according to circumstances. It does not give rigid rules to adhere to. Mahabharata is full of such examples. The world is full of exceptions. Rigid rules may fit one angle of view but it will look wrong form the other angle. Semitic religions are having problems with their rules, which at times are in conflict with the modern ways.

10. Pathways for salvation: Hinduism provides several pathways for salvation, including Gnana, Karma, and Bhakti etc. where as the Semitic religions provide only the path of Bhakti and possibly karma, which makes choices very limited. Hinduism gives

option to stay with the family or become an ascetic. In Hinduism one can attain salvation even if he/she does Niskam Karma (Karma which is beneficial for the society at large) as a householder e.g. King Janak. One does not have to leave his/her family life. On the other hand if people want a quite life they can do that as well and become a hermit. Exhaustive literatures are written about each of these paths.

11. Ayurveda: This is a branch of the Veda. In the UK alternative therapy is becoming ever so popular and the money spent on them is increasing every day. Recently big western companies have started producing ayurvedic scents. Other forms of ayurvedic remedies are appearing in the market and are becoming fashionable and trustworthy. This will work as a leaflet for further interest in Hinduism when the users start asking how and why of this new method.

12. Sanskrit: This ancient language, which is used to chant mantras and perform puja, is gradually coming back, both in India as well as the west. While the vibration, hence the most beautiful part of the language, was completely missed by the American universities, though it was taught, it was taught like ancient Greek and Latin, making it difficult for pupils to learn, which only led to increase in dropout rate. New methods have been developed, as by Mr. Houston, who has a three-day course, which makes people, able to read the sutras at the completion of the course. This course is increasing in popularity, with virtually eliminating the dropout rate. Its importance in computer language is well known. Because people are looking for individual spirituality this language gives them the desired effect. While we all know that this language has a huge potential, if it is made easier, people are talking about its future as a major world language, if not the lingua franca.

13. Diwali: In the west, people love to celebrate. They need a cause to have a party. Lights attract everybody. Christmas, which was taken from the Pagans in Europe, has lost its original message. Many people, who celebrate Christmas, do not know what they are celebrating for. What ever the southern Baptist church in the USA may say, the central massage of Deepawali is victory of good over evil; the victory of light over darkness. This message of victory will always resound and be remembered. Since it has victory associated with it, brilliant lights at display as well as exciting firecrackers in play, it has the potential to be very popular celebration in the west. Tony Blair came to the Deepawali party last year, while Bill Clinton gave a message of felicitation this year. If this progresses Deepawali may become mainstream in the west in the not so distant future.

14. Individual quest for spirituality: Now, particularly in the west, people are turning away from gatherings and are looking for individual spirituality. While 60% of people believe in God in the UK only 3% visit the church regularly. This clearly shows that the people who believe in God are not going to the church for spiritual quest. They are looking towards their own ways of communication with the spirit. Hinduism gives them a God, it gives them the technique of yoga and meditation, and it gives them the vibrating language of Sanskrit to chant Mantras, which gives them the opportunity of feeling the inner rhythm of life. On top of these it gives them a sense of divine bond

through astrology. It also gives them ways and means to get rid of the problems in life. In other words Hinduism gives them a 'complete package', for their social and individual spiritual quest.

15. The Internet: During the British Raj, Hinduism was battered and bruised intentionally by the education system of Macaulay. Post independence, it was battered again, further silencing the voice of pro-Hindu intellectuals. The Hindus did not have a popular communication outlet. Internet has given not only the Hindus, but other religions as well, a chance to explain themselves. This is because there is no censorship, controlled by a group of individuals, with certain agendas. It is free to all and gives them a chance to express their opinions. Because of its history of being battered and bruised and censored, Internet has given an excellent opportunity for the demoralised Hindu, to express his/her side of the story. Since the readership of the web page is virtually unlimited, the message goes right across the world.

ConversionIt is amazing how some Hindus (10%) do not allow others to join Hinduism, and say that they have to be born as Hindu in next life. This is simply not right. If a person wants to worship Permeshowr, then it is his/her right to do that. Hinduism does not teach that they should not allow others to pray. In modern terms it is a form of religious apartheid.

Effect of conversion.-Anywhere in the world, except some countries, it is difficult to live as a minority. This is especially in the Islamic countries. To go from the majority to the minority group and have a very hard life makes the decision to convert a very difficult one. It is difficult to understand, why people so easily convert religion, without understanding its effects. Conversion after good understanding of the new religion, with valid reasons to convert, as happens in the west, is one thing; conversion because of accepting materialistic gain, rather than spiritual gain, as happens in the third world, is quite another. Once you are on the other side of the river, you start wondering, what you have done. It needs a firm determination to go away from the belief of ancestors. One has to say the ancestors were wrong in believing in what they believed. With conversion one gets detached from the practices of the family. This could be painful and could have an element of guilt. If one intellectually compares and contrasts the two religions and accepts the new faith then the guilt is negligible. Every culture in the world is accepting the new culture given by the technology because of its obvious superiority. Recently in India there was a Christian priest who was a missionary for twenty years and then converted back to Hinduism. He said that he felt very good to come back to his ancestor’s faith. All these years he was going against his ancestors, which he subconsciously felt guilty of.

The process of conversion done by heart requires quite some time. It requires study of this new religion, understanding it, comparing with the existing religion, and then finally deciding to change the religion. In the 3rd world countries conversion is very quick- within days. The emphasis laid upon is firstly, if you change to Christianity you will straight away go to heaven, whatever sins you have committed. Secondly various tricks are shown as miracles (villagers are shown that the idols of Hindu gods do dip down in

the water but specially made wax and paper idol of Jesus does not sink in the water). Thirdly there is immediate financial gain- this is in the form of cash or help in education and marriage of daughters etc. In cash starved society this is a very powerful incentive. Since this is a materialistic incentive, one material attraction will lead to another materialistic attraction. While the Christians in the west, may be happy to learn the increase in numbers, the question however is, how long will the new converts follow the rules and the stories of this new religion? This is especially true when we consider the very powerful effect of modern coco cola culture, which has the attraction of dance (party), sex, idolising actors and singers etc. If Christians are aiming for regular church goers- that may not be possible in the medium to long term. It is because; firstly Christianity does not have a method of realisation of God while living, which would have acted as a powerful effect on their belief. Secondly the coca-cola culture is very strong and thirdly people's taste has changed- they want to explore their own spirituality -as is happening in the west. Fourthly the free people simply don’t want to follow set rules.

This conversion process will create a community of Christians, who will have to start saying other gods are false, creating a kind of religious tension in the locality. If Christianity is only interested in the number (not practising) of people in their community then sure I must say they are successful and this success will continue in the future till people become able to manage their own affairs, without other peoples material help. While we see the Christian organisations going to non-Christian countries to serve humanity, the poverty stricken and hungry Christians in places like South America or the black ghettos of America are left to defend themselves without help.

Is conversion to Hinduism necessary?When Hinduism believes all religions are attempting to reach God then why do Hindus frown conversion from Hinduism to other religions? Why do Hindus convert people from other faiths to their group? The answer to these questions is simple. Firstly Hinduism does not say that all religions are the same. What is says is, all religions are attempting to reach the omnipotent God. As far as method is concerned, some methods used by some religions are simply abhorrent. Secondly, we all want peace in this world. Imagine a world of religious strife with atomic power. We want a catholic philosophy, like Hinduism, which respects all religions. This is fundamental to peaceful coexistence. Christianity says that apart from their one, other religions are false. Not only that, one sect says that other sect is wrong. While Islam says the same. These beliefs do not lead to peaceful coexistence because, if a Christian says you are wrong to a Muslim, he (Muslim) becomes angry. Same thing applies to Muslims as well. This world is never going to be either totally Christian or totally Islamic. There will always be conflict in the world. That is why in some places religious discussions are not entertained. At the moment, modern civilisation is creating a balance between them, pressing them to respect one another. Hinduism is the only catholic philosophy, encompassing all, which if dominant in the world, will be a better philosophy, to check and balance the minority communities. This is the reason why people should convert to Hinduism and make the world a safer place. Other religion will always get respect from the followers of Hinduism.

Why not then, simply follow the modern civilisation?Civilisation is well developed, only if it allows the development of all branches of knowledge. Modern civilisation becomes well developed only if it follows suit, including, the development of spirituality. This is because civilisation, by definition does allow the development of every branch of knowledge. Spirituality makes us look at the universe from a different angle. It complements science. If science and spirituality go hand in hand, with one complimenting the other, we will be able to understand the cosmos much quicker. Different approach/angles are very important in scientific inventions. We need every bit of evidence, to come to a scientific conclusion. If we close the door of spirituality, then we close a big branch of knowledge and hence retard the progress of development of a civilisation. Sadly spirituality is lacking in the modern civilisation, which makes it rather incomplete. Hence the need for Hindu/Vedic civilisation.

Will Hinduism overtake Christianity Chapter 3

Strategies for preservation and propagation of Hinduism.

1. Use money properly - As stated above, this is the first time, in the history of India that lay people have become millionaires/billionaires, because of the advance in software technology. Hindus should take advantage of this and invest properly in the things mentioned below.

2. Use media - Media plays a very important role in deciphering knowledge and creating impressions. Sadly, in case of India the Hindu organisations have not been able to influence the media there. They need to have advisors trained in the west, specially the USA, to give them advice regarding propagation of its image and philosophies. Bajpai has these sorts of advisors and India is changing its laws to propagate Internet Technology in India. While Hindu organisations are dedication they do not have expertise in propagating their deeds. They do not seem to have the ability, to shout and say what they are doing. Like Bajpai, they should have spin-doctors. It is amazing that they have not been able to influence even a few central Indian newspapers. The media with its pseudo secular forces have given a bad impression, to the Hindu organisations, as well as India, there. This is definitely not good. Television is the most powerful medium. Christians have used it exhaustively. Hindus should learn from them. Hindus should go for this. The massage should be both philosophical and spiritual. It also needs more magazines. While we have one magazine called Hinduism Today, it tends more to delve into cultural side rather than, the philosophical or the spiritual side. There should be booklet of frequently asked questions for students. We need to have more books like Am I a Hindu by Ed Viswanathan, which became a best seller in the USA.

In the west, for Group one, as mentioned above, the Gurus are doing all right. For group two, I think more is needed to be done. All methods of communication should be used. Gradually books on Hinduism are allowed in section of religion, in the bookstores. While books and Internet web pages are increasing in number we need to concentrate on other

forms of communication including, TV, newspapers and films. It is a shame that we have only few standard Hindu magazines like Hinduism today. We need more of those types of magazines. TV is the most powerful of medium. Hindus should learn from Christian TV programs as suggested above.

Hinduism does not only rely on pray alone, for betterment of life. There are various ways of dealing with difficulties and coming out of them like puja, yagna, gemstones etc. Hinduism is a practical religion for both ascetics as well as families. A Hindu can use all the above said methods and live a happy and contented life. This makes Hinduism a very sophisticated religion. Hinduism is not only a belief in God; it is much more than that. It is important that a Hindu uses the amenities provided by the religion, including Vedas and astrology- occasional visit to a temple is not enough because this is also done by the followers of Semitic religions. There is no point in conversion to Hinduism, just for the sake of a new God and a new place to worship e.g. temple. It is well known fact that many non-Hindus come to Hindu gurus who have shakti for favours. Group 3- For this group, specially the growing up children whose parents do not have the answer, should be given answers to their questions. These are simple question like, why we don't eat beef and things like that. They should not feel humiliated in the class. They should have the answer to give it to their classmates. Parent education can be instituted in the temples. Temple should be a source of education and not only of puja. It should be a place of social guidance. The priest should be trained and it must be stated here clearly that anybody can get the training and become a priest. While many Hindus are fascinated by different Vedantic philosophies and are happy to discuss about them deeply, they don't seem to concentrate on the fact that, these students need answers about day to day living. This is very much needed. If the Hindu intellectuals don't concentrate on this and help the students, they risk loosing Hindus and jeopardise the future of Hinduism. We need more books for Hindu students. One of the problems Hindu society is facing is Hindus girls are marrying people of other faiths, especially Muslims and becoming Muslims. Hindus should make groups/organisation of girls to guide them.

3. Re-conversion of the converted - One of the problems with Christianity is that once they convert people to Christianity, they do not continue with the care. So they are left out. These people can be reconverted back to Hinduism, with dignity. This process though being done, has to be done in a larger scale.

4. Protect the only Hindu country, Nepal - This country is being eaten up by Christians, because of very vulnerable situation there. The vulnerable state is because of poverty and rampant corruption. The political leaders do not have dignity there. Many of them are on sale. People are looking for a change, to get out of the mess they are in. Christianity with its money does provide the alternative. Important factor is however there are only very few resistant force like RSS or VHP there. The forces like Vishwa Hindu Federation and Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh, lack resources, manpower, technology and also the energy. This country has huge symbolic importance to the Hindus. It should be saved at all cost. If it is lost there won't be a single Hindu country in the world, which will be shame for all Hindus. In fact some, in Nepal, are planning to get rid of the word Hindu nation, in the Nepalese constitution. The division between tribal

and non tribal are being increased, with the tribal being told to say they are not Hindus. This rift has to be broken and the tribals have to be given prominent posts in Hindu bodies. This will unite Hindus. If Hindus do not act now within a few years, it will be too late. Hindus also need to have a political front, in the form of political party in Nepal-, which should be given every support it needs. This will help them to unite and give them strength. It has to be understood that like Kashmir is said to be the head of India (map) and hence has got its effects on the Indian psyche, Nepal is the head of Hindus and therefore should have its effects on the Hindu psyche as well.

5. While it is well known that the major driving factor in Christianity was miracles, it is amazing to note that Hindu gurus shy away from miracles. The Sidhas, should not do miracles, to show off and be arrogant, but it is important that they show some miracles, so that people can have their doubts removed. The gurus should remember that while doing so they are contributing to world peace at large, in the long run. Yes some yogis are doing that which occasionally comes in the news. History is witness to the awe of the Greeks, watching Hindu yogi, sitting in fire with no harm, more than 2000 years ago. These things should be done in the west in live TV.

6. Special target groups - Renowned people including stars and the religious leaders of the other faiths should be apprised of Hinduism. One of the problems of not doing so is the attack against Hinduism by the southern Baptist church, which was basically the result of ignorance, on the part of the church. If miracles are included, then it will be quick and impressive. I am not sure if any attempt has been made to convert people and religious leaders in the Vatican City.

7. Yoga and meditation - These are increasing in popularity every day. Yoga is taken though in the form of exercise. Its popularity is such that even Time magazine gave it a cover page. When Oprah presented a yoga teacher in her TV show it increased the number of people joining yoga tremendously. Some Hindus are not happy with the superficial way these are taught in the west. Though the essence of yoga and meditation is not taught, but still what ever is taught, becomes a preliminary stage for further interest, in deeper understanding of the yoga. It is definitely a positive step. Practice of yoga or meditation, in any form, is a positive step. It is like a Christian leaflet.

8. Hindu schools - While Christian schools made the Hindus less Hindus, rather than Christians, Hindus should learn from them and establish more schools, rather than temples. Islamic countries are full of Madrassas - even Nepal is becoming full of Madrassas. What about Hindus living as minorities in the Muslim countries? While Pakistan gives scholarships to Muslims of other countries, to study (Christians also do the same) I am sure Hindus can do the same, for the underprivileged and persecuted minority Hindus, in Muslim countries. It is also important, that we give importance to schools, more than the temples as stated above.

9. Unity - Hindus are not very good when it comes to unity and raising voice. They should learn about them, from the Muslims. Regarding language, while the mantras can be chanted in Sanskrit, rest of the proceedings can be done in English (in the west).

English becomes important, for unity, because we have all been educated in the western system. One does not have to learn local Indian languages to learn Hinduism. Some Hindus are doing a good job of translating Hindu scriptures into English, which is good because average Hindu does not have a clue about Sanskrit.

10. Glamour - Glamour is very important because world revolves around glamour. Remember Mother Teresa, how she was glamorised by the western press? Lay people accept glamour easily because it acts as a gold standard, which every body wants to reach. Hinduism has to be glamorised and made cool. Hindu organisations, which are struggling for a good name, should be glamorised. Putting a bindi and henna are cool, in the west nowadays. With the help of media we need to glamorise our philosophy and people, who do seva should be glamorised. In the olden days, if the King and the higher echelons of the society adapted certain philosophy, the lay people followed because that was glamorous. Spread of Islam in Egypt was partly due to this. Hindu organisations have to come forward and answer to criticisms and show their positive expects. So long as they remain as they are now, Hindus will not feel very happy in associating with themselves with those organisations, but if the organisations are made glamorous then I am sure thousands of Hindus, will crave to join them.

11. Positive Racism - We generally talk about racism in Europe- how the darker races are mistreated there. We how ever forget to mention how the whites are treated in the developing world. The racism faced by the darker people, in the west, is negative racism, where as, the racism faced by the whites in the third world, is positive racism. People in the developing countries have a very high opinion/impression about the white man coming from the west. To give an example there was a renowned consultant in a hospital in the subcontinent, who had a trainee junior from Germany. The consultant occasionally used to be embarrassed, when some villagers would express their desire, to have the operation done by the trainee rather than him. In this context, I would like to say that white Hindus could help, in the process of re-conversion. It makes the layman think that there must be something in the previous religion, which they have failed to understand and changed, but the white man has understood.

12. Lobbying groups - Like the Jews, Indians are creating their own bodies of influence, in the USA. With further progress, they will create influence, on the formation of rules and regulation, which might help survival and propagation of Hinduism. This has to spread to other western countries as well.

13. Hindu universities - Can any Hindu think of a Hindu university in Pakistan or Bangladesh or even Dubai? It is a shame that some Hindus only recently started a Hindu nerve centre, like Hindu Vivek Kendra, and that also following advice from a westerner. Hinduism needs, more universities and research centres, like the one under Prof. David Frawley. Hinduism is the most misunderstood of religions. It is because very little research has been done to understand it. That’s why it has got a very bad name. We have to do research on our past. We need to go to China and the Far East, to find the History of India. The Hindus have no intellectual authority to turn to. There are thousands of books about India’s past rotting in un-cared libraries across the country, making us rely

only on the western version of our history and religion. There is very little research. That is why a Hindu university is very much essential. Archaeological studies have to be enhanced. It is a shame, that the archaeological survey of Dwarika, which could prove the reality of Mahabharata, is not proceeding well, because of lack of only £300,000, which is not costlier than some of the temples, being built, in many parts of the west. It seems the Hindus have supported the bhakti system very much leaving the gnana path unattended. Donation of 1 million pounds for the Millennium dome can be noted. Now the Hindus have money, they should use it properly.

14. Social work - While there are a lot of Hindu social workers, there are not made prominent by the press. This is because Hindus have not yet recognised the power of media to express their work. They should learn to use this great power. There are many indophiles, in the western press. These people should be asked to write about them. However the western press is interested, more in the activities, of white men and women. Hindus can show, the social work done by white Hindu and glamorise him/her. The concept of "Seva is dharm" should be projected, glamorised and the person doing seva has to be given due respect. The teaching of Niskam Karma, which has been misunderstood, simply means work for the welfare of the society and it is so important, that it leads to salvation (Mokchha). This has to be apprised and enforced. While people tend to concentrate on Yoga and Meditation we should not forget, the equally potent concept of Niskam Karma.

15. Dalits - The Dalits are the result of distorted Hindu culture, which goes against the principle of Vedas hence it is not a part of Hindu religion as such. Hinduism describes 4 varnas not 5. Since this distorted Hindu culture-- I should rather say a shame of Hindu culture, is prevalent in India, it has to be stamped out. They need to be given training on Hindu scriptures. According to their ability they can be Brahmans. If there is any problem of their acceptance as Brahmans, (I must say society at times is very cruel) the learned Hindus should form an organisation, which should wholeheartedly accept them as pundits and take their help in conducting pujas. This will help them tremendously. If Hindus only concentrate on giving them western education, Hindus will lose them, and they may even go against the so-called higher cast. Women priests are becoming popular because people are finding them, more trustworthy. More women need to be trained. The present Hindu culture needs to be elevated to the Vedic standard.

16. Neo Hindus - They should be welcome. They should be treated like any other Hindu. They should have the rights and privileges, extended to any other Hindu. To take a policy of making a separate temple for them is a defeatist policy, which might lead to further segregation of Hindus, creating an entirely new class. This might lead to a different culture, leading to complete separation of these two groups, which will be very sad for Hinduism. The policy should rather be education of the Hindus who don’t except them, because of their ignorance.

17. Caste system - The varna system has been very much distorted and has ended up as cast system. Manu, in his attempt to creat a pure society, crossed his boundary and went against the teachings of the Vedas. This I would call madness of purity. Some

Hindus faithfully followed him, which, along with other factors, has created this distorted Hindu culture. There are some suggestions that the original book of Manu has been modified. It has to be understood that like Manu smriti there are other smriti books as well. These are individual opinions given by ‘professors’, which were followed by only a small part of the Hindu population. These are just individual opinions given by people who enjoyed the freedom of expression provided by the same culture. Among the smrities Manu smriti was popularised by the British and was erroneously projected as the Hindu law book. Most of the Hindus however were governed by their own biradaries.

Whatever Manu smriti is, the important thing is, a distorted culture has been handed down to us. Now it becomes our duty, as intelligent people, to understand our highest holy scripture and if any other book has written, anything against those books, it has to be discarded as against Hinduism. Education and training should be free to everybody including women and labourers, if they are serious about learning - even the Vedas. How could Narad Rishi who was the son of a maidservant, be a Rishi, if he hadn't got a chance to read the Vedas? Women like men have the right to salvation, so they should not be restricted in any way- Gargi is an example. While the Semitic religions, in the past, had some women, who were scholars of religion, Hinduism is the only religion, which can boast of females not only as scholars but as writers of their Holy Scriptures as well.

Every person born is a Sudra, to begin with. He/she becomes of certain varna only after training. The varna is not fixed for life it changes according to the training and circumstances. Krishna was born a Vaishya, but he fought battles and ruled like Kshatriya, because of his training and circumstance. He could teach the Vedas and take priesthood as a profession and become a Brahmin. When Manu discusses varna according to birth, he is going against the Vedas and other older scriptures and hence it is not Hinduism he is enhancing. Similarly his acceptance of untouchability is against Hinduism. Hinduism teaches respect for animals and plants as well, how can it teach untouchability? A Hindu sees aatma not only in human beings but animals as well and considers them as part of God. Pashu seva is included in Niskam Karma. If something is part of God, and we strive to get God, how can that body be untouchable? While some of Manu’s ideas are good, they should be followed, while others, which are against the higher scriptures, should be dumped. The Smirty has been the biggest pain for Hindus- perhaps Hinduism could do without that book or books of its kind.

Sadly, caste system is deeply routed in the society, this has to be routed out by proper religious knowledge and the ones in the bottom should be given due respect in the society, by giving them training to be Brahmins as stated above. While the greater stigma of Christianity, slavery, was irradiated by a stroke of a pen because it involved financial transaction, despite untouchability being outlawed by law, it has been difficult to eradicate it from the society, like racism in the west.

Future of Christianity Chapter 4Christianity continues to enjoy support in the developing world, where education is minimal. It has a good side as well as bad side. Its advertisement of the good side makes it palatable to the general masses, of the developing countries. Its activities in the church

are rather glamorous, to the materialistic mind. Yes though the poor have the right to go to heaven, and Jesus himself has been projected as poor (though I must say that there is a conflicting evidences here), the church and its acts inside it, are generally rich and the powerful priests are far from the servants Jesus asked his followers to become. This has also contributed positively to the un- inquiring mind. Its bad side can only be discerned by further study. While Christianity looks glamorous to begin with, partly because it is taken to be the religion of the glamorous west, it is not so attractive, on further study. Look at the comments of Mark Twain "It ain't the parts of the Bible I can't understand that bothers me; it is the parts I understand". Other great minds have commented similarly. Hinduism is the opposite; it is rather strange to the beginners but very attractive to the people who have studied it deeply.

Pope recently visited India, where he asked the Christians to harvest Asia. This was unexpected even for the local Christians, who were taken aback to the defence. To accept invitation to go to a friends house and then to say, in his face, that the philosophy/beliefs of the host, is wrong and stupid, and should change to his philosophy, needs a lot of guts. While everybody is talking about the challenge and all, can anybody see the pain, which has led the Pope to say what he has? Can anybody see the vanishing Catholic religion in the intellectual centre like Europe? Are the eastern philosophies creating havoc in Europe's intelligentsia? The question is, will Catholic religion vanish from the Europe? With only 50% of Christians believing in God, its future doesn’t seem to be so good. It is well known that the Pope is, very critical of Buddhist philosophy. The offence, which has come out, is because of fear. In the developing countries yes, Christianity is rising because of lack of education and hence conversion.

Talking about India, we have seen that despite the Indians being educated in missionary schools, the only thing the Christians could do was make them less Hindu. However Christianity has influenced the uneducated and the semi-educated group. These groups are the socially deprived. Christianity gives them materialistic gain and shows them the positive side of it, and makes a bargain for their conversion to Christianity. Putting things bluntly, the Christian is effectively making a bargain by saying "I give you the money and the service, you give me the religion" As the economic condition of these countries improves, we can expect less conversion. And of course the opposition from the local religious group is also very important. So long as Christians have money, and there remain underprivileged groups, in the third world, their number will increase. This is true in respect to Hindu and Buddhist areas, but to a very limited extent, in Muslim areas, because in that religion the punishment for conversion is death, in practice, in the modern world, however, it is social exclusion if one is in Islamic country.

I think, specially the Buddhist countries are at risk of Christian conversion, because the religious leaders there might not be aware of the result of conversion like Indians are. Here it has to be clearly mentioned that it is not the battle of philosophies, which decides the fate of religion in the developing countries, like the discussion between Adi Shankaracharya and the Buddhist gurus in the past, It is the economic gain. Christian leaders talk about the love of Jesus while cleverly avoiding the Biblical rules, which govern mankind. If the Christians in Europe can glamorise their religion by songs and

dances and the so-called miracles, like in the USA, then yes, it can have a future in Europe. But without that, it is not going to be a smooth sailing for the Christians in Europe. The churches are lacking in the number of choirboys. In America one has to view as to when the Americans will be fed up with the TV rhetoric. Since it is being encroached by other religions, it does not hold a very bright future, especially from the point of view that the white Americans have started thinking that they are loosing.

Important thing is, Christian religion has rules, associated with its dogma. Many Christians do not know what is written in the Bible. As told, they know only about love and Jesus. People in the modern world don't like to stick to rules. They like the freedom of creating their own rules. The development of hundreds of sects is the result of modification and creation of new rules. It is a process of creating a new religion, with the same old Jesus/God, or the one, which is available, which is essential for religion.

In the modern times, because of communication, CHEAP LABOUR, if associated with stable government and proper incentive for business and industry, is the biggest resource. This attracts multinational companies. A country does not essentially need gold mine etc. as resources, to attract foreign investors, as in the past. Because of growth of industry, poor countries will develop. Once countries develop and the level of education rises, the pattern of thinking will be that of Europeans. This is not good for Christianity. Since the Catholic religion does not want to change its rules, it takes with it all the controversy. This is not good for the European Christianity vis a vis the modern world. It may have some extra followers in the developing world for the time being, its future in the developed world in the long run is not good. However, evangelical religion, the American Christianity, will prosper so long as America follows that religion. Since North America is being eaten up by other religions, even the American Christianity may not survive long. Yes Christianity has a good hold in South America and parts of Africa, but this may change, if things change in America. It has to be understood here that USA is the world leader, in almost every branch of knowledge. It is in many ways, the centre of philosophy. If another religion overtakes Christianity, in USA, it will be the gold standard and glamorous. Its philosophy will be the overriding factor in the world philosophy and the other countries including South America will simply follow the glamour. In view of USA, I think it is important to touch briefly, the fastest growing religion in USA today i.e. Islam- Yes Islam is said to be the fastest growing religion in the USA.

It is difficult to say the quality of converts, whether most of the converts are from the intellectual group, like the doctors, lawyers etc or from the not so intellectual group like labourers, convicts etc. However a recent incident in Pakistan does point to the lack of respect by the Muslims, for the Islamic philosophy. A judge decided, according to Islamic religious philosophy (eye for an eye), to give cruel death sentence to the person who killed several children. But the Government and the intellectuals in Pakistan (who are western educated) felt embarrassed about the decision, just before President Clinton's visit. This sort of attitude of Muslim intellectuals, does not allow Islam to ripen as an intellectual philosophy of the world, because, if the people who are supposed to follow the philosophy are not proud of it then, it is unlikely, that philosophy will be respected

and adhered to, by others. Truly Islamic countries like Afghanistan and Iran have not been able to gather respect from the intellectuals. Some Muslims do not consider even Iran and Afghanistan, to be truly Islamic, which makes it difficult to study the civilisation, which is purely Islamic, for comparison. The victory of progressive forces in Iran is not good for Islam. There are 5 major enemies of Islam 1. Growing number of writers are coming out of fear and writing books criticising Islam 2. Growing number of western educated Muslim women, especially from Iran and Afghanistan, are criticising the status of woman in Islam. 3. Lack of respect of Islam by western educated Muslims as stated above. 4. Lack of unity amongst Muslim factions and leaders (Shia and Sunni as well as others) and the difficulty in selecting a Khalipha. 5. Internet- there is a fight going on between Christianity and Islam in the Internet -one showing the weaknesses of the other. The humanist sites are particularly critical of Islam. Since modern civilisation and Islamic civilisations are different and because of the fact that most of the Internet users are influenced by the western civilisation and have a western view of things the Islamic world does face difficulty in explaining the people the Islamic rationale. While criticising Islam is prohibited in the Islamic countries, perhaps this is the first time the Muslims have had to face such criticisms openly in the Internet. This is why; Islam may have increase in number of its followers, but may not be a world guiding intellectual religion.

In view of the above factors, I do not see a very favourable future for Christianity; especially the European Christianity, but I do see a bright future for Hinduism. I therefore will not be surprised, to see Indian philosophy, guiding the modern world, in the later part of this century.

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