The Issue of Conversion in India

Suddenly, ‘conversion’ has become a bad word and a wicked deed. There is an alarm created as if ‘conversion’ is the first and foremost problem facing the nation and it should be tackled on war footing. Anti-conversion law has been enacted since 1967 in a few states of India, banning conversion by allurement. However, there is no case that has stood the test of evidence in the court.  Hence, no one has been convicted or sentenced for conversion. Only several arrests are made for political reasons, and court acquits those who are arrested.  

Kinds of conversion

Conversion as a choice:

Humans have a basic freedom of choice. In fact, this freedom to choose has been given by God. However, nations, politicians, cultural custodians, religious leaders, family members and community leaders like to snatch this basic freedom.  There are individuals who wish to use this freedom to exercise their rights against oppression. Like Dalits, who see ‘conversion’ as ‘tool against oppression.’ The oppressors are not happy for the oppressed to have this freedom of choice.

Conversion by Coercion:

This kind of conversion happens because of threat, harassment, violence, and compulsion. Subjugating a group of people who are voiceless or powerless by military might or by ‘sword or gun.’  In history, we see it has happened in several places globally.  Conquerors and emperors tried to impose their religion or belief system on people who were defeated by them.  

Conversion for convenience:

This generally happens in an individual context.  A boy or girl wants to be married to his/her sweetheart who happens to be follower of another religion. One person persuades other person to convert to his/her religion for the sake of marriage and family life.  

Conversion by corruption:

There is an allegation that a person converts for sake of some ‘allurement’ – promise of possession or wealth or assets or guaranteed monthly income or job or education opportunity etc.  However, it could rarely happen. If a person is willing to change his religion and identity for sake of some money, then s/he will be willing to change again for little more higher bidding. There is no integrity or honesty or truth in such a person and could not be trusted. Strangely, this allegation is repeated but there has never been a single conviction of such a fraud in the court of law. 

Conversion by Conviction:  

A person who searches for truth, intellectually discovers Lord Jesus as the truth. Or a person experiences a miracle like healing or peace of mind or break through in his life and attribute to God who answers prayers.  Another person may have a vision and becomes a follower of Lord Jesus Christ.  Christian mission of making disciples happen when a person is convicted by the Spirit of God.  

What is biblical conversion?

The life-changing or life-defining or life-transforming spiritual experience can be  termed as the beginning of a New Life and continues to spiritual maturity of becoming like Lord Jesus Christ. 

Conviction of truth:  

A person receives the truth and accepts the truth that s/he is a sinner, needs a savior, the only Savior is Lord Jesus Christ.  This is not reason that provides this conclusion, but the Spirit of God that reveals it to a person.  When Peter confessed that Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Lord told him that ‘flesh and blood’ (human) did not reveal that, only God the Father revealed it to him. (Matthew 16:17)Conversion is God’s initiative, though God uses human instruments. Repentance from sin is essential aspect, which is to turn away from sin, sinful habits, selfishness, worldliness and evil thoughts, forsake such behaviour and seek forgiveness from the Lord.  Seeking forgiveness is essential as a person is convinced that only Lord Jesus Christ could forgive the sins.  Under heaven, among humans, there is only one name given for salvation. (Acts 4:12) 

Connection with the Lord

Conversion is also being reconciled with God.  When Adam and Eve committed sin, they were spiritually dead. They lost the capacity to be in right relationship with God. Through the first couple sin entered in the world and enslaves all humans.  Paul writes that we are reconciled with God through His Son Lord Jesus Christ and have access to His presence. And disciples are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation to preach and teach the world inviting people to be reconciled with God.  (II Corinthians 5:18)  

Call from darkness to light

Conversion is God calling a person who is spiritually blind and live in darkness to come into marvelous light.  (II Corinthians 4:4; I Peter 2:9) Lord Jesus Christ is the light of the world. (John 8:12)The light of gospel shines in the hearts of those who receive Him.  (II Corinthians 4:6) Those who believe Lord Jesus Christ walk in light.  (I John 1:7)

Correcting worldview

Conversion means to have renewed mind. Christian faith does not bypass reason or mind as most religions and meditations do. It is a spirituality that has active participation of mind, not a process to empty the mind.  Paul writes to believers in Rome, not to follow the trends, traditions, fashions, patterns, or ideas of the world.  Instead, converted people should have a mind that is renewed.  This renewed mind knows the Will of God which is perfect, acceptable and pleasant.  (Romans 12:2) Knowing the Will of God, provides believers a basis for their belief and world view; purpose and meaning in life. It is not to have seared conscience, but good conscience, based on faith in true living God and His Word. (I Timothy 4:2)

Choices

Conversion means to make right and righteous choices.  The foremost choice is to receive Christ and reject all other ideas, philosophies, and ideologies. A person who is transformed by the love of Lord Jesus Christ will make righteous choices in all circumstances.  The choices are the fulfilment of the Royal Law:  Love your neighbour as yourself.  (Matthew 22:37-40)The choices also has right priority of the Kingdom of God.  (Matthew 6:33)  

Character

Conversion means the process of becoming like Christ. A person is attracted to the personality of Lord Jesus Christ, inspired by His holiness, perfection s/he aspires to be like Him.  When the Lord appears in the Second Coming, believers will be like Him.  (I John 3:2) Believers reflect God’s glory in this world.  They are salt of the earth and light of the world.  Those who observe them, thank, or praise the Heavenly Father for having such children.  (Matthew 5:14-16)  

Christ mind 

Paul writes the believers should have the same mind of Christ.  (Philippians 2:5) Lord Jesus Christ who is Son of God, chose to set aside His heavenly abode, throne to take a form a man, suffer and die.  The same attitude and mind should be found in the lives of believers.  

Coronation and consecration 

Converted people are priests and kings. In every society and culture these two are dominating people.  Priests through religion or what is unknown to common people control others.  Kings with the military power dominate others.  However, the believers are priests and kings serving God in his Temple and Kingdom. (I Peter 2:9) As priests they offer praises, thanksgiving, sacrifices, offerings, and worship.  As kings they reign with Him in His kingdom. (II Timothy 2:12)  

Contribute to the world

People who are converted and follow Lord Jesus Christ, do as He did. Lord Jesus went about doing good. (Acts 10:38) Christians are called, equipped and entrusted to do good in this world.  The history of the world is a testimony how the Christian contribution changed the world.  

Care and Share

Another trait of a person who experiences conversion is to care for others and share with others.  Christian community is a caring community.  Globally, Christians have cared for the orphans, destitute, widows, poor, sick, AIDS victims, during plague and pandemic. Lord Jesus Christ taught the blessed give rather than receive.  (Acts 20:35)  

Congregational community

Conversion brings a person to be part of a community, that provides the sense of belonging.  It is not individualistic pursuit of spirituality, but a family, rather a body, of course the Body of Christ.  This sense of belonging provides dignity, affirmation and opens doors of opportunities, potential and usefulness.

Competence and ethics

Converted person does things different and excellently well.  John the Baptist called people to repent, convert and bring forth fruit of repentance.  (Luke 3:8)

Correlation 

Conversion changes all relationships, very significantly family relationships. Only bible commands a husband to obey his wife, while other religions do not.  Hence, a woman’s role is affirmed, respected as a person, and regarded for her contribution.  That brings peace and joy in the family.  They also learn to respect and honour parents and parents-in-law.  

Legal and social aspect of conversion

The provision under constitution

The United Nations charter Article 18 provides freedom of thought, conscience and religion, which includes freedom to change religion or belief.  India as a prominent member of United Nations, aspiring to get a seat in the Security Council, is aware of this.  Indian constitution provides this freedom according to Article 25.  It includes to profess, practice, and propagate religion.  However, there are some lawyers who interpret the word propagate is just teach and not convert people to another religion.  

General understanding

The general understanding is that a person is considered as convert when s/he takes baptism.  Family members, relatives and caste relationships could object when a person takes baptism.  Sometimes, it could be even violent that some are disowned.  There is no objection as long as a person reads the bible or attends gatherings or prays to Lord Jesus Christ.  Nowadays, even these activities are objected by anti-social and right-wing elements.  Even having multiple copies of bibles in the church also attracts police filing false cases in some States.  

Effects of conversion

Following Lord Jesus Christ liberates people from oppression, exploitation, and slavery.  Children go to school, they start dreaming.  The caste hierarchy allots them a perpetual slavery, but gospel gives them aspiration and dreams.  Yes, the servant maid also could dream as per Joel’s prophesy.  (Joel 2:28)

Here are two case studies.  Few children wanted to join the government school.  However, the local school did not give them admission in the State of Odisha.  The parents appealed to higher officials and went to meet him.  He shouted at them: “You beat drums in the funeral.  If your children study, who will beat drums in my funeral?”  They were chased out of the office.  

An owner of a marble stone quarry filed false case against missionaries who were serving the quarry stone cutters.  The missionaries taught the quarry workers children to read and write. When confronted he said: “If you educate these children who will serve my children, when they run this business.”  

Conversion and Liberation

Conversion provides liberation for those who follow Lord Jesus Christ. 

Spiritual liberation: 

A person is saved from Penalty of sin (past), Power of sin (present) and Presence of sin (future).  As a child of God, they have a new identity in Christ.  (John 1:12) The Eternal Life with God in heaven is assured. Any person can become a priest or pastor, could be promoted as Bishop, even as a Pope.  

Social liberation:

When a person becomes a follower of Christ, the social stigma of caste is removed.  They can partake in Lord’s table, enjoy fellowship with other believers irrespective of caste or class. 

Economic liberation

As a follower of Lord Jesus Christ new believers learn to live a dignified life.  Disciple of hygiene, attendance of children in the school, ambitions, perspective and attitude changes.  Being victorious over evil habits like alcoholism saves them a lot of money. Money spent on a lot of religious rituals, festivals and traditions is saved. They also escape money-lenders trap as they get education and help from the fellow believers.  

Persecution and conversion

The new believers from other religious background face persecution.  

Honour and shame

In a culture, where honour and shame are the focus, truth and righteousness are sacrificed. Family members persecute new believers, because of social stigma. Family honour is in jeopardy because of conversion.  

Caste pride

In some instances, the community of the caste makes it as a collective shame for one caste.  Hence, the community turns against the individual or the family.  

Insecurity

If people convert from the lower strata of society, they will become educated, get good jobs and flourish.  The upper strata feels that their privilege would be at stake, the resources would be distributed, and their portion will become smaller.  Envious of the new competitors, they try to violently oppose them.  

Political reasons

The right-wing ideology is opposed to equality and stand for hierarchy based on caste.  When a person with inferior identity given by society and religion converts and gets a new identity that has dignity and global fraternity, they are scared. The young people who do not have spiritual strength and stamina to serve the poor, marginalized, downtrodden, instead show their power by indulging in ruthless violence.  The spirituality of hate comes to open confronting the spirituality of love, which is Christian faith.  

Spiritual warfare

Satan is not happy when a person moves out of his slavery and darkness to freedom and light.  He will try to attack to make the new believer lose his faith and return to former lifestyle.  Satan may also instigate his instruments to persecute the new believers.  

Challenge

In the world, the truth will be proclaimed continuously by the Church as it is the mandate given the Risen Lord.  When gospel is proclaimed, there will be some people who will respond to the call.  There would be opposition, harassment, threats and even violence against the new believers.  In the history, the Roman Empire one of the most powerful empires in the world persecuted Christians.  The Empire does not exist today, but the Church exists today.  Conversions will happen among all people, until the Lord comes again.