II myself see everyday(in india) before my house a huge church built by the contribution of americans...... I am a hindua nd got no offence againest any religion but i see lot of our people changing their religion cos the conversion gives free afternoon meal and clothes every month. People of last last generation converted for food but their children now think themselves as true christians and they look after their previos coustums and traditions as alien..... they no more celebrate our festivals, neither dress like us....... i think u got me....
2006-07-02 11:06:57 · 3 answers · asked by itsborin 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I am not Christian, but I was raised in a Christian family, and my parents belong to a church that sends missionaries to other countries. One of the things that I have noticed is that Christianity works as the "great equalizer." It DOES eradicate local customs and at times local histories. Since many customs began in relgious expressions that aren't Christian in nature, Christian missionaries will actively dismiss and encourage the destruction of those customs. As a result, the culture at large will change. If those non-Christian customs were good and provided a sense of community and goodwill, then you've got a problem.
Examples of negative modern changes taking place involve Russia. Baptist missionaries are going over to Russia in droves, despite the fact that Christianity is already a strong force in Russian culture and history. The Baptist denomination is referred to as "a new faith" in Russia, not because it's wonderful and shiny and bright, but becuase it's perceived as a couple of hundred years younger than the native (Orthodox) form of Christianity that has not only existed in Russia for centuries, but survived the Soviet Union intact. Many Russians (and I know dozens of them personally) complain that Baptist missionaries come over, change family traditions, tear families apart, and generally cause more problems than they fix...AND THEN THEY LEAVE! Which reaises a number of disturbing questions. If you ask me, I think that missionaries are guilty of the old "bait and switch" routine and it angers me that entire cultures are put at risk.
2006-07-02 11:31:11 · answer #1 · answered by chipchinka 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's okay. If the Christian experience does not do anything for them beyond the walls of the church, true conversion has not occurred.
On the other hand if Jesus Christ is answering their prayers, showing them a better life, giving them answers, healing them, proving to them that He is the Son of God, that there is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus...then they're in for a blessed victorious life as well as eternal life with Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior!!
Be happy for them!
2006-07-07 19:39:30 · answer #2 · answered by blakelycollierbrown 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Customs, maybe. I never thought about it. But costumes will always be the same.
2006-07-02 18:10:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋