Loving Rascal

  Bhagavad Gita calls Krishna the protector of Sanatan Dharma (11:18). If MLAs in Tamil Nadu receive votes from Krishna worshippers, they need to respect their voters’ faith and values. Approaching one another with mutual understanding and authentic dialogue benefits all communities and strengthens their relationship. Whereas, demeaning others’ faith and values is detrimental to the society. Sanatan means Eternal. It is another name for Hinduism. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) Jesus never hated idol-worshipping Romans or syncretistic Samaritans. The British didn't form or invent Bharat. Our civilization has existed for thousands of years.   त्वमक्षरं परमं वेदितव्यं त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम् | त्वमव्यय : शाश्वतधर्मगोप्ता सनातनस्त्वं पुरुषो मतो मे || 18|| (Gita 11:18)   Gita 11:18 says, “I recognize You as the supreme imperishable being, the Ultimate Truth to be known by the scriptures. You are t...

  The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” (Gen 25:23) Many people interpret this prophecy out of its original context and extend it to all families, parties, and groups. Firstly, the prophecy concerns a specific historical event and is not applicable universally. Secondly, Jacob, that is, Israel, was supposed to come out first, but due to the struggle between him and Esau in the womb, he became second. Even so, Jacob received a direct affirmation from God, who changed his name to Israel, as the firstborn. God says, "Israel is my Firstborn." (Exodus 4:22). This sets the foundation for understanding Israel's role in the broader biblical story. Building on this foundation, Jesus, the last Adam, died on a cross and rose again to forgive the sins of Israel and humanity, to remove the curse of death and decay from huma...

  I love my God and my country; there is no dichotomy between the two. As Jesus loved his Father and Israel, so can we love both. If asked, "Which parent do you love more?" and you love both equally, you would say, "Both." Verses about loving God more than others or hating others (Luke 14:26, Matthew 10:27) are sometimes misquoted. Luke 14:26 says, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." Matthew 10:27 states, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." Jesus also said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Scripture offers two ways to read these verses: either love others as yourself, or "hate" them by comparison to your love for ...

As long as Political Islam is present, religion will continue to influence politics. Hindus are generally inclusive. Political Islam's exclusivism and aim for an Islamic state united North Indian Hindus politically. The seculars, who value multi-religiousness and pluralism, often call this Political Hinduism. However, in reality, it is Hindu people tracing their roots to know and maintain their identity as a community. It is the struggle of Hindus to protect Bharatiyata, live by their morals, and safeguard their civilization. Without political power, Hindus cannot protect their civilization because Islam is a political religion. Islam often tries to erase the past memories of every civilization.   Lord Ram is a great king of Bharat and a Role model. He is known as the Maryada Purushottam, someone who lived a morally exemplary life. We look up to him and his example. Lord Krishna is also a source of wisdom, and we honor his teachings. I personally follow Jesus...

If you ever want to join a new faith community, examine how they treat their new believers. How are the lives of new people better after following this faith or God? If the community allots difficult paths and assignments requiring sacrifice to the new believers, saying, "God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers," it is a red light. Besides, you may find that they don't give any challenge that demands struggle or sacrifice to their own children, but crucify the new believer who is struggling to survive in the faith. Their children are natural leaders. :) Many times, people who believe in the New faith are separated from their families and are victimized by the new community. No laws exist in any country to protect such people's rights. The believing community will say, "Well, it was your choice (to believe). You may leave if you wish. Don't expect any better treatment from other Christians or us. Trust only God." When...

Revelation 12:10 describes Satan as an accuser of the faithful in Christ. The devil exposes the sins and faults of Christ-followers to condemn them. Jesus' faithful ones overcome his accusations with Jesus' blood and their faithful witness (12:11). Paul argues there is no condemnation for Jesus' believers (Rom 8:1-4). The Torah couldn't free people from sin and death because human sinful desires rendered it weak. However, God did it by sending his Son in the likeness of sinful humanity. God condemned humanity's sin in Jesus' body to create a ground to forgive their sins. Then, he filled them with his Holy Spirit. The Spirit-led believers fulfill the Torah's right requirement by living holy, loving lives. Thus, the same Torah that exposed sin and death has now freed people from sin and death by becoming a source of life-giving Spirit.   Reflect These truths encourage us to remember that when we feel weighed down by guilt or accusation, we can trust in J...