​The lost message, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi on December 25.
• This marks the first instance of Mr. Modi participating in a complete worship service at a church.
• Mr. Modi shared Christmas greetings on social media, emphasizing peace, compassion, and harmony.
• The visit is seen as a gesture of reassurance to the Christian community amid reports of intimidation and violence.

Detailed Insights:

• The RSS has historically viewed Christianity and Islam as foreign religions, but has recently attempted to include them in its concept of national identity.
• Vandalism and violence against Christian places of worship have been reported in states like Assam, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• Disruptions of worship and physical violence against church leaders are often justified by spurious charges of conversion.
• Despite Mr. Modi's Christmas message, there has been a lack of meaningful police action against perpetrators of violence, indicating a gap between symbolism and action.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Syncretism: The merging of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought.
• Religious Freedom: The right to practice one's religion without fear of discrimination or persecution.
• Pluralism: The coexistence of diverse groups within a society, with mutual respect and tolerance.