We do not intend to deny the difficulties that the evangelizer experiences in Asia. The word ‘conversion’ has acquired a negative connotation in many countries on this continent. Not rarely, people associate the word with a change of religion under duress, deceit or enticement. We know that genuine conversion is something different.
However, if this word or any other gives offence, we should opt for other expressions. Nonetheless, it is legitimate to claim, on the one hand, the right to choose one’s religion, and on the other, the freedom to share one’s faith.
The fiercest opposition to such claims is likely to come from those who have an ethnic notion of religion. Some countries in Asia manifest this tendency. A universal religion, like all truly human ideals, knows no boundaries.
No nation or ethnic group that respects human freedom has ever attempted to interfere in the religious choice of members. It is the most personal of all choices. Compared with political, economic, or cultural options, it is the most sacred of all rights. There have been many instances of harassment of Christians in different countries of Asia in recent times: burning of Bibles and churches, imposition of specific attire, anti-conversion laws, beating up of preachers, and even murder (India). Government has passed laws and imposed restrictions: blasphemy laws (Pakistan), religious regulations (China, Vietnam). There have been re-conversion drives by the extremist elements among the majority community using force and offering enticements.
It is not true that a missionary spirit is proper of Christianity only and that it is a sign of intolerance. Every universal religion has had among its chief traits the desire to share its message with the whole of humanity. The Rig Veda said: “This message ensuring the ultimate good has to be conveyed to all men.” The Buddha ordered:
“Go you now, monks, for the benefit of many, for the welfare of mankind, out of compassion for the world. Preach the doctrine which is glorious in the beginning, glorious in the middle, and glorious in the end.” The Kur’an instructed: “And we do not send the messengers but as bearers of good tidings and as warners. And whoever shall believe and amend, there is no fear in them nor shall they grieve. But whoever shall charge our communications with falsehood, on them shall fall a punishment of their wicked things” (Kur’an VI,48,49). So with other religions. It is quite unfair to say that Christianity alone believes in self-propagation. Something amazing happens when people are confronted with God’s Word. How it touches human hearts remains always a mystery. It transforms the lives of people.
THE UNIQUE FIGURE OF CHRIST
Of late, there is a growing anxiety in the mind of some Christian believers that, while Christ’s teaching about human brotherhood is welcome in Asia, His unique person is an obstacle. Such a fear is largely entertained by those who have never had a lived experience of presenting Christ to a searcher. We are absolutely certain that the person of Christ is not an obstacle, but the most attractive force and the most inspiring figure on the continent of Asia. Is He not the most eminent of Asia’s children?
The problem is not actually with the image of Christ itself. Difficulties may arise from other areas. There may be unhealed colonial memories of historic injuries received from countries that are considered Christian. There may be perceptions of political and economic threats from such nations even today. Such perceptions certainly need to be considered carefully. In fact, it is part of the evangelizer’s mission to heal the memories of historic injuries within the society in which he lives. Forgiveness is the only path to the future. However, what is significant for us to realize is that there is no aversion to Christ Himself and what He stands for.
Anyone who has the experience of sharing the Faith knows that arguing about the uniqueness of Christ is an idle exercise. Bringing theological contentions to the ardent searcher only dampens his or her enthusiasm. Persons at the service of the Gospel must stop being wranglers and keep away from sterile apologetics. Let us present Christ as He really is, as He is presented in the Scriptures. That is sufficient. Let them find out for themselves. Let them be the judges. “Come and see,” Jesus said to the disciples of John the Baptist (Jn 1:39). Know for yourselves:
Christ, His life, His love, His gracious words, His help, His healings, the style of His dealings, the rare way He accepts sufferings, the unique manner in which He gives up His life. Forgiving! Is He not unique? If not, who is! Asians of different religions have painted the figure of Christ, composed poems, written novels, acted in dramas, produced films, interpreting His personality and message with skills that amaze the Christian believer. They have acted as though Christ belonged to them. He does. Christ belongs to all.
Veteran evangelizers in Asia tell us that certain evangelical approaches are in bad taste: arguments in general; going across cultures and ‘convicting people of sin’; aggressive evangelistic crusades and campaigns; claims of numbers. In the same way, we must be cautious of overusing certain images, even when they are theologically correct. The justice of the Father that calls for the shedding of the blood of an innocent victim looks unfair to many searchers. On the contrary, Jesus’ love and compassion that led Him to the uttermost sacrifice is inspiring.
The offering of His blood as a drink is a terrible thought. The gift of His life for the redemption of humankind is far more intelligible. Miracles do not make an impression on communities that are already overcredulous of wonders performed by their holy men and their deities. But the teachings of Jesus always make Asians sit up in amazement. They treasure His words. Indeed, “Nobody has ever talked the way this man does” (Jn 7:48). Is He not unique?
A GOD-HUNGRY WORLD
We are living through troubled times. Nations are in conflict, societies keep breaking up, ethnic groups collide, disrespect for traditional ethical values is mounting, and old points of references are fast vanishing. There is uncertainty, confusion, despair, but also, thank God, expectancy. God is ‘shaking the nations once more.’ The hour has come again for the Gospel. People are looking for God’s powerful intervention in human history and his reconciling Word. There is a growing hunger for God, of which many Christian thinkers and pastors are little aware. New religious movements, rebirth of traditional religions, and emergence of new forms of spiritualities (related to ecology, tribal traditions, indigenous identities, healing, esoteric experiences) are telling us something.
Religious leaders are waiting with improved ideas and programs, with mission statements and vision statements but, unfortunately, not with God. Would that they would develop the unique skill to offer God’s transforming message to a God-hungry world! That can best be done by a team of God-intoxicated persons: the religious.
To decide to whom to whisper the Gospel directly, when and how to do it, whom to invite to a definitive choice and decision… is a spiritual skill an evangelizer should daily pray for. Asia’s soul awaits this message! A definitive choice of Christ is always a wonder. It is nothing short of a miracle. How it happens no one can tell. But it happens. It happens, through you and me. It happens in spite of me… and yet, it happens through me, too. I have an irreplaceable role in this divine economy. If I fail, that God-given role will not be fulfilled. No one else can fulfill the task assigned precisely to me. May the Lord enable me to discover that irreplaceable role. May He enable all of us to do so. “Do great things for us, O Lord, for You are mighty, and holy is Your Name.”
