Oops, wrong Benny.
Posted on 01/17/2005 8:48:26 AM PST by missyme
Bangalore, Jan 16: The proposed ‘Pray for India’ programme later this week by American evangelist, Mr Benny Hinn has sparked a controversy with the Bharatiya Janata Party and Sangh parivar organisations up in arms against it, dubbing it as one that’s intended to promote religious conversion.
The Florida-based pastor, who claims to have the power to heal the sick and dying, is slated to attend the three-day prayer meeting from January 21 at Jakkur Airfield here which has been touted by the organisers as a big show, saying lakhs of people from across the country are expected to attend it.
The event has drawn strong opposition from the BJP, the Bajrang Dal and the Hindu Jagarana Vedike who see it as a conspiracy to convert the poor and vulnerable sections to Christianity.
The Bajrang Dal has already announced that 10,000 people would stage a demonstration at the venue. Vedike activists yesterday burnt publicity material of the proposed congregation. In fact, hoardings, banners and posters are now dotting various parts of the city.
Speaking to reporters here today, the Opposition BJP Leader in the legislative assembly, Mr B S Yediyurappa sought to take the state government to task for granting permission to hold the event at Jakkur Airfield, which is “sensitive” from the defence and security viewpoint.
Mr Yediyurappa termed as “unpardonable crime” and “insult to Hindus”, the circulation of pamphlets by organisers of the event criticising idol worship.
“Is the event not a conspiracy to convert people?,” he asked.
Accusing the organisers of promoting “wrong propaganda” that Mr Hinn is a “godman”, Mr Yediyurappa asked the government to reconsider its permission to the prayer meeting at Jakkur.
He said Hindus would voluntarily protest the event.
The Chief Minister, Mr N Dharam Singh has already stated that the government would not take any step to stop the programme, saying the administration cannot interfere with religious events.
Defending the convention, the organisers have said it is being conducted with “noble intention”. During his previous visit to Mumbai last year he did not speak anything about conversion or anything that affects the people’s religious sentiments, they said.
There are reports that Chief Ministers of some Congress-ruled states are likely to attend the meet. Mr Yediyurappa said while the government did not allow conduct of certain rituals at the Hindu-Muslim shrine at Bababudangiri Hills in Chikmagalur district late last year and amassed police force to enforce its decision, it’s now “organising and arranging” Mr Hinn’s programme.
Renowned Kannada litterateur and Jnanapeeth award winner, U R Ananthamurthy has cautioned Mr Dharam Singh against associating himself with the prayer meeting.
“The Chief Minister should not identify himself with this mass hysteria. We should not encourage this (mass hysteria),” Ananthamurthy said.
The police have said they have made elaborate security arrangements for the event.
Oops, wrong Benny.
In the interest of fairness---before people start their usual Hinn-bashing---perhaps it is worth noting that some in the Janata party have called for a return to "sutee," or ritual wife-burning (mandated) when the husband dies. So progressive, those Indians.
As much as I dislike (and distrust) Benny Hinn, I don't think he is stupid enough to make such a claim. I think he gives God credit for the power.
If Benny Hinn can convert these 3rd world and Muslim countries of there ritual jihad hate agaisnt Christians and Jews to understand the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ I am 100% for that.
He never says he has any power he does give all credit of healings to Jesus Christ. If he claimed he did it, he would be a witch doctor who would be in his house with a few following his cult...
Hinn's last programme in Mumbai was easily the biggest ever he has ever organised in his own words- with millions attending on the 3 days.The funny thing is that these same folks in the BJP couldn't say a thing last time around as Hinn infact got a nod of approval from Bal Thackeray,a rather peculiar leader who mixes extreme regional chauvenism with Hindu identity politics & who is a strong ally of the BJP.Nothing happens in Mumbai without Thackeray knowing & since he gave the go ahead,the show went on smoothly.& mind you,the Mumbai meeting was held when a BJP led coalition headed the central government.
Heh, well this is one more nation that does not practice and encourage the dissolution of its own culture under the rubric of 'multiculturalism', nope, not even 'democratic' India.
Does anyone outside of Western nations engage in this self erasure?
Which 'Janata' party (I assume you are referring to the Bharatiya Janata Party)leader has called for a return to "Sutee"? Please cite names and places, in fact any details that you may have.
Yes and there wasn't any Hindu backlash from what I recall?
ru referring to the Bharitiya Janata party or the Janata party??both are worlds apart.One relies on Hindu identity(or cultural nationalism or whatever they say!!) while the 2nd one started out as a motley grouping of disgruntled centrist politicians & socialists.
Sickness and death face us all. I just wish Hinn would focus on the damnation of one's soul.
MSM once again playing loose with facts, as Mr. Hinn lives in Calif. and give the credit to Someone Else for the power to heal.
As am I.
Nope-none to my knowledge.Infact I remember a Mumbai publication(the Midday,IIRC) saying that more Hindus came to those meetings out of pure curiosity.
What the BJP is engaging in this particular state has less to do with religion or conversion than with politics.They are out of power in Delhi & came close to forming the government in Karnataka,but couldn't form a coalition.They are somehow trying to create a polarising issue to yield political benefits,but it remains to be seen how far it will be effective.Most Indian are tired of religious or secular bigotry.
Hinn is an heretic and a fraud.
Let me know when he goes into children's cancer wards and burn units and lays on some of that 'healing.'
Exactly, I thought this was more political rather than religious, I rememeber hearing he had great success with the hindu population on his last visit there. One wonders if the Political Climate from the Tsunami Releif Workers has to do with a Huge Conversion Fear all over the region.
I thought "his ministry" was based in TX?
Best he watch his back. They kill for less reason than that over there.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.