A Christian preacher’s derogatory remarks about upper-caste Hindus have ignited a significant controversy in Tamil Nadu. The preacher, from the Church of South India (CSI) denomination, made inflammatory comments during a Sunday service on June 16, 2024, at CSI Immanuel Church, targeting Hindu practices and beliefs.
The preacher, whose identity has not been disclosed, referred to upper-caste Hindus as individuals who drink cow urine and consume cow dung. He juxtaposed this with Christians and Muslims, claiming that while these groups “rule the world,” Hindus engage in what he described as “disgusting” practices. His statements have drawn widespread condemnation and accusations of promoting religious intolerance.
The sermon began with the preacher discussing the importance of worship in strengthening Christianity. However, it quickly veered into a critique of Sanatana Dharma and Hindu practices. Citing verses from the Bible about untouchability, the preacher transitioned into a scathing attack on Hindus, particularly targeting Brahmins.
Last Sunday coimbatore CSI Church father instead of talking about christ and Christianity is spread hatred and communal disharmony .
Hope @tnpoliceoffl will take legal action.@legalhindudef @VHPDigital @hindumunnani_tn @hindumunnaniFC @RSSorg @friendsofrss pic.twitter.com/G2LrvqM1LQ
— Saravanaprasad Balasubramanian (Modi ka Pariwar) (@BS_Prasad) July 2, 2024
“Today, it is the two descendants who are ruling the world: Abraham’s descendants and Ishmael’s descendants. Christians and Muslims are the ones ruling the world. Here people talk about Sanatanam and spirituality. They eat dumplings (kozhakattai) and coconut meat (nariyal pith), cow dung, and they drink cow urine. What is spirituality in this? They say those who eat beef are lower caste while those who drink cow urine are upper caste. Do they even have brains? One who eats cow dung is upper caste, ‘cross belt’ (a derogatory reference to the sacred thread or janeu) – the one who eats the cow that gives this cow dung is lower caste,” the preacher said.
He continued, “The only race which eats dung lives here. No other race in the entire world eats dung. Only in India do they eat the dung and drink the urine. We have such a disgusting race in India, and he proudly says that he came from Lord Brahma’s head. If you came from the head, why are you eating what fell on the ground? The one who comes from the head must stand on his head. We all stand in front of the cow, but these people stand behind the cow waiting for it to lift its tail. And they call us savage. They call us uncivilized people and say don’t touch them; they are untouchable. We feel ashamed to touch them; they do such dirty things.”
These comments have been met with outrage, particularly among the Hindu community. The incident has added to the ongoing tension and religious polarization in the region, with some accusing the DMK government of fostering an environment where anti-Hindu sentiments are allowed to flourish. This incident follows a series of unrelated but similarly controversial remarks by various political figures, including statements made in Parliament by Seshahda and MP KC Venugopal, further intensifying the discourse around religious intolerance.
During the sermon, the church father made inflammatory remarks about upper-caste Hindus, alleging that they consume cow urine and cow dung. He compared these practices unfavorably to Christian and Muslim beliefs, asserting their dominance in global affairs. His comments, perceived as derogatory and offensive, have ignited a storm of criticism across social media and within the local community.
The controversy escalated when the preacher delved into local water politics, criticizing perceived caste-based discrimination in access to water resources. He claimed that historically, water was segregated among different communities, with stringent rules governing its use, which he condemned as unjust.
“Water is a big problem here. Go to the villages and see, you cannot draw water from any well just like that. If you do that, they will chop you into pieces and put you inside the same well,” the preacher stated. He accused Hindus of monopolizing natural resources and enforcing discriminatory practices, while praising Jesus for defying such norms.
This incident is not isolated, as similar sermons criticizing Hindu customs and promoting Christian ideals reportedly occur frequently in Tamil Nadu. Critics allege that such rhetoric is supported by political alignments, with claims that the DMK government depends heavily on Christian votes. Statements from religious leaders and politicians have further fueled tensions, including claims that the DMK’s electoral success in 2021 was due to Christian support.
In addition to the sermon controversy, allegations of forced conversions by Christian groups have surfaced in recent incidents. In North Vijayanarayanam village, Tirunelveli district, workers from the Palayamkottai CSI Council were accused of insulting a local deity, leading to communal tensions and protests by local Hindu organizations.
Local villagers, alongside members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, took action by handing over the accused council workers to the police. The incident underscores growing concerns over religious conversions and perceived encroachments on Hindu cultural practices.
Calls for stringent anti-conversion laws have intensified in response to these developments, with voices arguing that such legislation is crucial to safeguard Hindu identity and prevent demographic shifts. Proponents warn that without such protections, Hindus could become minorities in their own states, facing potential persecution from religiously motivated groups.
The controversy surrounding the Christian sermon and the broader issue of religious conversions have heightened communal tensions in Tamil Nadu.
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