Jerome Anto, a practicing Christian, is a Politico religious observer and an anti-conversion campaigner.
He endorses the protection and preservation of Sanatan Dharma and believes the only way possible for peaceful coexistence in Bharat is Hindu Rashtra.
He conducts workshops, seminars and lectures on educating the masses (Hindus) of the danger of Abrahamization of Bharat.
Shri Jerome Anto had filed a PIL in the Supreme Court questioning fraudulent conversions allegedly being undertaken of Hindus and minor children. The PIL requested the Supreme Court to issue directions to the government to bring a law to control religious conversions in Bharat. The court however dismissed the PIL saying that if it were a live challenge and someone was prosecuted, we could have entertained but what kind of PIL is this.
Hindupost had a detailed conversation with Jerome Anto on the scenario and trajectory of Christian conversions in Bharat.
1. How come, being a practicing Christian, you filed a PIL for enacting an anti- conversion law in Bharat?
As a student of history, I’ve observed patterns where the process of conversion has been directly associated with broader geopolitical and cultural shifts. Throughout history, we’ve seen instances where missionaries, in various parts of the world, have been involved in activities that extended beyond the realm of religious outreach, especially in the case of Abrahamic faith. Religious conversion is intertwined with broader geopolitical agendas, leading to unintended consequences and even the destruction of indigenous cultures.
My concern, as a concerned citizen of Bharat, is rooted in this historical context. I believe it’s essential to learn from history and be cautious about any actions that might inadvertently harm the rich tapestry of our civilization. The experiences in Africa, America, Asia, and Australia have shown that conversion industry destroys people and enslaves them which leads to irreparable consequences and a sure erosion of indigenous civilizations.
By advocating for an anti-conversion law, my intention is to safeguard the unique cultural heritage of Bharat. I firmly believe that coexistence of diverse religious beliefs and practices cannot exist alongside the naturally predatory Abrahamic Faith unless there are strict laws. It’s crucial for us to approach these matters with a deep understanding of our history and a commitment to preserving the pluralistic fabric of our nation.
2. Supreme Court Lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay has also in the past filed many petitions requesting the courts to instruct the government to pass an anti-conversion law at the central level. Why do you think there has been no concrete action till date?
It appears that the issue of anti-conversion laws has not been a top priority for the courts or the government, and there are several reasons contributing to the lack of concrete action. Firstly, it seems that those in authority may not have a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of conversion activities in the contemporary context. Many are still rooted in traditional perspectives on how conversions used to occur in the past.
In my interactions with various individuals in positions of authority, including legal members, it became evident that there is a significant lack of awareness about the intricacies of the business of conversion. This lack of understanding has caused the issue to take a back seat in the government’s agenda. The outdated perceptions about conversion methods may be hindering the development and implementation of effective anti-conversion laws.
As a result, the issue has not gained the attention it deserves, and the absence of concrete action allows certain groups, particularly Christians, to exploit existing legal loopholes. Without a focused effort to address and regulate conversion practices, these loopholes provide opportunities for individuals and organizations to continue advancing their conversion agendas without facing significant legal constraints.
In essence, the delay in addressing the need for anti-conversion laws at the central level seems to stem from a combination of inadequate understanding within the authorities and the issue not being prioritized in the face of other pressing matters. This delay, unfortunately, comes at a cost to the nation, as it allows for the potential misuse of existing legal gaps for furthering conversion efforts.
3. What is the current trajectory of Christian conversions in Bharat? Which states are being targeted the most at the moment?
Despite purported efforts and attempted restrictions, there appears to be no significant reduction in the ongoing Christian conversion efforts in Bharat. Those involved in the business of conversion seem to possess strong political connections, enabling them to navigate legal complexities effectively. They often use the law as a tool, either as a magic wand to further their objectives or as a defense against actions that seek to curtail their activities.
While some may believe that the nation has done enough to impede conversion, this perception may be a form of self-consolation, as the reality suggests otherwise. The mindset that conversion is under control might be illusory and potentially detrimental to the nation’s interests. There seems to be a tendency to underestimate the adaptability and persistence of those engaged in conversion activities.
These individuals and groups, if faced with setbacks in one region, appear to be adept at reinventing their strategies, modifying their approaches, and deploying with precision in different geographical locations. They exhibit a continuous search for new opportunities, ‘greener pastures.’ The fact that they are always on the lookout for new areas to target implies their quest to hoodwink someone or the other, by hook or crook.
The foreign evangelists, maintaining direct contact with local churches, play a supportive role in this dynamic. Their involvement adds an international dimension to the conversion efforts, creating a complex web of connections that facilitates the persistence and adaptability of the conversion business.
In summary, the trajectory of Christian conversions in Bharat seems to persist despite perceived efforts to curb it. The adaptability and resilience of those involved, combined with political connections and legal manoeuvring, contribute to an ongoing challenge that requires vigilant and nuanced approaches to address effectively.
4. Many cases of crypto- Christians have come to light recently. Can you shed some light on this phenomenon?
This has been a phenomenon for quite sometime now and we as Christians are aware of this dubious ploy to hoodwink the state and our non-believers. As Christians, our ultimate goal is to enlarge our fold by hook or crook and in the process, we employ many such deceptive camouflaging tactics. After all isn’t that what even today many individuals who have a circle of influence do. They want to outwardly show they are Hindus with a very innocent Hindu name but their agenda is very clear, to find victims who will fall trap to their tactics. There are several of them who have hidden their identity but thanks to social media, somewhere they falter and we get to know their real religious identity. Being a Crypto Christian is a deliberate strategy instilled by the Church. Infact this is a well thought out process discussed and agreed in the drawing board of the Church leaders. This serves multi purposes, one it enables easy penetration into the Hindu society, Secondly, deceives the national data, Thirdly, it helps harvest the best of both worlds – being a Hindu and being a Christian and fourthly it confuses an innocent Hindu to accept Christianity while still holding on to Hindu identity. In this way, the final agenda is achieved where finally the Church has entrapped and enslaved the innocent Hindu.
5. Does the church resort to stoking superstitions and brainwashing to step up Christian conversions in Bharat?
Yes, Christians believe in employing various methods to facilitate the conversion of individuals from other faiths, viewing it as a pious duty to save fellow non-believers from eternal damnation. The belief is rooted in the conviction that Jesus, as stated in the Bible, is the exclusive way to salvation, as expressed in the verse “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
The teaching in the Bible, particularly the command in Matthew 28:19-20, is seen as a clear and defining commission given by Christ to spread the gospel. This commission emphasizes the duty to teach all nations, baptize them, and instruct them to observe Christ’s teachings. For Christians, their life’s purpose is often perceived as cantered around sharing the message of Jesus.
Every Christian is called to be an evangelist and it aligns with the pious duty to actively try to convert others to Christianity.
6. What do we know about the foreign funding nexus of aggressive Christian conversion missions being undertaken in Bharat?
The shops in the West are closing as followers of Christianity have grown weary of the double standard hypocrisy of the church to control them. Today, an average Westerner (Christian) does not attend church at all, except for occasions like weddings or funerals. Otherwise, they have abandoned the church. Not to mention the numerous crime scandals unearthed from underneath the carpet, blowing the lid off and leaving the Church stripped naked. Now that the shops have closed there, the greener pastures are in Asia, particularly Bharat. The focus is entirely on Bharat, with significant investments pouring in. As much as the Western mindset is seeping into Bharat, there is also considerable investment in converting Hindus. The next and final destination of conversion, as proclaimed by Pope John Paul during his visit to India, was to conquer this part of the globe as a vision for the next millennium. The church will find ways to navigate funding restrictions.
7. Do we have conclusive data regarding conversions in Bharat?
No, the state administration does not seem to be interested in this subject, and it is not on the top priority list. Forgetting the fact that this topic throws a spanner in the works, there is no mechanism to collect data except for a defunct census mechanism, which should not be relied upon. However, there are a lot of ways to track it, provided the government is interested. Currently, the numbers are unruly and flying northwards.
8. Considering the alarming rate at which Bharatiyas are getting converted to Abrahamic religions, what do you think should be the way forward?
Firstly, it’s crucial to recognize that conversion not only impacts religion but also erodes cultural identity. Globally, the Church has historically employed conversion as a tool for political control and resource exploitation, often leading to the destruction of native cultures. The Church, functioning not just as a religion but as an ideology, seeks supremacy by penetrating deep into human minds. This pattern has been observed worldwide, and Bharat appears to be vulnerable to such influences. To counter this, political will is essential. The state should collaborate with experts in this field, moving beyond theoretical approaches. Those with practical knowledge of how the system works should be actively engaged to address and navigate this complex issue.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the only geographies where the church has failed are places where the government has imposed severe restrictions on church and evangelical activities. Freedom of religion for a Christian is often perceived as a license to convert, and the government seems to be blinded to this reality. Recognizing and addressing the relationship between religious freedom and conversion dynamics is vital for a comprehensive approach to the issue at hand.
