Topic started by Gunther (@ 202.184.134.8) on Wed Sep 25 22:34:57 .
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

This is a live situation.

I have a relative whos is a Catholic (I am a Hindu). The whole family used to be very close with us for a long time, although they live in another country. During visits to my place, they used to be very liberal and visited temples in my place and even took part in prayers. In spite of this they were good Christians in that even when overseas, they did not miss Sunday services and other Christian pratices and rituals.

And then they discovered Pentecostalism.
First to go was the "pottu."
Although we were sad, we respected their choice. Of course visits has stopped totally.

Now let me come to the matter at hand. They used to send birthday cards to all of us. In the last few years, they began sending virtual cards.

But since their new "discovery" they have started sending greetings cards with Christian messages. I find this offensive as this actually amounts to forcing their beliefs on us.

While I will accept suggestions and advise, I also hope that people here can share greeting card services that are offered with Hindu sayings and prayers. I have google quite a bit, but I find cards even in Hindu sites, to be universal without any religious connotations.

I am talking about normal greetings like Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc, and not festival greeting cards.

Can anyone help?

Responses:

• From: Milton (@ palo4.pacific.net.sg) on: Wed Sep 25 23:38:21
  
  Gunther,
  Better you ignore them.
  
  
• From: Gunther (@ 202.184.134.8) on: Thu Sep 26 00:03:57
  
  Milton, the cards or the people?
  
  Please don't ask me to ignore them as they are of the same blood and other than this, they are very nice people.
  
  I don't want to offend them but at the same time I want to send a strong message.
  
  
• From: Shakthi (@ bangdp-36-223.mantraonline.com) on: Thu Sep 26 05:32:21
  
  Gunther,
  
  Religion is each one's personal belief. If one is strong in his religious beliefs, understand the process and path involved in the his religion..
  
  then such ppl need not worry or be confused by JUST LISTENING OR LEARNING SOMETHINGS FROM OTHER RELIGION.
  
  I personally feel, by reading, or listening to other religious views, ONE SHOULD NOT be offended.
  
  I studied in christian mission, then muslim college, now.....I even used to sing carols...went to church..
  
  But..
  
  I STAND as a PROUD HINDU, for I know What I have in my religion. So ppl's words or cards, or hymns wont make me feel bad or scared.
  
  I respect christ, and alla and other religions too.
  
  When we love and be proud of our own religion, we should be confident to listen to messeges from others too.
  
  
  
• From: Skanthavelu Nadarajah (@ edtntnt6-port-18.dial.telus.net) on: Thu Sep 26 09:04:17
  
  That was very nice, Shakthi!
  Last night, someone invited me to a Christian celebration and tell them about Hinduism and about my temple and about my Amma. I will go and tell these people about Hinduism and about Amma.
  
  
• From: :) Punnahai (@ d150-35-51.home.cgocable.net) on: Thu Sep 26 23:17:08
  
  I would also like to add, if I found something that worked wonders for me (it is my belief, I might be delusional in your view, but in my view it is good for me) and I share my knowledge of it with you, you cannot accuse me. If you don't like it ignore it, don't consume it, ask me to shut up, but don't blame me if I share what I know with you.
  
  
• From: Gunther (@ 202.184.134.8) on: Fri Sep 27 00:02:35
  
  Shakthi, thanks for your views.
  I am not at all confused. :)
  What I can't stand is this religious imposition. Donna, in another forum, put it nicely regarding these kind of people.
  
  
  Punnahai, one should never treat religion as a common commodity. Religion is also very personal.
  
  I have indicated in many ways that I don't want this kind of subtle propaganda, but to no avail.
  
  I don't want to ignore it as I find it very insulting for someone to shove their religion on my face.
  
  And as a last resort, I have come to the forum.
  
  Could someone please give me links where there are every day greeting cards with Hindu prayers/sayings?
  At least this will send a strong message across.
  
  
• From: :) Punnahai (@ d150-35-51.home.cgocable.net) on: Fri Sep 27 06:01:42
  
  Gunther:
  
  >>Religion is also very personal.
  <<
  
  Religion is very personal, does not mean we cannot talk about it :):) Health is a very personal thing, but if I find (or think I found ) a good doctor, I should share that info with you.
  
  Be honest with them and tell them what you feel, don't shy away wehn they approach you because religion is "personal". Have an open conversation and be upfront about it, but of course politely :)
  
  
• From: Shekhar (@ 61.1.142.180) on: Sat Sep 28 00:43:58
  
  Gunther,
  
  I don't know why you feel threatened or offended by their religious propaganda. If you don't like it, it takes only a second to throw the paper into the dust bin, and takes less time to throw it off your mind.
  Why do you want to send Hindu scriptures across to them? What is the point you are trying make and why? At the end of this what will you have achieved.
  I have been hearing religion from all corners all the time. Still, I have been an atheist for ages. Such things don't bother me at all. Reaction is weakness almost always. Not to react requires more strength.
  
  
• From: Nambi (@ cache-ink1-cro-hsi.cableinet.co.uk) on: Sun Sep 29 10:39:26
  
  Forcing one's belief starts at 8 months after birth in our country. Shaving off head and ear piercing ceremonies against the wishes of the babies is one among them. You couldnt have
  become a Hindu if your parents did not force you to take to the temples. I have never seen
  children born to Hindu parents becoming christians or the vice versa. This is because the parents
  threaten their children if they adopt other
  religions. If no parent force their children
  to follow their religion, India will become an
  atheist country and that will be good for India.
  
  
• From: robertjorden (@ cvx-stratford-12.cyg.net) on: Thu Feb 26 21:07:42
  
  ekam sad vipraa bahudhaa vadanti
  
  

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