Erling Thu

Hinduism in double trouble

One of my Indian friends sent me a very interesting analysis of the situation in Orissa where Christians have been killed and persecuted recently. I have posted the entire article titled: Hinduism in Double Trouble: Mao & Christ Come Together in Orissa.

Pray for our covenant brothers and sisters in Orissa

I have received information from our covenant friends in Orissa that they are suffering under the attacks from Hindu fundamentalist. Please pray for peace to return and an end to all violence taking place at the moment in the State of Orissa.

Some days ago, a Hindu fundamentalist leader, who was instrumental in inciting the violence against our covenant friends last December, was killed along with four of his followers. This was perpetrated by Naxalites, (a Maoist group) who are waging an armed struggle against the governments of many of the eastern states in India. However, his followers have gone on a rampage and damaged many homes and church buildings in that district. They are forcing many of our brothers to take shelter in the forests like they did last time.

Pradhan, who is leading the work in the Kandhamal district called from the jungle. Together with many other hundreds of Christians he has taken shelter in the forests in the wake of violence which has spread in that area.

Today we have received information that several of our co-workers are directly involved and suffering from the attacks. Tolo's village has been destroyed. Most of the houses have been were destroyed. 4 people were killed. Rajkumar's village was also attacked and 2 people killed. Sanatan's village was also attacked, 2 people killed. Most of these people have been sheltering in the forests.

Pradhan told us that he had shifted his family to another place, which he said was safer. The whole of Kandhamal district is under curfew. He has requested prayer for peace to return to that area as soon as possible.

Read more at   The Hindu or NDTV.COM

A nonviolent alternative

I have been reading a recent book by Brian D. McLaren called "The secret message of Jesus." I have bought several of his books and I have been browsing some of them, but this is the first book by him that I am reading through. I find the message of the book very fascinating and challenging. He has a chapter on the Peaceable Kingdom of God. I didn't expect an American Christian to be in favour of the non violent alternative that Jesus was preaching. It was a pleasant surprise! He included in this chapter a very good quote of Martin Luther King Jr. after asking some good questions.

Perspectives on war 7

Today I will finish my posts on war. I will conclude with a simple action program for peace.

Perspectives on war 6

Jesus said: Blessed are the peacemakers, they shall be called the children of God! Because of these and other words Christians should actively work for peace.

Perspectives on war 5

What can we learn from the ethical tradition of the Church concerning war?

Perspectives on war 4

War and peace have been the concern of the church throughout history. Today I like to share some of views of war during church history.

Perspectives on war 3

We have been looking at Biblical perspectives of war in my recent posts. Today I will bring some conclusions.

Perspectives on war 2

Today I like to share some insight on the New Testament perspective on war!

Perspectives on war 1

Some time ago I wrote a kind of Bible study on the issue of war. The war in Iraq and the current terrorism are making the issue of war a very relevant one for many people. I like to share some insight from the Old Testament first.