One of the most drastic differences between India and America is the way that religion is a defining characteristic of Indian culture. Honestly, I didn't know much about Hinduism before being in India. This summer, I've absorbed so much knowledge about this religion. India was founded on religion, and their lives and culture revolve around it. In America, the separation of church and state is very strictly enforced. Not too much legal action is enforced in India, especially not separating church and state. Hindus have many gods and idols that they worship – many of which look like creepy animals with too many arms. Driving down the streets, there are statues of gods everywhere. I can't imagine driving down the freeway at home and seeing a giant statue of Jesus. While we were cleaning the new homes for the kids, we noticed these tiny rooms in the houses. I (the naïve American Christian girl) thought they were dressing rooms. Well, I learned that houses here are actually built with small rooms that function as a space to display idols. Indian homes are also built with many hooks hanging from the ceiling in each room. These hooks are meant to hold a volleyball lookin' thing that Hindus believe bring luck and good fortune. So these houses are being built with the assumption that the future tenants are religious. Sounds like America, right? HA!
This past Friday, we were given the opportunity to go into a remote village and share the gospel. I led my team in worship then spoke about Jesus, his life on earth, and his sacrifice. We were told that some of the audience was Christian, while some weren't. I emphasized the importance of the belief in ONE god – Jesus. I pray that I told a story that some people knew by heart, and that some had never heard. I also pray that they will replace their worthless idols and gods with Jesus. Many Hindus will accept Jesus, but they just add him to their long list of gods. Though I don't agree with Hinduism, I do admire their dedication and loyalty to their beliefs. They aren't afraid to advertise their faith, whereas many Christians are. We pass temples upon temples in a 10 minute rickshaw ride; I can only dream of a day that I'm surrounded by churches and radical believers in America.
I pray that there's a time in my life where I can stand in front of a group of Americans, Christian or not, and preach the gospel without the fear of being "politically correct." Hinduism is not a religion I want to be apart of, but I think us Christians could learn a little something from them. Lets become fearless in our faith. Lets not be afraid to step on anyone's toes and offend them. Lets be raw and real. Lets be as dedicated and as loyal as the Hindus. I long for the day that America will be known as a radical Christian nation.
I love India. But I especially love the obvious presence of the Holy Spirit in Ongole. Please pray for my team as we go into our last 2 weeks of ministry. Can't believe how fast this summer has gone.
Love you all,
Alexis Burrmann
