Benny Hinn show

The talking point in Bangalore now is the Benny Hinn show. For those who aren't aware of it, here is a small introduction.

Benny Hinn is a California-based pastor. He goes around the world holding prayer meetings. He has been to India before too. There was one in Mumbai in February last year. Many non-Christians (even very well-educated people) are attracted to these prayer meetings and to his teachings. (Just as a lot of non-Hindus are attracted to congregations of Hindu leaders.)

The Bangalore meet, to be held from January 21 to 23, is the Pray for India rally at Festival of Blessing. It is being held also to bring relief and comfort for those affected by the tsunami.

This is at the centre of a controversy now. Radical Hindu groups are opposing the staging of the function saying it is aimed at converting non-Christians to Christianity. The other allegation is that the Faith Healing or Miracle Healing is "a fraud". They are also opposing the role of the government in this; since government land is being given for the function.

The orgainsers have held a press conference rebutting the allegations. The chief minister says the show will go on as there is nothing in the Indian Constitution that bars religious meetings. He says if conversion takes place, law will deal with it. Both parties have also approached the court.

A lot of people who have never heard of this, have suddenly become aware of these prayer meetings. And, because of the controversy generated they are curious to know what indeed happens there. Some even fear if there could be violence. But police are all geared up to ensure peace.

Personally, I don't know why there should be such a hue and cry. And, I also don't understand why this particular meet has become controversial. After all such meetings are commonly held all over, aren't they?

Every religion survives on Faith. Cases of Miracle Healing and Faith Healing are there in every religion. Why religion? Haven't we seen very ordinary doctors who are very successful. Just go and meet them you feel so good. It's all in your mind. If someone is getting cured of his suffering, and is getting the peace he badly needs, why should others have a problem?

Regarding conversion, no one can convert you unless you are willing. And, whether you are willing or not, is your very personal matter. I don't think any one else has a right over that. We all (irrespective of our religion) turn to God and religion when we need His help and blessing. Aren't all religions similar in their goals: for peace, happiness and the well-being of the people.

Religion is only a tool to guide us on the right track. It's not an end in itself. A society's prosperity doesn't depend on which religion its people belong to. It depends on the availability of minimum comfort levels for our physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being.

When so many things are crying for our attention, especially that of politicians and administrators, in Bangalore, aren't they barking up the wrong tree?