There's been much in the news in the last couple of years that causes us to take a doubtful view of the merits of Islam. Here's a good reason to be likewise repelled by Hinduism:
Her parents told her the devadasi marriage ceremony was just a religious ritual, but she quickly learned otherwise. Six months after the "wedding," Ningamma was back in the temple, serving the first of countless men ... and ultimately contracting HIV.
Today, she has much in common with the other women in the room. They are all former devadasi, all HIV-positive, all serving World Vision as peer counselors to current and former temple prostitutes. And they all have a common purpose: to end a tragic Hindu tradition that began centuries ago.
Originally, devadasi were celibate dancing girls used in temple ceremonies. They entertained members of the ruling class. But sometime around the 6th Century, the practice of "dedicating" girls to Hindu gods became prevalent.
What was once a high-caste and socially honorable responsibility eventually degenerated into another variant of the world's oldest profession. Despite being outlawed, the practice of ritualized prostitution continues, though to escape detection the "dedications" or "weddings" often occur in the middle of the night or in private homes. Humanitarian organizations estimate as many as 5,000 Indian girls become devadasi each year.
Ningamma relates that during her life as a devadasi it was impossible to say "no" to any man. "My parents told me, 'If you stop, god will punish you,'" she says.
But even without such pressure it can be hard to persuade devadasi to seek alternate employment. Many make as much as 5000 rupees (about $120) for a day's work, which easily trumps the few dollars they could make as a seamstress.
So what gives Ningamma and the other former devadasi the strength or motivation to serve as peer counselors? "We've learned lessons and we want to pass on what we have learned," she says, looking around the room as other women nod in agreement. "Why should girls be sacrificed and traumatized?"
When atheistic communists commit atrocities they're acting consistently with their belief that there is no right or wrong except insofar as the act promotes the revolution. When Muslims commit atrocities they're acting consistently with their belief that Allah wants them to butcher infidels. When Hindus commit atrocities they are acting consistently with their belief that the gods desire the service of young women.
When Christians commit atrocities they're violating everything their religion and their Lord teaches about love, mercy, and justice.
