India is often called the world’s largest democracy, but beneath the surface, a troubling question is emerging: will the government move toward a national anti-conversion law? In several Indian states, anti-conversion measures already exist, rooted in fear that Christianity might gain influence and disrupt Hindu society. For many within the Hindu establishment, Christianity is seen as a threat—an ideology that could shift loyalties and weaken their grip on power.
Hinduism and the Struggle for Control
Debates about whether Hinduism is monotheistic or polytheistic often miss the point. From a Christian perspective, the core truth is that the gods of Hinduism and the God revealed in Scripture are not the same. The God of the Bible is living, personal, and sovereign. He calls people to Himself in love, not by compulsion.
Hindu leaders, fearing the loss of cultural dominance, frame anti-conversion laws as protecting religion and tradition. In reality, these laws limit liberty and silence the free choice of individuals to follow Christ. Christianity, by contrast, is voluntary. Faith in Jesus Christ cannot be forced—it must be chosen. That is both Christianity’s “weakness” in the eyes of the world and its great strength, because true love cannot exist without free will.
The Danger of Forced Religion
History shows that wherever religion is enforced by law, oppression follows. Islamists in Nigeria, for example, are already persecuting Christians, often violently, to expand their influence. In India, if anti-conversion laws become national, they could serve as justification for discrimination—or even violence—against those who turn to Christ.
Hinduism, with its caste system and doctrine of reincarnation, has long preserved rigid hierarchies. By contrast, Christianity teaches that all are equal before God: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). The voluntary love of Christ destroys barriers that man-made religions seek to enforce.
Freedom, Property, and the Gospel
Christian civilization has advanced not because Christians are perfect, but because imperfect believers embraced God’s truth: liberty, property rights, and stewardship. These principles helped shape modern trade, international law, and technological innovation. From the printing press to the internet, societies influenced by Christianity have built systems that protect individual freedom.
Where Christ is absent, societies often turn to strongmen and censorship. Without the Gospel, governments justify force to preserve culture or ideology. This is why many Asian nations, despite economic success, live under restricted freedoms and heavy state control.
Anti-conversion laws reflect the same spirit: the belief that the state owns your conscience, your words, and even your faith. But Scripture is clear: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).
Democracy Without Christ
Many celebrate India’s democracy, but democracy without moral foundation can devolve into demagoguery—rule by popularity and intimidation rather than truth and justice. History teaches us that the majority is not always right, and without Christ as the anchor, liberty quickly erodes.
For Christians, this is a reminder that our allegiance must be to the Kingdom of God, not to earthly systems. The voluntary love of Jesus Christ stands in direct opposition to the gods of force. Faith in Him is chosen freely, not imposed by law.
Conclusion
India’s potential move toward a national anti-conversion law is not merely a legal issue—it is a spiritual one. It reflects the clash between systems built on coercion and the Gospel built on love and freedom.
As Christians, we must stand firm: Christ never forced belief, and neither should His people. Our God is not insecure, needing laws to protect Him. He reigns sovereignly and invites all to freely come.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today. Only in Him is there true liberty, freedom, and eternal life.
