In the penultimate scene of the movie Gandhi, a Hindu man approaches the bed where the Mahatma is near death from a hunger strike as he tries to end India’s civil strife. The man cries, “They [Muslims] killed my boy. I’m consumed with hate. I’m in hell!” Gandhi replies, in a whisper, “I know a way out of hell. Find an orphan boy about the age of your son, who is Muslim; adopt him and raise him with love, as a Muslim.”
In the face of the controversy over the actions of the Idaho Baptist missionaries who were attempting to take children out of Haiti (Did parents give them up willingly? Were they being kidnapped?), I would ask the same kind of question: “Will you raise them in the religion of their families (which is almost certainly Catholic), or will your first actions be to 'convert' them? What is the full nature of your concern for these children?” Can we love and cherish others without conditions or impositions? There is a play that has been running in theatres titled I love you, you're perfect; now, change. But it doesn't have to be that way, does it? Will this busload of children have change thrust upon them?
In the face of the controversy over the actions of the Idaho Baptist missionaries who were attempting to take children out of Haiti (Did parents give them up willingly? Were they being kidnapped?), I would ask the same kind of question: “Will you raise them in the religion of their families (which is almost certainly Catholic), or will your first actions be to 'convert' them? What is the full nature of your concern for these children?” Can we love and cherish others without conditions or impositions? There is a play that has been running in theatres titled I love you, you're perfect; now, change. But it doesn't have to be that way, does it? Will this busload of children have change thrust upon them?
Funny you mention that movie. I just watched it over the break. I thought it was great...many powerful scenes. Still enjoying following your thoughts. Geaux Saints! Happy Mardi Gras! and a Joyful Lent! Peace.
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