The waning appeal of Hindu nationalism
Modi and the Indian election
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
In India’s recent election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a third term. However, his party — the Hindu nationalist BJP — only won 240 seats, not enough to form a government on its own. This was a shock to many, as Modi and his supporters anticipated a landslide victory.
Modi is a controversial figure and has been for some time, primarily for mistreatment of India’s Muslim minority. He and his party are outspoken against Muslims, going so far as to call them “infiltrators.”
In today’s top story, contributor and The Media Project board member Vishal Arora reports on the reasons why Modi’s campaign with the BJP was not as successful as he hoped — both including and beyond his treatment of the country’s Muslim population.
Modi And The Indian Election: The Waning Appeal Of Hindu Nationalism
(ANALYSIS) After a decade in power, Modi and his party seemingly overlooked a fundamental question: If Modi is the face of the party as well as its election campaign, what does that face represent? Did they assume his image alone would signify a “guarantee” to the country’s people? If so, they should have highlighted the “guarantees” that were fulfilled and honored. However, they appeared to lack such examples. by Vishal Arora
Churches In Ireland Using Music To Engage With Young People
The sounds of music are everywhere these days in Dublin’s churches. While rates of religious affiliation are rapidly dropping in Ireland, the music continues. Church leaders believe that music can touch young people and keep them open to exploring faith. Music is also a focus of Catholic efforts to reach the youth. by Genevieve Charles
Matthew Krishanu’s Divine Paintings About Religion And Upbringing In South Asia
Personal history, memory and imagination are key to the work of London-based painter Matthew Krishanu, whose atmospheric, pared-back compositions explore childhood, religion and the legacies of colonialism. Many of his paintings are informed by his upbringing in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where his father worked as a priest with the Anglican missionary agency United Society Partners in the Gospel. by David Trigg
Saffron In The Rainbow Nation: Hindu Nationalism’s Presence In South Africa
Over the last decade, under the Modi government (which has retained power following the recent elections), Hindu nationalism has become the dominant political ideology in India. Proponents of Hindu nationalism argue that being Indian should be synonymous with being Hindu, which has led to increased religious and political tensions in the Indian diaspora — including in South Africa. by Nikhil Mandalaparthy
Bound by Karma And Freed by Devotion: Garuda’s Journey from Snakes to Sovereignty
(ANALYSIS) Garuda is well known as the loyal vehicle of Hindu deity Vishnu and is usually depicted as a large mythical eagle with a man’s upper body. Nevertheless, his duties do not confine him to merely being a divine servant. He also represents freedom and power. For many years, Garuda had been burdened by family responsibilities and an inescapable fate resulting from his mother’s debt from karma. by Suraj Santlani
When Student Protests Are University Byproducts
(OPINION) The deepest conflicts of our time pit groups against each other in what has come to be seen as a zero-sum game. Colleges have become forums where agitators refuse to cogently advocate for their beliefs and to seek to persuade those with whom they disagree and, instead, rouse those occupying their echo chambers to drum for the complete eradication of their ideological opponents. by Dr. Barry H. Corey
X-Men’s Nightcrawler Reveals Modern-Day Expectations For Christians In A ‘Negative World’
(ANALYSIS) Nightcrawler has always been an explicitly Catholic character in the X-Men comics, and his faith is almost always integral to his portrayal. A lot of that is due to the irony of having a devilish-looking character be so religious. Because he is a largely positive Christian character in a secular brand, you can see what secular people, or religious people who work in mainstream entertainment, think of faith. by Joseph Holmes
South Africa’s Christian And Muslim Political Parties Highlight Voting Irregularities
Over 20 political parties, including Muslim and Christian ones, joined in their objection to the announced results of South Africa’s national elections held last week, citing a myriad of voting irregularities. According to them, the identified irregularities were serious widespread systemic deficiencies and undermined votes cast by millions of South Africans. The parties said they require a recount of votes, while others requested a reelection. by Vicky Abraham
🌪️ Symbol Of Hope: Church’s Stained-Glass Windows Survive Monster Tornado 🔌
When a monster tornado struck a small Oklahoma town, numerous businesses and houses were destroyed. But a church’s stained-glass windows escaped with just minor damage. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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