01.07. Final Words

Final Words

Once I happened to read a newsletter regarding dowry and it was requested, “Dear saints, please say a prayer for the women/girls of India.” How can the saints of India pray when they themselves engage in the evil act? Those who did not stain themselves with this evil practice need to really pray, first for their fellow Christians who are caught up in seeking dowry, and then for other unbelievers who are enslaved by it.

I humbly urge you - dear young men and parents - not to partake in this evil practice of dowry. And I urge you, dear pastors, to teach your congregation to refuse seeking dowry. I would appreciate your commitment if you vow not to lead a marriage ceremony if there has been a demand for dowry. I came to know that even some pastors do demand dowry for their own marriages! What a shame! To quote Bro. R Stanley again: In the repentance messages preached by late Br. N. Daniel of the Laymen’s Evangelical Fellowship in the fifties, he often condemned the dowry system. In response many husbands either returned the amount to their in-laws or settled the matter with them in order to get right with God and with men. Modern pulpits hardly address social evils. On the other hand there are pastors who bless the dowry amount so they get one-tenth of it. Shame!

O People of God, repent and change your ways! Finally, dear brothers, sisters and elders, since centuries - dowry, sati (self-immolation by a widow) and child marriages - which originated from Hindu social customs, have been prevalent in our nation. William Carey (1760-1834), who was known to be the father of modern missions, influenced not just missions but also the society. He fought the evil practice of sati in his time along with Raja Ram Mohan Roy and witnessed its abolishment. Are there believers in our nation today who can stand against dowry which has crept into Christianity? Will we ever hear messages from the pulpit addressing this major issue? Are Christian preachers willing to teach their congregation regarding dowry? Are we Christians and Christian leaders willing to stand against this evil practice in the church and society and witness its abolishment? Young men, are you willing to commit yourselves to have selfless and unstained marriage?

Rise up, O children of God, and shine for the glory of the Holy One in this nation!