Criminalizing Charity

I found the CT article, “Assam moves to criminalize praying for the sick,” to be particularly chilling this week. It seems fairly clear the state has recognized this activity has drawn many to the church.

And it is true - many people, who have been sick (physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually) and have found no resolution elsewhere have found healing through these prayers. When I have traveled in the general region and interviewed movement leaders, I always hear stories of miraculous healings and release from demonic oppression. This is a key factor in the Gospel crossing the various ethnic, cultural, and economic barriers that are in the nation.

All throughout history, from the early church under Rome right through to recent times, how the body of Christ cares for the sick - both fellow believers and unbelievers who live nearby - has been a key factor in the church’s ability to stand and grow. Rodney Stark, in The Rise of Christianity, noted how belonging to the church could actually lead to a longer life, because of this. In a sense, by not having a violent response, and by caring for each other, and by reasoning with unbelievers and offering to pray for people, Christianity was able to “outwit, outplay, outlast” (to use an American culture trope) the Roman Empire.

Today, I would argue part of the problem of the Gospel spreading in the West is that many are not spiritually, physically, emotionally, or mentally desperate. They do not feel they need God. If they’re sick, they go to a doctor. If they’re emotionally or mentally ill they go to a therapist of some kind. If they have a spiritual need, it’s often treated with coping mechanisms and DIY self-help. People can be “healthy, wealthy, and spiritual” without being wise or surrendered. In such an environment, it is perhaps hard to see the power of God or need for him without that power being demonstrated through judgment. That, of course, is a layman’s thought.

As to Assam, this legislation has not yet passed. It may indeed be a part, or sparked by, the upcoming elections, which are influencing just about everything in the country right now. If it does pass, it would be a direct attack on an activity of the church that cannot be surrendered. It may lead to challenges in court, tensions between religious communities in India, and international pressure from human rights groups around religious freedoms. It is possible that this could be an added wrinkle in “forced conversions” allegations - and may lead to false charges a la the blasphemy charges that happen in Pakistan. Regardless, the passage of the law could end up being a “Daniel” style moment for the church. I have doubts about whether it actually will pass (I wonder who will oppose it, or how it plays in to Hindu religious practices), but if it does I have no doubt what the local church - or at least local movements - will do.

If it passes, and depending on the result, one scenario is that the government picks up this mode and spreads it to the other states. That will be an even more deeply troubling trend. In all, this particular line of persecution bears watching, and the church ought to be prayed for.

A version of this article appeared earlier as a commentary in my Premium Roundup. You should subscribe.