India (MNN) — A new film in India showcases the power of media. But local Christians would say it’s the power for evil not good.
The story of Sanatani: Karma Hi Dharma seems to blame Christians for illiteracy, superstition, and other societal problems in India. John Pudaite with Bibles For the World says, “That premise alone is false, but that is how this whole film develops the story.”
The film was released on February 7 in the main language of India’s Odisha State.
“[Odisha] 15-16 years ago saw some of the most terrible persecution against the Body of Christ. Yet the church has remained strong. Recent statistics show that in Kandhamal District, where a lot of the violence previously was centered, that has now reached 20% Christian,” Pudaite says.
Bibles For The World works in areas where there is restricted access to God’s Word, where copies are scarce or among peoples where Christianity is beginning to take root — such as Nepal, Cambodia, areas of India and other Asian and SE Asian nations.
(Photo, caption courtesy of Bibles For The World)
“They’re strong in their faith and continuing to grow and continuing to share the gospel in that area. So this film coming out [or] being placed in that state, it’s really significant.”
Odisha — like most of India, says Pudaite — has seen an increase of violence and persecution against Christians in recent years. Believers across Odisha feared that the film’s message would stir up attacks against Christians. They petitioned officials to prevent Sanatani’s release but to no avail.
Here’s one example of the film’s messaging: “The conversion scene that is portrayed in this film, the woman is offered money to become a Christian, to join the church. This is the misconception that just pervades across India,” says Pudaite. That is, many people in India don’t understand that Christianity is not about material goods or financial gain; to be a Christian is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The film also depicts a Christian leader not standing for education, medical treatment or law enforcement, Pudaite says. “These are complete falsehoods. Christians have been at the forefront of education in India. They’ve been at the forefront of medicine. They have been law-abiding citizens.”
He adds, “I’ve gotten a sense [that Christians] are kind of bracing for the backlash that will come because of this.”
Pray that the people of India realize the truth about Christ and what faith in Him really means. Pray that Christians will stand strong in faith and wisely navigate cultural pressures and dangers.
“Pray that the truth will show itself forth here in this situation, even though it’s being painted so terribly,” Pudaite says.
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Avin CP via Unsplash.
