01.06. Taking Stand Against Dowry in Secular World
Taking Stand Against Dowry in Secular World
It is interesting and inspiring to hear some non-Christians taking a strong stand against the deplorable practice of dowry. The newspaper quotes a secular Industrialist - “We are more concerned about the evils of society like dowry. Moreover, he stated, that his company undertakes young men with an agreement that they will not accept dowry, from the prospective bride’s parents. A similar undertaking is given by women employees that they will not pay dowry.” I also remember reading that a famous film actor had turned down an offer to star in a torch advertisement which sought to glorify the product as a dowry gift. In an anti-dowry conference, over 200 Indians, both students and professionals, signed a dowry pledge which decrees, “I promise never to give or take dowry.” Moreover, listen to the words of the renowned film actor Aamir Khan:
Dowry I am totally opposed to. This is a retrograde practice, and also illegal. Think about it — can a relationship, built on the foundation of money and greed, ever be meaningful or beautiful? Should we not invest in our daughter’s education instead of saving up for her dowry? Make her so accomplished and independent that she is capable of crafting her own future, and becomes the master of her own happiness. Then she won’t need a greedy, useless groom to complete her life. Let her marry a person who respects her. Let her marry a man who she believes is worthy of her; whom she is happy to spend the rest of her life with. (The Hindu:Opinion/Columns: The Aamir Khan Column: It’s Your Entire Life - Not Just An Event, May 21, 2012)
I commend such people for their stand against this deplorable practice and am equally ashamed at those so- called Christians who still love to require dowry in marriage and also at those pastors who conduct marriages where the greed of dowry is entertained. O, how I wish to see our young Christian men, Christian parents and Christian leaders taking stand against this dehumanising practice!
Dear young Christian men and Christian parents, where is your saltiness (good testimony before the world) today? Do you remember hearing these words of Jesus, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men” (Matthew 5:12)? Jesus wanted those that partake of His blood and body to maintain such a moral standard so that the world would be influenced through their godliness and praise our Father in heaven. Are we Christians truly shining in darkness or have we allowed the darkness (the evil systems of the world) to creep in? Have we Christians separated from the evil social system of dowry, thereby reflecting true godliness to the world? Maybe I am not talking about you, or maybe I am, but there are many so-called Christians who strongly claim of not compromising with the other religious practices but when it comes to issues like dowry (which actually originated from the Hindu social system) they cherish to indulge in it. Money indeed blinds eyes from the Truth. May we repent and turn to the Lord with brokenness and allow Him to represent Himself through us to the hopeless world!
“O Lord, forgive us for bringing disgrace to your Name and for the worldliness in the church.” As one of your servants prayed, “Bend the church and bless the world.”