I was born a Brahmin and am the grandson of a priest whom I dearly loved. I am educated and my current professional standing indicates that I am reasonably intelligent. I am also affluent and my income would put me distinctly in the upper middle class bracket. I guess that would make me high–caste, rich and smart. In other words, I am not a tribal, or poor or dim–witted. And yet, I chose to become a follower of Jesus Christ.
The world would call me a convert to Christianity. I have no problems with that, though I see my faith more as a relationship with God through Jesus Christ than as a religion. And for the record, I can truthfully claim that no one financially induced or threatened or deceived me into converting to Christianity.
I am fiercely proud of my national identity as an Indian and I am completely at peace with my cultural identity as a Hindu. I retain the name my parents gave me. My wife, who also shares my faith, continues to go by her Hindu name. We have two children and we have given both distinctly Hindu names. In fact, many of my colleagues and acquaintances who may happen to read this column are likely to be surprised. They have no inkling about my faith, for I generally don't go about announcing it. But if someone does ask me the reason behind the joy and hope that is ever–present in my life, I am always delighted to share it with them.
I write this piece to make one point—that my conversion was not a change of religion but a change of heart. To explain this, I need to go back to my childhood in Chennai, similar to that of so many other Tamil Brahmin boys like me. My grandfather, every bit the virtuous priest, had enormous influence over me. I absolutely adored him and as a toddler, always clung to him. He too loved me to a fault. There was no wish of mine that he would not rush to fulfill. But even in my early, formative years I was unable to relate to the religion he fervently practiced. Later, in my school days, I once spent my summer holidays with him in Trichy. Memories of dawn walks with him, for the ritualistic dip in the Cauvery River, cow in tow, are still fresh in my memory. I learnt many shlokas, some of which I still remember. But I never understood any of it and none of it helped me connect with God.
Editorial
Testimony: My Conversion was a Change of Heart
By: Anand Mahadevan
Monday, 20 October 2008, 18:10 (IST)
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Have your say on this article
Added: Friday, 24 October 2008, 10:04 (IST)
Hi Anand, what a wonderful testimony. I can sense the kind of peace that must have come to you like I did. Praise the Lord. Jesus is the way! God bless.
Vijay, India
Added: Friday, 24 October 2008, 21:54 (IST)
Dear brother, How wonderful to read your testimony. I wished I explained the joy I feel right now reading this, I am really impressed. One thing I ask is that more Christians come forward to reveal their identity in Christ, to support the suffering people. Jesus is the only LIGHT OF THIS NATION AMEN
Philip John,
Added: Monday, 27 October 2008, 1:06 (IST)
wonderful article mr anand
christian,
Added: Tuesday, 4 November 2008, 18:35 (IST)
Dear brother,i am a Jesus youth and i happened to read about your testimony in our gathering we were very much inspired by your words and you represent a true christian lifestyle and we all would like intract with you more .I wish you all the very success and may your words inspire many more.
Jacob Philips, Kottayam,Kerala & India
Added: Thursday, 29 July 2010, 18:09 (IST)
Praise the Lord for you my brother...you have a great work to do...do not let the world squeeze you in to it's mould...do not let the wretched religious system trap your spiritual potentials. Always listen to your Lord..His Spirit will guide you...Do not hide yourself as you said in your testimony..remember the words of Jesus in the semon of mount..Mathew 5 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Let the Lord be with you...do not miss God's purpose in your life.. In Christ, Renji
Renji George, Wales,United Kingdom
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