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a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

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4.6. Conclusion<br />

The above discussion reveals that <strong>the</strong> religio-political situation is a serious issue in<br />

Rajasthan. These larger issues affect <strong>the</strong> local context and thus create tensions in<br />

<strong>the</strong> state. In spite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fact that Pentecostals are a minority in Rajasthan and face<br />

challenges from outside <strong>the</strong> community, <strong>the</strong>y promise to continue contributing as<br />

nation builders. The nexus between religion and culture as well as religion and<br />

politics seems to be <strong>the</strong> biggest concern <strong>of</strong> contemporary Pentecostals as this has<br />

seriously affected religious tolerance. Moreover, ‘conversion and persecution’ is a<br />

vital issue for Pentecostal Christianity as <strong>the</strong>y are accused <strong>of</strong> being a proselytizing<br />

group, even by o<strong>the</strong>r Christians. With <strong>the</strong> introduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Law against<br />

conversion, <strong>the</strong> issue has become stronger as it may affect <strong>the</strong> existence and<br />

growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> movement. Due to <strong>the</strong> nexus between religion and politics,<br />

Pentecostals fear that <strong>the</strong>y, with o<strong>the</strong>r minority religious groups, will suffer loss in<br />

<strong>the</strong> long run under <strong>the</strong> BJP government. However, external pressure is not <strong>the</strong><br />

only concern for Pentecostals. They are also concerned about internal issues from<br />

within <strong>the</strong> movement, which is <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> next chapter.<br />

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