KOHLAPUR, Dec 23: Hindu Rashtra Samanvy Samiti, a Hindu nationalist outfit, today challenged Hindus, those who call themselves progressive and tolerant of all religions, to prove that the real Santa Claus exists and get a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, if not, then don’t mislead the children.
Addressing a press conference here, Hindu Rastra coordination committee’s Shivanand Swami said, “… What Christian leaders themselves have said about Santa Claus is very shocking. If you understand the statements of some of them, you will realize their falsehood.
“Bishop Antonio Stagliano of Italy questioned the existence of Santa Claus, saying, ‘Santa Claus is a fictional figure used by the Coca-Cola company to advertise their products!’ Famous American Christian author and pastor Mark Driscoll has called Santa Claus the ‘demon of Christmas’, who forces parents to lie to their children. Telling children that Santa exists is like cracking their faith is what he believes,” he said.
Speaking further, he argued that the concept of Santa Claus is almost completely rejected by the Orthodox Church, one of the four major Christian denominations. Orthodox churches in countries such as Russia and Greece prefer Saint Basil or Father Frost instead of Santa. They believe that Santa is a market-created illusion that has no connection to the Orthodox spiritual tradition.
The Anglican Church also says that Santa is an entertaining story and not the centre of Christmas, while the Protestant denominations consider Santa Claus to be an idol or superstition, he reasoned.
Shivanand Swami further said that Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, which targets the religious beliefs of Hindus in the name of eradicating superstitions, remained silent about Christian superstitions and appealed the progressive and tolerant Hindus “to prove that the real ‘Santa Claus comes and get prize of Rs 1 lakh. If this is such a lie, then don’t mislead the children”.
The Hindu Rashtra Samanvy Samiti has also challenged ‘Annis’ to declare what progressive or scientific perspective they see in ‘Santa’.
(UNI)
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