“Everyday” Anti-Christian Violence
This chapter provides statistical data that support the notion that anti-Christian violence is more likely when Christians approach Hindus in their competitiveness for jobs and other social resources. It looks at the widespread and disproportionately high involvement of Christians in the social service sector, in which Christians comprise 2.5 to 5 percent of the Indian population. It also mentions non-Christians in India who find the significant Christian investment in social service impressive and admirable, describing it as a feather in the community's collective cap. The chapter discusses the Christian investment in social service as a carry-over from the colonial era that is suspected of being a ploy to advance Christian ideological, religious, and economic interests. It explores the economic explanation for Hindu–Christian conflict that is placed within a broader discussion of globalization and its effects in India.