Jeff M. Sellers

More than 80 percent of India’s people are Hindus, but the nation’s population also includes more than 100 million Muslims (12.5 percent of the population) and 22 million Christians (2.5 percent). In the following viewpoint, Jeff M. Sellers argues that despite guarantees of religious freedom written in India’s constitution, Christians in India have been victims of both violent attacks and local laws that restrict their activities. Sellers blames Hindu extremists who call Christianity a dangerous “foreign religion” for the mistreatment Christians receive in India. He also criticizes the Indian government for failing to protect Christians. Sellers is an associate editor for Christianity Today magazine.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What examples of violence against Christians does Sellers describe?
2. What role does India’s ruling...