Christian Decline Sees New Jersey Welcome Giant Hindu Temple
The United States of America was founded on the principle that one can worship according to their faith without interference from the government.
Freedom of religion has set the U.S. apart from other countries and ushered in an era of record prosperity and blessing, from the One and only God upon which the founding principles of this nation are based.
Yet with more faiths and religions taking up residence in the prosperous land of America, and Christianity being targeted by the forces of darkness through governmental figures, more and more institutions are rising up to replace Christianity as the dominant faith in America.
A massive Hindu temple has risen in Robbinsville, New Jersey, and it’s the biggest one outside India. It’s not just impressive in size, but the story behind its creation draws fascinating comparisons to the historic Temple of Solomon.
Unlike Solomon’s Temple which housed God to live with His people, Israel, this Hindu temple represents the pushing out of God for the worship of other gods, just as Israel did with the Baals and Ashtoreth’s. While no one should be persecuted or denied the opportunity to practice their faith, it is also true that Jesus told His followers to love as He loved, and tell others about Him in a loving way.
Setting spiritual aspects to the side for just one moment, this visually stunning temple, built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha sect, is a testament to human craftsmanship and dedication. It’s constructed from over 2 million cubic feet of stone and designed by skilled artisans on a vast 126-acre piece of land.
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What’s even more astounding is the effort that went into its construction. It took more than 4.7 million hours of work. But a lawsuit filed in 2021 has brought some controversy. It claims that the laborers, many of whom were low-caste Indian workers, were underpaid and overworked. It’s worth noting that 12 out of the original 19 people who filed the lawsuit have since taken back their claims.
Creating the Robbinsville temple was no small task. Builders imported marble from Italy and limestone from Bulgaria. These materials traveled over 8,000 miles, making it a truly international endeavor similar to how Solomon had materials for the Temple in Jerusalem brought in from the finest craftsmen and artisans in the world.
Except this time it is not to honor the Lord and give Him a place to live with His people.
This does however give Christians the opportunity to display that radical love to the community in which this temple is being built, displaying genuine acts of love so that others may see how Christians are different and how they got that way. Because the truth is simple: Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life. {eoa}
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
