Luke 23:34 – Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Unfortunately, it appears, the Lord’s followers know no forgiveness. Last week we reported how multiple Christian groups had sent legal notices to Hrithik Roshan, asking for “an unconditional apology” over a tweet which apparently hurt the sentiments of Christians for taking a did at Pope Francis. The tweet in dispute was in fact a harmless tweet, which was aimed at the media, rather than the pope:
Last year a few Christian groups had protested and filed cases against the comedy group AIB, because they believed AIB’s show was “against Christ”. This complaint culminated in the infamous “Unconditional Apology” from AIB. The members of AIB met the Archdiocese of Mumbai and tendered an “Unconditional Apology” to the entire Christian community.
In October last year, a group called the Catholic Secular Forum forced a ban on a play called “Agnes of God” even before a single show could be performed.
More recently, an Indian Express group publication “Loksatta” apologized for its editorial on Roman Catholic missionary Mother Teresa.
The Pope too had made his stand clear last year when he declared that he would punch anyone who insults his mother, as he debated freedom of speech in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo teror attacks in Paris.
It was Hrithik’s turn now as he was arm-twisted into apologizing for “hurt caused to religious sentiments”:
https://twitter.com/iHrithik/status/716286663412953088
Twitterati were shocked by the response of Hrithik, capitulating to legal notices by “fringe” groups:
https://twitter.com/FrustIndian/status/716316097683677184
https://twitter.com/rupasubramanya/status/716307611042250753
https://twitter.com/ggiittiikkaa/status/716313240452669441
https://twitter.com/dhaval241086/status/716328087538044931
https://twitter.com/shilpitewari/status/716315949419274240
https://twitter.com/betki/status/716337466009997312
It remains to be seen if mainstream media picks this story up as a case of voices being silenced by the “intolerant”. For now, the joke is on us.