Conversion issue

There is a great divide within the Parsi Zoroastrians in Bombay on whether or not to continue to keep the doors closed on conversion to the Zoroastrian faith. The Times of India dated October 11, 2010 carried a report on the stand taken by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) and others in its news item "Parsis say no to conversion” — a laudatory piece for the Parsi community which is currently embroiled in an ideological divide.

Two thoughts need to be factored in. One, the Parsis can clearly keep out non-Parsis from their ranks since "Parsi” is an ethnic label. You are born a Parsi and must stay a Parsi, like it or not. In any case, I do not believe non-Parsis have tried to change their ethnicity.

This leads to an important distinction. Religion — unlike ethnicity — is a "faith” and each one of us has the freedom to choose which faith to follow, regardless of parentage or nationality or ethnic background. The Parsis in India have consistently avoided "converting” others to their faith. But to stop anyone from "adopting” the Zoroastrian faith is impossible since "faith” is a personal matter.

It is time some of the diehards accepted the distinction between the words "conversion” and "adoption” — their true meanings and connotations. "Conversion” connotes outside influence or force — direct or indirect — while "adoption” connotes a personal and voluntary decision. Zoroastrians should be proud if others "adopt” and embrace their faith.

Understanding this will lead to less unnecessary and acrimonious conflict within an otherwise happy-go-lucky community.

FARROKH K. R. MEHTA

farrokh_mehta@yahoo.com