What is Religion – a means to an end or an end by itself?

Photo by Olivia Snow on Unsplash

Religion is once again becoming the talking point with the recent developments happening in Afghanistan. People must realise that Religion is only a means to an end and not an end by itself. But Religious Leaders and ambitious Politicians have turned into an instrument for power and controlling the society for their own ends.

Wikepedia defines Religion as

Religion is a social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements;^[1] however, there is no scholarly consensus over what precisely constitutes a religion

Another definition says Religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence.

In the name of GOD and Religion, they first instill fear in people – that if you don’t follow their dictates they will not attain Moksha, end up in Hell, born again in another form and other threats. They also dangle a carrot that if you follow their dictates they will go to Moksha, Heaven, not suffer re-birth and other incentives.

On the face of it, it sounds reasonable but in practice it is the other way round. In the name of religion, we have seen atrocities being committed- killings, torture, suppression of fundamental rights, stripped of dignity, respect and subjugation of people. Freedom is sacrificed in the name of adherence to religious norms.

When one goes into the core of all these religions be it Hinduism, Christianism, Islam, Buddhism and other religions- it is one of

Love, brotherhood/sisterhood, service to humankind, peace, good conduct (virtuousness-physical & mental), respect for elders and peaceful co-existence with all living beings on this planet.

But when practiced it becomes the first to be sacrificed. What else will explain the numerous instances of killings, torture, inter-religious fights, hatred, communal violence and fanaticism.

Religion has also become a big business. In the name of GOD, billions of money are collected. Depending upon the amount of money that you pay, the more you are blessed by GOD – is what they want you to believe. While many of the money collected goes into charity, many others are diverted to promote fanaticism and drive deeper wedges in the society to protect their territory, religion and importance. And many politicians jump into Religion as a means of amassing easy money. Income from Charitable and Religious Institutions are exempt from Income Tax in many countries.

In the past religion was needed to control the society in order to bring in order in the way we behave/relate with each other. It was a strong influence at a time in the absence of a formal government and a just judicial system. Times have changed and we have evolved over a period of time. People are more educated, well informed and well connected thanks to technology. The younger generation care a hoot for these religious bigots and politicians and hence their importance & influence is waning. So in order to keep their importance and influence intact, they create communal hatred, tensions and violence.

The common person on the street or at the workplace, doesn’t bother about religion but it is the religious heads and politicians who keep provoking people in the name of religion and drive a wedge in the society. 

Yes, people must retain their identity, practice what ever religion they like and follow whatever rituals that they believe, but that should be confined within the confines of the four walls of their homes. It should not spill out into the neighborhood or the society.  

Religion is personal and private and should never become a public
debacle. 

Photo by Matt Hardy from Pexels

Religion should be the compass, the guiding path and the lighthouse that helps you sail through life's ups and downs with least amount of discomfort and pain to one self and others. It should act as the conscience keeper and drive from within and not be driven from outside. Only then will it be effective and serve the purpose.

Religion should be driven through the freedom of one's choice and not by an external force.

Yes there is a basic need for need for survival – roti, kapad and maakan. But is should not be attained at the cost of Love, brotherhood/sisterhood, service to all kinds of living beings, peace, good conduct (physical & mental), virtuousness, sharing, caring & respect for elders, tolerance to diversity and peaceful co-existence with all living beings .

Only then we can be grateful and show our gratitude to our Creator (whom we call GOD) and be humane. Otherwise we are no different from the other species on this planet and live by the rule - might is right & fight for survival.