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 |
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.
Very well said,the title itself is thought provoking.Total system has been changed n is being used wrongly for years.Nobody can say if any religion can regain it's real purpose,real values.Best wishes
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