By Angel Lyngdoh
Amartya Sen, the Noble laureate, in his book Identity and Violence: the Illusion of Destiny have rightly argued, that “we are becoming increasingly divided along lines of religion and culture, ignoring the many other ways in which people see themselves, from class and profession to morals and politics. When we are put into narrow categories the importance of human life becomes lost. The hope of harmony in today’s world lies in a clearer understanding of sheer diversity.”
Against this backdrop, let me pen down my thoughts on the issue that is the central focus today: Religion-based violence. But it is important to note that I am not speaking on behalf of any religion, nor am I influenced in any manner by any religious teachings at the moment. Perhaps, like any other person following the news of religious intolerance around the world, I am amongst those worried by the very thought of where this entire violence, supported by our strong, so called “faith” on a certain religion leading us to. Like every other person I am aware of the fact that RELIGION has become such a sensitive issue today, that by identifying myself as belonging to such and such a religion and advancing my opinion on the issue, I would probably instigate many. I see myself merely as a human, filled with emotions and natural kindness that every individual normally has, seeking for a solution as to how we can move towards peace as definitely as we have moved towards war with a lot of momentum, that is difficult for us to stop at once.
Of late, we have witnessed too many religion-based violence and debates in our country that scares us all. Be it the Hindu-Muslim riot, the debate on conversion, the allegations against Mother Teresa, the vandalizing of churches, killings and rapes of religious leaders and many more. But much to the writer’s astonishment, more than the above mentioned incidences, what scare her most is the aftermath, the reaction and the comments in social media relating to the issue and how amazingly youths get influenced by them. And we are not alien to the fact that actively promoted religious hatreds can spread like wild fire.
Probably mentioning any of the comments and images circulated over Whatsapp, Facebook, twitter and other social media even for the purpose of clearing things out would not be the right thing to do here, as it would again, instigate many. But the writer would like to emphasise here, that the fact that some belonging to a particular religion have misinterpreted their holy books and have used violence in order to prove other religion “false” does not make every other person professing the same religion a terrorist too. There are instances to show that they have helped people belonging from other religion during times of violence; the fact that some members of a political group are making an effort to change the entire constitutional nature of the country by putting forward their religion being the best of all, does not make every other member of the same political group professing the same religion the conspirators to the act; the fact that some religious leaders have been caught for various scandals does not make all the religious leaders of the same religion guilty of practicing similar acts. There are many still praying for a peaceful world even as I write this piece.
As far as forced conversion is concerned, one recalls the statement made by George Denis Patrick Carlin, (a Grammy winning American and stand-up comedian, actor, and philosopher). “Religion is like a pair of shoes… Find one that fits for you, but don’t make me wear your shoes”.
Let us keep aside our emotions and put forward some of the rational, simple and perhaps the ‘least we can do’ solution for a better world, because while many who choose such violence and war of words would materially gain something in this world. I doubt however that they would gain anything when they meet the almighty for whom they claim to work. So why not work our best for the life after (I am sure those who take religion so seriously to the extent that they would kill one another would surely believe in heaven). Why not use our minds and souls for our spiritual growth instead. Oh No! That would again depend on what people of different religion interpret spiritual growth to be. Please do not defame Krishna, Jesus, Ram, Allah or any other God you worship. This is not what the creator wants from us. There are many other issues that need our focus at the moment, water scarcity, environmental degradation, poverty etc. Imagine if all the great minds of the world that are intelligent enough to plan how to spread terror would use their minds to find a solution to the above mentioned issues! Imagine that instead of spreading religious hatred comments and status, we use social media to spread social awareness; this world would have been a much better place to live in.
I would like to make a sincere request to our youths, not to make any sweeping comments against any religion. Violence against violence is not what we want today. Let us for once take the recent Inter-Religious Prayer Service for Christians Persecuted as an example and as an influence to our thoughts and forget about the violence instigated by some of the miscreants in the society in the name of religion. As someone has rightly pointed out, Our task is to be true to our faith and a blessing to others regardless of their faith. And for all peace loving people, wake up! Enough of your silence…