I wouldn’t agree more with the creator of the quotation –‘It isn’t God I have problem with…it is his fan club I can’t stand’. Clubs that are fixated with numbers and religious dominance. Clubs or rather mobs that seem to be have misplaced priorities and skewed vision where solace and salvation of souls seems to be relegated to the bottom of their spiritual enlightenment list. Each club (irrespective of religious affiliation) shrouded with a deep sense of insecurity and inexplicable apprehensions in fact houses a political agenda. A motive where religion serves as a mere means to seek and sustain power. Little wonder there seems to be a mad rush for shuddhis, baptisms, tabligh etc.
There is a fanatical drive to make each one’s tribe thrive. The possibility of a multi- religious, multi- cultural way of life of people living in harmony, is hard to envision. However, on the other hand, the possibility of a religion gaining world domination is more inviting. Nonetheless it often triggers unhealthy and unethical competition; sucking in it’s vicious grip innocent lives.
The perpetual debate and wars over ‘my god’ v/s your god’ has not subsided but on the contrary erupted with renewed aggression. And in this great schema of reasoning, the best practices of marketing strategies are adopted to market the gods. If this fails, coercion and violence is not far behind. Conflict, bigotry and ruin has become a universal trait. In this dark muck and mire, the dire need to overcome religious fundamentalism and fanaticism and in turn human suffering has taken a back seat.
Now the battle has now become virtual. It is saddening rather than entertaining as the virtual platform is utilized to ridicule unfamiliar religious beliefs and gods. It is perfect to defend one’s religious belief but to respect and empathise a religion other than your own, implies your own religion is rich and tolerant. Unfortunately, this is more of an exception. The two fastest growing religions in Europe are secularism and Islam. The thought of being and becoming minority is indeed frightening. But the fear and the fight over ‘gods’ should subside if not end. It is wishful thinking, but a small step in this direction would be the resolve not to sow seeds of hatred in the hearts of children and ensure religion does not become a self destruct tool.
