A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural
systems and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence. This is
how Wikipedia defines religion. These beliefs involve devotional and ritual
observances and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human
affairs. But now this definition has been completely revised, it says,
religions are the most powerful instruments of social conditioning commonly
branded with the word faith, which are very effective in turning human beings
in sheep.
The preamble of the country inculcates the word ‘secular’
providing an individual the right to choose or follow any religion with one’s
own will. But as soon as we follow a religion, we get a list of instructions
highlighting the dos and don’ts. It is a mandatory list to be followed or a set
of rules to be obeyed. For instance, avoiding certain types of food on certain
days, fasting on some particular ‘auspicious’ days, attending certain masses on
some allotted days and the list goes on. Disobeying these “laws” is considered
as violating the auspiciousness of the religion. This turns into the systematic
marketing of fear. Ultimately, we are bound to follow a religion in a fearful
manner. Here arises a question, does one’s religion provide the freedom to
follow his religion with his own will?
Here introduces the concept of secularism within one’s
religion. Exercising one’s own will in the way one’s religion has to be
followed is another aspect of secularism. Instead of making the diverse
religions threatening, let’s make them secular i.e. liberating its devotees to
follow the religion with their preferences. Or else, religions will turn into
authoritarian hierarchies designed to dominate one’s own will. So let’s not let
religion teach us to fear being an independent thinker. Leave the mythology
behind and learn to think for yourself. Your intellect is a better instrument
of spiritual growth than any religious teachings.
