I’ve always maintained that even religion should have a shelf life. This comes from a belief that religions were created at different times, basis the prevalent culture, accommodating the scenarios- natural and human created, and lifestyles in those times. The teachings were aimed at a more meaningful existence for fellow human beings, considering their existence then. Religion is a function of time and times.
However, we seem to have held on to the words, more than the spirit, and thus perhaps failed to internalise the messages that are built into the texts. That could be the reason for the strife around us.
Does a new time warrant a new religion? I don’t think so. In times when the mass shrinks and the individual and customisation rises, perhaps the opium of the masses needs to be re-looked at too. I think spirituality and the connection to a higher force is a deeply personal thing, and should not be subject to the constraints of a religion. It should come from within rather than without, and I think such an understanding might lead to better lessons with a much longer shelf life. These lessons would make us better human beings, with a deeper understanding and compassion for everything around us, and therefore make the world a better place.
Religion is not the path to salvation. A life lived with a better understanding of the spirit of the messages in it, could be. What say you?
until next time, keep the faith
on the blog today, ‘Religiously Following’ (not a post on Twitter 😀 ) https://manuscrypts.com/?p=1405
Spirituality is the opium of the classes I suppose. Religion is the excuse to hang many deeds I suppose.
When I hear the word ‘faith’, I think, ooh George Michael. With your sign-off, I could not shake the image of a long-haired, short man singing the song.
That established, I think shorter shelf life religions come and go often. We usually call them ‘cults’ when we are not in them, or we call them by other, less pejorative names. For former, think Dhirendra Brahmachari or Osho. For latter, think, um, social media?
It is better to have a set of non-negotiable values to live by. These values are generic. Their repackaging and branding should not require us to have to pay membership dues (e.g. donations in places of worship) and follow club rules (e.g. rituals). The problem is not in the ‘values’ bit of the religion but the ‘club’ bit.
Kaballah sounds cool. nai? Hollywood celebraties might break or make their marriages based on this. (though they don’t need any reason to break)Heard Sushmita Sen is starting to like it.
Hubby thinks all religions should be abolished. I am afraid I am starting to subscribe to that school of thought.
Religion is supposed to make one a better human being na?
The laws , rules – they were all created with a intention of putting fear in peoples mind; so that they stuck to the ‘right’ path in life.. and these days the same thought is used to move them against humanity .
Like they say about a knife .. when its in the hand of a doctor , he can save you and when its in the hand of a murderer , he can kill ya .
cynic: good point!
shefaly: right you are .. a much better way of saying it too 🙂
arunima: hubby proposes an extreme step, but one that i would subscribe to? what are the chances that you’ll introduce blog pals to hubby? comics, guitar..and now this.. seems a very interesting guy 🙂
aritra: yep,a double edged sword too