In a world where religion has become a commodity and frenzied marketing characterises the activities of the faithful, one cannot help but wonder about the reaction of the revered prophets to this regrettable scenario.
Will Jesus be happy his disciples felt that to proclaim their faith is to be callous, self righteous and inhumane? Will Ram be ecstatic with his devotees' destructive actions in their quest to honour his birth place? Will Mohammad be overjoyed with the devout proclamation that no less than a murder is required as punishment for the offending, albeit prejudiced Jyllands Posten cartoons? I wonder! What is common among such individuals is the lack of enlightenment that informs their actions. Isn't enlightenment the quest of the spiritual minded? It is in this context of prejudice and ignorance that we should view the posturing that emanates from various quarters about the moral superiority of their faith.
Harmonious existence cannot be eked out with a refusal by individuals or groups to recognise the legitimate right of others to their quest for spiritual enlightenment, without fear of attack and ridicule, especially so in a diverse society. This includes the “soft core” attack that is usually disguised as a statement of faith. That being said, this does not preclude legitimate discussions and debates on articles of faith and religion.
The adoption of a tradition or a religion will arise from an attraction to the quintessential essence of that belief system. In its purest manifestation, this will undoubtedly evolve through a natural process; it is the demonstrative actions, nature and essential personality of the adherents of a particular faith that will serve as a beacon to those on the outside. The inherent greatness, purity and egalitarian nature of a religion as exemplified by its followers are all that is needed to attract true devotees. No amount of loud proclamations, callous vilification or vulnerable exploitation will lead to unconditional acceptance of a particular faith; it may increase numbers but not true acceptance. That the need exists to market religion as if it is some common product bespeaks of a regrettable loss of the very ideal of what the prophets stood for. Having to resort to such campaigns speaks volumes about the believers' personal lack of faith in the true greatness of their belief system.
Once we understand and comprehend true spirituality there will be no need for the negativity that is proliferated in the name of god. We would all do well to remember this, especially the self appointed religious foot soldiers…
