Religion and Theology

Survival of human civilization requires discipline. Its incorporation as an innate component of what humans perceive to be creation is probably the sole facilitator for the existence of religion. Yet, since ages, abiding by religious doctrines has more than often proved to be ominous. Every religion preaches the word of peace amongst humans, whereas times and again religious beliefs has proved to be harmful to multitude of people.

Oxford Students Dictionary of Current English defines religion as belief in the existence of a supernatural ruling power, the creator and controller of the universe. Evolution of most of the religions is as mysterious as human evolution. In ancient times, various forms of nature like earth, wind, rain, air and fire as well as non-human entities which proved to be valuable like trees, etc. were worshipped. They were worshipped with the only intention of keeping them pleased so that life goes on without any hurdle. Gradually idolism came into existence. Then there were religious leaders whose ideologies were transformed into respective religion by their disciples.

Religion evolved simultaneously with human civilization. Every religion aims for prosperous and peaceful life for everyone. Its goodness has always enhanced unity, prosperity, legitimate society, as well as a disciplined lifestyle. However, human manipulation along with misinterpretation of religious beliefs has always brought a negative impact to the world. There are innumerable religions existing in todays world. It is impossible to critically analyze the boons and banes of each one of them. So, I have taken Hinduism to elaborate on this topic.

Hinduism united the thought process of the entire ancient Indian subcontinent (till the time foreign invasion took place). The four Vedas and the Upanishads cover every possible aspects of life. Yoga and Ayurveda which evolved during this period for maintaining health is an aspect that even modern science looks into for the same. Dividing lifetime into four different stages ensured that every human being enjoyed each aspect of life at optimum time. The four stages are Brahmacharya (the bachelor)  time spent for amassing or mastering earthly knowledge Ghrihastha (the family man)  time spent for enjoying all the worldly pleasures of family life Vanaprastha (retirement)  imparting knowledge acquired during lifetime to younger generations Sanyasa (Moksha)  giving up of all earthly ties to attain salvation.

The caste system assigned work to people. People who devoted their life to acquiring and imparting knowledge were Brahmins, those dedicated for protecting the society were Kshatriyas, those involved with trade and business were the Vaishyas, and those who took up the job for cleaning up the society to maintain hygiene were known as the Shudras.

Kamasutra taught men and women how to enjoy conjugation and the various processes related to it. Goddess Durga who is the ultimate embodiment of power is a woman women gave birth to new generation and so were considered the initiator of civilization.

Idolism is an integral part of Hinduism. Idol worship is a matter of controversy for many who consider that God cannot be idolised or personified. But consider this aspect most human being feel frail to reach the almighty, so they created idols as a medium via which they could communicate with the almighty.
Ideally Hinduism has always respected the views of every individual. Yet illogical human nature could not ensure tolerance towards other religion. Clouded sceptical minds could never accept change or harsh truths which led to diversity.

Caste system evolved to become a taboo for the society. It originated to divide the various works of society to different people. It was meant to group people according to the work they do, but what it came out to be was that people were born with it. This stratified the society and inflicted indignation to lower classes as well as inefficient functioning of the society as inheriting similar caste never assure competency in the respective field.

Physical relationship between a man and woman is natural. It is the basis for survival of the human civilization. Yet discussion or education on the topic became a societal taboo, whereas Kamasutra was written with similar intention. Marriage has always been considered as an auspicious institution by every religion. But malpractices like polygamy and child marriage dilutes its purity. Also, maintaining a harem was considered an honour by rich and affluent.

In the name of religion and tradition, women are probably the worst hit. Instead of protecting the women, the patriarchal society suppressed and tortured women to maintain male supremacy. Women were considered to be children producing machines who would unconditionally serve her family. Previously widows were burnt alive on the pyre of their dead husband (SATI). No doctrine ever defines this practice. After the abolition of  this practice, widows young or old were isolated from the society and having no sound source of income young widows were forced to compromise on their honour in all respects which included them sleeping with other men for money. Moreover, women were restricted from education, whereas Saraswati the goddess of knowledge is a woman.

The criticism can continue unending. People who formulated strict and irrational social norms did so for their personal profit. It depends on modern human beings on what course they decide to take up - follow religion merely as a rulebook, where mostly rules are biased and irrational, or follow religion in its true essence which never intends any negative impact on anyone. Past cannot be undone, but it depends on this conscious decision, of how the world will be in the present and prosper in future.