Religion means two things to me:
One is the the socio-cultural construct into which one is born with all its connotations of value systems, rituals and behavioural expectations, namely Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism,Shintoism, Sikhism, Jainism etc.
The other meaning of religion relates to the more personal endeavour of individuals to improve and enhance the inner powers of the mind and spirit, the moral compass which gives direction in life.
I am talking about the first when I suggest that religion is on the wane. Not that I lament this, not even for a moment.
The more affluent the society is, the less religion plays a role in the lives of its members. If you look at primitive societies, almost everybody would believe in whatever their religion would be and even if someone did not subscribe to the common faith, it was very difficult to openly say so, except for the occasional individual who would be quickly dubbed an outcast.
It is also a fact of history that these institutionalised religions wielded great political power, dictating how people should lead their lives, even to the extent of forcing people to believe what they told them to.
The most well-known example of this is the theory that the earth was at the centre of the solar system, which Galileo so bravely challenged, to his peril.
Many religions also have a history of incessant and indoctrinated attempts, overt or covert, to expand and progressively increase their area of influence. The story of the Crusades and Jihad are there for everybody to see but alas, the vast majority are oblivious of history, for this reason or that.
Even today religion in this sense remains the great divider.
International terrorism is without doubt the bane of modern society and this is mainly related to religion.
Religion is the opium of the masses, Marx famously said. What he meant was that Religion was nothing but a medicine to lull the masses into submission.
It is also accepted that humankind is progressing in every field. Levels of education are improving and affluence in general is going up, it is another but significant issue that the rich poor divide is getting bigger.
People in the richer nations do not need to subscribe to state and even family religions because freedom of thought and freedom of choice are embedded ideals in these societies. It is considered fashionable to be able to make one’s own decisions in life in all matters, as long as one does not break the law.
This is unfortunately not so in the not so developed countries where people are not equipped enough to face life on their own, under all circumstances, without social and community support. That is one of the main reasons they remain bound in the shackles of religion.
I foresee a day when with expanding affluence, freedom of choice will be more universally valued and religion as an institution will gradually wither away.
The second meaning of religion, that is related to uplifting of the inner self will then begin to be accepted as the true beacon of a good life.
Let us hope that will pave the path for a more peaceful earth!
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