My novel in progress, tentatively titled A Better Place (ABP), addresses the issue of religion quite openly, but not in the preachy “repent or go to hell” kind of way. As research for ABP, I’ve been reading a lot of science and science fiction. I’ve come to notice that in many of the fiction futures that I’ve read about, the religious are often portrayed as less technologically advanced or even downright primitive. Those who are not religious or do not believe in God, tend to be the most rational and are the leaders. This really doesn’t stray too far from the truth of our present. Apparently, the higher the educational stratum (especially in the sciences), the more Atheism, and vice versa. This probably explains why a large number of scientists are Atheist. Certainly this is not a hard and fast rule but I think that’s saying something.
ABP proposes that so-called social barriers such as racism and classism might be easily nullified over time as racial gaps are bridged by intermarriage and with access to free or affordable education, guidance and specialized training programs. ABP also poses the pivotal question: “Will religion or the fundamental belief in God be the last crutch upon which we stand in opposition to one another?” I have recently come to realize that this is a recurring theme in much of my present writing and I know why. I have, in a way, lost faith in humankind’s ability to…do right by one another.
I try not to watch the news, but bits and pieces keep catching up with me. Unjust rulers. Fights over land. Unjust fights for power that threatens not only the dignity of a ruler but the lives and livelihood of his constituency. Hypocritical governments that call themselves free and yet deprive citizens of their right to practice their religion in the way they see fit (provided it doesn’t bring harm to anyone else). The propensity of humankind to seek the worst in people and not the best, to happily listen to defamatory idle gossip rather than seek out the truth. Violent crimes committed in the name of a God that would have never sanctioned them. Profit seeking missions disguised as humanitarian missions. I could go on forever. In the case of perpetrators who claim adherence to a specific faith, I find myself asking, “Where does obedience to God fit into their personal equation? How could they disgrace the message of the God they claim to worship by committing heinous crimes?”
Then I look at Japan, and some of my hope is restored. In the midst of a national catastrophe, these people have managed a level of heroism, dignity, generosity, and inner strength I have never witnessed. Over 50% of Japan is Atheist, but they support and encourage religious freedom and individuality. That’s saying something too. But what?
So, in keeping with this Sunday’s topic, I wish I could say that we are nearly there, but I think that might be a bit premature. The bright side, in my opinion is, that If I am asking these questions (slow, fallible, dimwitted me) then certainly other wiser people are too. That being the case, then I can say instead, “Maybe we’re on our way.”
Written for Sunday Scribblings. Prompt: Nearly
Written for Sunday Scribblings. Prompt: Nearly
I certainly agree with you that most science fiction and other writings seem to equate atheism with intelligence. I know there have been many atrocities committed in the name of religion, by those who use it as an excuse, but I'm also aware of terrible atrocities committed by atheistic societies, so I don't feel that they have a corner on wisdom...in fact religious freedom is an asset for a country. People should be allowed to recognize God and serve him in truth. I'm admiring the Japanese from over here...and my heart goes out to them as they recover from this calamity.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lilibeth for this comment, which also gives me some hope.
ReplyDeleteAs a practicing Muslim, I try, and sometimes fail, to live in the way that imbibes the best of my faith. I couldn't imagine not believing in God. I couldn't imagine not practicing in the form that I do. That said, I wish for others what I wish for myself. And that is to afford others the right to do the same, with freedom and respect. And also, to bridge the divide between belief and secularism, so that I and others like myself don't feel as if they need to live a life of dichotomy.
Thank you for the view into who you are inside. I enjoyed reading your post. Best of luck
ReplyDeleteIn looking at the photos of the aftermath of the Japan earthquake and tsunami, I was struck by a photo of rescue workers gathered around a body they had found. They were standing in a huddle, hands pressed together and heads bowed in respect. I wondered if they did this for all the dead, and I wondered if our own rescue teams did the same. How nice if we honored everyone in that way, whether we knew them or not.
ReplyDeleteWhat matters, though, isn't *how* we choose to honor the universal life force (which I call God for the sake of syllable conservation) but that we show respect. I believe we all have a bit of the universal soul inside us and God put us here to learn a few lessons. Earth-life is school, and love (or at least patience) for our fellow students is part of the required curriculum.