Time for Religion Reform? The latest sectarian developments in Egypt come after a gradual yet notable radicalization of moderate citizens in the past few years and raise very important questions about the status and future of religion in the world, particularly the Middle East. First, it is important to ask what are the contributions of Islam (or any other religion) to humanity in the last 50 years, other than murder, war, terrorism, and as we saw yesterday, radicalization and barbarism among the laypeople? And is it not true that “non-believers” are just as likely (if not more likely) to do good and have mercy on fellow humans (and animals) than any person who strictly follows a holy book? Second, let’s remember that in the past there were no states, laws or taxes, and so people *needed* religion to dictate and organize various worldly things like zakat, marriage, and inheritance. But now that all these matters are the responsibility of various levels of the state, what then is the role of religion in light of this fundamental societal evolution? Third: A few days ago, it made sense to argue for the separation of church and state, so that the state can provide for its citizens regardless of their beliefs. But what happened in Egypt yesterday, particularly the barbarism and savagery illustrated in the way the crimes were executed, questions whether that separation is sufficient, and brings to consideration the possibility of abandoning religion entirely, lest the honorable religious clergy would clarify the role of religion in the service of mankind and put forth clear limits to prevent its interference with any worldly matters. This may be the only viable solution for the sustenance of life among traditionally religious cultures, such as those in the Middle East, and to allow for the progress of knowledge and democracy, while at the same time maintaining the holiness and respect for a toned-down, neutered, institution of religion. Reference story on the latest developments in Egypt, where hundreds of villagers attacked Shiite families, accusing them of being infidels, and savagely yet proudly killed four individuals and injured many others: washingtonpost/world/middle_east/egypts-president-denounces-shiite-killings-but-some-blame-him-for-condoning-hate-speech/2013/06/24/7d3e3018-dd03-11e2-a484-7b7f79cd66a1_story.html
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 23:20:36 +0000
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