Spirituality Share This Page Concept of Universal Religion by Dr. C.S. Shah Bookmark and Share A concept is realized or reflected in lower levels of symbols, and that is the index of correctness and feasibility of a concept.....Unfortunately, we find that universalization of religion tries to regiment and define itself in trying to abolish the sects, and differentiation of religions into sects. Moreover, it tries to establish authority of one religion over the other. Thus, instead of broadness of vision and catholicity of heart, one finds miscalculated attempts to restrict the diversification of religions that would suit the inclination and aptitude of everyone. The question, therefore, arises: is it possible to see and navigate through such apparent contradictions that try to impose one religion as the supreme and to fossilize cultural diversity associated with multiplicity of faiths? Two developments give us hope to check and reverse such trend: 1) Globalization of economy, trade, and commerce, and 2) advent of Sri Ramakrishna. Superficially the above statement might appear as far-stretched; but a little thought to find the link between these two aspects - globalization of economy and universalization of religion - would help us in a big way. In the process of globalization of economy it is natural to envisage some initial spurt in trade and commerce as far as interaction between various nation-states is concerned. But soon other cultural aspects also come under its purview. They are grouped under cultural exchange programs. These include globalization of science and technology, involvement in games and sports, and exchanges in various aspects of art and literature, etc. Spread of Religious Doctrines In the process, the religious ideas also make their impact by crossing the boundaries of their origin (or dominance) to far off places. Religious faith of economically and militarily strong race (or nation) tries to dominate the weak and the underdeveloped. The mode of penetration and percolation of religious ideas may be through missionary activities, or through persecution by the sword and the pen. Tactful, but definite, attempts may also be made to derogate the native religious beliefs and customs, and to eulogize the religion of the strong. Thus, customs and rituals, religious faiths and traditions, art and literature, all find free flow from dominant culture to economically weaker one. The resistance of the native people is chiefly through the strength of their own religious principles and traditions. Militarily the native may not fight back, but the religion of the land might be capable of keeping its head afloat if its level of growth, faith in scriptural tradition, and history are strong. - See more at: boloji/index.cfm?md=Content&sd=Articles&ArticleID=952#sthash.prLbiz2U.dpuf
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 19:55:54 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015