Freedom of speech and Religion

I switch on news channels immediately on return form office to get done with all the ‘sensational’ and ‘breaking news’ once for all and concentrate on less sensational and unbreakable tidings closer home for the rest of the evening. One of ‘breaking news’ of the day is Kapil Sibal’s attempt to throw up another controversial proposal to censor contents before uploading, by the likes of facebook, google et al.  Hear!!! Hear!!!! Kapil S is rooting for the censor as some contents on these social networks are offensive to religious sentiments of a certain section of the society…In India religion is treated like sex with a difference….public discussions and debate of either are taboo but obscene exhibition of religion in public is OK but that of sex is taboo. It is beyond me to comprehend how a clear picture of religions will emerge unless there is a constant public discussion. Unless criticism of religious practices is encouraged India will remain in the dark ages even as a developed Nation.

Here is my take on the much touted religious sentiment.

Hurting religious sentiment is a misnomer.  Psychologically sentiment is an abnormal condition. While there can be a condition of religious sentiment, being abnormal it can not be hurt but only aggravated.  Sentimentality is an emotional state disproportionate to the situation, and thus replaces extreme and generally unthinking feeling for normal ethical and intellectual judgment 

Being critical of religion and religious practices is a must for an evolving society to free itself from archaic practices of the medieval era. Instead of shying away, discussions on religions and methods should be encouraged in a thinking and progressive society.

 A discussion need not be derogatory of individuals or groups. It is after prolonged discussions and consideration of differing opinions the Pope has now allowed the use of condoms – under certain circumstances. The change is a result of objecting to a belief in the first instance.

 In India I am afraid there are no public debates on religion because the politicians are afraid; the government is afraid; the media is afraid; the people are afraid; those that are not afraid are dissuaded by those who are afraid. Of course there are also those with vested interests who want to perpetuate ignorance. They are into exploitation and take shelter behind ‘religious sentiments’. The result is the proliferation of Nityanandas. Opinions on religions and beliefs have to be expressed. We do not have a right to debate the practices of an individual where only (s)he is involved. We definitely have a right to discuss what is practiced in public – because it affects society at large.

 Let us not be afraid of criticisms of religious practices.