SHUNNED RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY AND PREJUDICE(Dedicated to all Nigerians in this trying times ) Prejudice is by definition judgments made before the facts are known. Increasing knowledge about ethnicity, cultures, and religions among children and youth is of utmost importance to counter prejudice. Human fear is often translated into intolerance and bigotry. Religion is seen by many as a main carrier of these less-than-desired qualities. We hear fearful messages from public voices about religions that Katherine Marshall has condensed into the four-D message: Religions are divisive, creating conflict: you are either with me or against me. Controversies and harsh words are heard and seen around us, and religion is in the midst of them. They are dangerous and antidemocratic. We all hear the accusations about religion and terrorism. Religions are defunct, since they are irrelevant, and delusive - building on emotions rather than rational thinking. We hear the sharp messages of the likes of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens: religion is irrelevant and counter to science. (Katherine Marshall [presentation at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, July 2006]) The four Ds cannot be dismissed outright. Religions have throughout history been open to abuse and have been hijacked, appearing as divisive, dangerous, defunct, and delusive. In the spirit of honesty, we also have to admit that our holy texts include passages that condone and sometimes seem to prescribe violence Extremist groups in Africa and especially in Nigeria are rare and few in number. Prejudice within and against religion exists, however, far beyond the extreme subcultures. This is not least linked with certain practices that are popularly attributed to religions. Female circumcision, forced marriages, discrimination against women, and honor codes are examples that create tensions in African communities. Actions are typically taken in the name of religion by those who defend a religion, and reference is made to religion by those who condemn such opinions and actions. Strong arguments are made that there is a serious conflict between religious teachings and human rights. These practices are real and alive in certain cultural groups in Africa and Nigeria as a case study. Statements made by various individual representatives of religious traditions and by commentators in the media and otherwise in the public sphere contribute to the uncertainty about what represents the position of religions. Therefore it is essential that religious leaders across religious traditions come together to address the issue and clarify that there is no contradiction between religion and human rights. Cooperation for peace among the worlds religious communities can be powerful, both symbolically and substantively, in overcoming religious prejudice. The symbolic power of cooperation is especially important in circumstances where religions are implicated, such as situations marked by intolerance and contribution to conflicts. But cooperation does more. It also provides a powerful way to engage the enormous - and still underutilized - assets of the religious communities to advance unity in diversity and respect for otherness Peace is not just for hippies! Living in peace is about living harmoniously with yourself, others, and all sentient beings around you. Living in peace is both an outward and an inward process. Outwardly, living in peace is a way of life in which we respect and love each other in spite of our cultural, religious, and political differences. Inwardly, we all need to search our hearts and minds and understand the fear that causes the impulse to violence, for in continuing to ignore the rage within, the storm outside will never subside. While you will find your own meanings of peaceful existence and outward manifestations of a peaceful life according to your beliefs and lifestyle, there are some basics underpinning living in peace that cannot be overlooked, such as being non-violent, being tolerant, holding moderate views, and celebrating wondrous-life. Thinking in absolutes and holding to convictions without ever considering the viewpoints and perspectives of others is a sure way to live a life without peace. This type of extremist thinking usually leads to reactive, hasty, and driven behavior that lacks the benefit of reflection and deliberative thinking. While this may be convenient because it allows you to act with the confidence of absolute conviction, it blocks out other realities in the world and can easily lead you into conflict when other people fail to agree with your convictions. Its harder work to remain open-minded and ready to review your understandings, yet its more rewarding because youll grow as a person and live in greater harmony with those around you. Moderate your absolute convictions by always being ready to question and to reflect. Accept that your beliefs, faith, passions, or opinions are but some among many other beliefs, faith, passions, and opinions in the world. Follow an ethic of moderation that values human dignity and worth; follow the one true absolute, which is to treat others as you wish to be treated yourself (The Golden Rule). Find a variety of things to do in your life if youre finding yourself slipping into immoderate stances about other people. Its hard to be immoderate when youre busy doing a range of things and seeing a wide range of people from all walks of life. Cultivate your sense of humor. Humor is a peace-lovers disarming charm; few fanatics are ever humorous because theyre too busy taking themselves and their cause too seriously. Humor allows you to release tension and to show up the repressive tendencies of extremist thinking. Lets shun violence and religious bigotry. Lets love, respect and embrace one another. #Danzaki Nandang Gaura
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:41:40 +0000
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