We make a choice between following a religion or being a sceptic and not following any religion at all. Or in worst cases, we become indoctrinated. But as we gain higher education and get a constructed idea of how the world works, intellectuality might make us question if believing in a faith makes people egoistic.
As posited, faith, in its pure and raw form, teaches us how to be a good human and lead a good life. So why is it that people still fight among themselves? Why is it that people have a tendency to distort their faith in accordance with what suits the situation?
Believing in a faith gives us salvation, it gives us peace of mind. Having faith in a religion teaches us humanity, it doesn’t advocate putting religion before humanity. But what happens when people consider their religion superior to others’?
When a person becomes convinced their faith is superior, that is where quarrels stem from. Quarrels that divide us and scatter us. In the name of religion, people are kicked out of their country, people from minority religions are treated as lesser humans and hence face discrimination. Moreover, if the relationship between religious minorities and majorities isn’t cordial, problems with adjustability arise.
What causes this ego?
Religion is a part of a person’s identity but when a person starts identifying themselves with a religion, they go all out to protect their identity. They start believing that their religion is absolute and above anyone else’s. They often view a person from any other religion as a threat to their religion. This causes ego and when ego clashes, it brings war and violence.
This is where we get everything wrong. Religion shouldn’t be causing war if it has been known to foster morality and selflessness. People should feel connected to their religion and have a sense of belonging in their community while also respecting other religious communities.
No matter whom we worship, we must never forget that all religions teach us to be humble, to be kind to everyone. And if we practice religion faithfully, it can bring us peace.