psyah
May 17, 2015, 3:34am
62
Re: Secularism Is Pakistan’s Way Out to End Sectarian Violence
Im sure they are terrible people and aren’t all that bright. Yes money and politics is what its about. But they gain their power through exploitation of religion, and simple minded sentiments of the religious masses. More reason then to separate the state from religion. Im sure they will find other sentiment to exploit, but religion more then anything else, is a very dangerous thing to wield and can often explode (in the case of Pak quite literally) in the face of those that exploit it. So now we return to the issue at hand.
Does the govt help or enable such elements within a given society ? Does the govt meddling in religious matters create an environment in which such lowly individuals find space to commit acts of barbarity ? I believe, and im sure most will agree, that it does.
For example, the govt endorsed anti-Ahmadi laws create space in which hate speech is tolerated against that community. And when such enabling laws exist, then committing violence against that community (by people who are off low intellect and make zero contribution to society as a whole) is acceptable on some level because the govt has endorsed the perception that they are non-muslim.
So the point here is, should the govt be seen as being impartial in matters of Faith, and hence be in essence secular.. Or should it side with one group and endorse one religion at the expense of millions of citizens who do not adhere to that faith ?
I think its about time we jettison this notion of the “Islamic State” and approach the role of Islam, the role of the citizen and his govt with some nuance. I think the problem here is that people are trying to adhere to these antiquated notions which do not apply today. Today, we promote the equality of all citizens above all else. The Non-Muslims are not subjects of the Muslim majority or any other majority.
Non Muslim citizens dont gain their legitimacy through the govt, its the govt that gains legitimacy through them and society as whole. Composed of equal citizens regardless of faith (or anything else).
This environment of inequality creates divisions, it creates enmity, and ultimately results in violence as we tragically see all to often…
I was already in agreement that state and religion should be separate in today’s climate - what I am against is the idea that religious values are detrimental to people. Rather the lack of religious values creates a situation where people turn religion into a vehicle for power. More religious education, less filth in the media, whilst having secular control is what I am saying here …