If there is one lesson to learn from all this, it is that Religion has been
used by man, not to attain peace and understanding BUT for suppression of
those who dissent.
In effect, it is about power and control. The naive follow like sheep.
That is why it is important (I submit) that intelligent individuals look at
the topic in it's entirety. If not, those who seek to prosper from Revision
(as in the infamous Goa BJP/RSS VCD) will repeat their attempt at control
via dis (rather, Semi) information.
And that, if we have not realised it yet, is a fact of recent history.
It appears that there is a whole pile of denial going around:
Some are in denial that the Inquisition even took place in Goa; others are
subverting the topic to suit their own ends
Some are in denial that Hindu temples were destroyed by Muslims and
Catholics; others are in denial that the Hindus themselves destroyed and/or
just usurped (when convenient) Buddhist temples....or that Hindus killed
Buddhists, Muslims and Catholics.
It is always advantageous to put forth the view that favours the chip we
carry on our own shoulders. If we are 'socialist' in our mind set, we sing
praises of Marx and Castro, without placing into context ruthlessley
suppressed wishes, aspirations and suffering of the populace. If we are
'capitalist' in our outlook, we sing that the Righties are always right,
without placing into context the Inequalities & the ruthless dictatorships
the system breeds.
If we are Catholics in our faith, we are perfect, and there is nothing wrong
with what our forebears have done and what we now continue to do. Oh
yes..the da Vinci Code is the most important thing we Catholics need to
protest about.
If we are Hindus in our way of life, we are the most peaceful and tolerant
of people who have been victims of others; we did and continue to do nothing
wrong in the way we treat others. On yes, the several million women who went
'voluntarily' to their fiery end, did so to attain the status of Sati (more
like the violentes who are looking for the 72 virgins in heaven); and yes,
we Hindus were not violent - we were sent to Benaulim via an arrow and we
peacefully 'annexed' large portions of South East Asia through our
"goodwill". These places were merely coming home to the motherland.
Yeah Right!
I believe that the legendary "Dr. Kui" put it best ....In Konlish it reads
thus: This world is samko KUI!
If we say that we are educated and intelligent, we should (I assume) be able
to look at the utter bias of what is being disseminated by ostensibly
intelligent people.
It is not Religion that is bad - but those who commit atrocities in the name
of religion.
Equally bad are those who justify their own denial about the ill actions in
the name of religion. BTW: I do not know of ONE SINGLE MAJOR RELIGION which
has not had attrocities committed in its name. If anyone knows of one,
please advise.
Similarly, I know not of ONE SINGLE system (capitalism, communism,
socialism, democracy, dictatorship) which has NOT suppressed the masses in
the pronounced name of Opportunity or
Equality.
I know not on ONE SINGLE country which does not have imperialist tendencies
towards its people or neighbours (if it is able to). I know not of ONE
person in a position of power who does not attempt to manipulate the
situation. If you know one, do let me know.
Much of what we write about, is based on hearsay or on whatever record is
available. But not every group has kept a written record, not every
important incident recorded, and nor every record is impartial. Some of it
might even be planted or expunged.
In effect, we are not in a position to place ALL the cards on the table.
That is where we might wish to use our critical judgment, casting aside our
pet peeves and biases. Having done that, we might then wish to work towards
Peace and Better Understanding among people, especially our own.
Are we up to it, or do we wish to SPIN like a top?
just my view
for further reading:->
1: The most unholy Inquisition - foreword
http://www.colaco.net/1/InquiForeword.htm
2: Bigots spreading distortions about the Inquisition
http://www.colaco.net/1/GGinquisitionLies.htm
3: How about conversion to humane behaviour?
http://www.colaco.net/3/PravinHumane.htm
please visit "NEW" on The Goan Forum at http://www.colaco.net
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