All the good and bad things in societies are caused by individuals. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to demand accountability and separate the facts from myths. Indeed, wars and conflicts also begin with individuals. The real trouble makers are the sycophants (Chamchas) who praise such individuals lavishly and keep them in bubbles, either for favors or fears.
There are two items we need to pay attention to; blaming the religion and sparing the violators.
Should you make fun of any religion for the acts of a few believers. Statistically, the illogical believers are a few, very few, less than 1/100th of 1%. It would be wrong to believe that the problem is religion. No, it is not, it is the individuals and cults.
The great men of all religions have said stuff like, “Trust in God but verify, Trust in God, but tie your Camel, and God will not change your status unless you change it.” God has created this world in balance and expects us (the “intelligent” species) to preserve and maintain it for our good.
If we screw it up, regardless of who starts or how it got going – the fact is we bear it collectively. The Hindu religion says the entire world is one family – Islam, Christianity, and Judaism say that we are all one family, kids of Adam and Eve. I am sure, all religions have similar teachings. Indeed, if we screw it up, we have to fix it. God will not do a thing.
Chief Seattle, a Native American, said this correctly, “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. The man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the webs, he does it to himself.”
RECKLESS INDIVIDUALS
Christian pastors are holding congregations
There are many, but I will cite at least one example for each group.
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-03-25/louisiana-pastor-tony-spell-church-services-coronavirus
Hindutva Leaders (Not Hindus) violate the shutdown.
Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is the first violator of the clampdown on gatherings. This man needs to be called on to account for his irresponsible act. team. https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/lockdown-yogi-adityanath-coronavirus_in_5e7b017cc5b620022ab363be
Chief Minister of Karanataka is the second biggest violator of lockdown in India
So much for social distancing. After placing restrictions on events involving large gatherings, Yedyurappa attends the wedding. What a hypocrite. Rules are for others and not for him?
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa himself turned up at a pretty big one in Belagavi on Sunday. Around 2,000 people were in attendance. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-bs-yediyurappa-attends-wedding-with-2000-guests-1656041-2020-03-16
Jews defy the lockdown
https://www.timesofisrael.com/more-than-150-defy-coranavirus-orders-to-attend-ultra-orthodox-wedding-in-israel/
Muslims defy the lockdown
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2020/03/27/mosques-in-pakistan-defy-virus-lockdown-to-remain-open-to-millions/
Sikhs defy the lockdown
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/at-least-15-000-indians-possibly-infected-with-coronavirus-by-super-spreading-guru-who-died-from-disease
Don’t laugh, someone in your group is guilty of such violations.
Dr. Ghouse is a community consultant, thinker, author, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is a speaker on religious freedom, Pluralism in religion, politics, society and the workplace, and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More at www.TheGhouseDiary.com