Politics and Religion, Class 10

RELIGION AND POLITICS:

Gandhiji’s View on Religion: He did not consider religion as Hinduism, Islam or Christianity. To him every religion was based on some belief supported by rituals. He tried to get rid of rituals as far as possible. To him religion was a human institution that helped people solves practical affairs. He believed that the moral values drawn from all the religions should be used to guide the political system.

Religion Be Positively Used in Politics: Gandhi preached for using the moral values and ethics of all the religions as a guide to the political system. All religions have some belief system and the ethics drawn from it should be used in politics as a guide. Ideas, ideals and values should have a place in political. People should be able to voice their needs and interests as a religious community. Also the leaders should regulate the religion to ensure that it is not used for discrimination and oppression. The use of religion in politics should be dome with careful thought and analysis. No religious demand or interest should be raised if it is against any other religion. Religion should be used to people and not to arouse feelings of distrust and suspicion. What he meant was that politics must be based on ethics and moral values contained in all religions which are essentially the same. These unite rather that create differences.

Religion, the political expression, of which has been dangerous and explosive in India, leading to violence and riots. It led to the partition in 1947 and exodus of millions of people across the border. Expression of religious differences in politics of different countries is very common since it is a very sensitive issue. As principles, ideals and values of various religions are based on humanity, their political expression ought to play a positive role in politics. Political leaders should see that there is no discrimination and inequality among citizens on the basis of religion. The state and the govt. should treat all religions equally without favour or partiality.

· Human rights groups in our country have demanded that special measures be taken to protect religious minorities, like, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, & Parsis. Their contention is that these minority communities are victims of communal riots. Their opinion has substantial truth but there are exceptions too.

· Some political parties and women’s movement have been demanding uniform civil code for all communities and are demanding a change in family laws of all religions because they discriminate against women and favour men.

Communalism: What is Communalism?

· When religion is expressed in politics in exclusive and partisan terms.

· When one religion and its followers are pitted against another.

· When beliefs and practices of one religion are considered superior.

· When the demands of one religion are formed in opposition to another.

· When the state favours domination of one religion above all others.

What is NOT communalism?

· Adherence to a religion or its system.

· Indulgence in ritualism, superstition, obscurantism, magic charm and occult practices, astrology is NOT communalism.

· Practice and propagation of a religion, religious gatherings, seminars meetings etc. is NOT communalism.

· Running a religious education institution or organization is NOT communalism.