Keeping the faith

It would not be an exaggeration, albeit controversial, to consider religion among one of the most divisive forces in the world. It creates barriers between people on the basis of the gods they worship or the prophets they revere. It justifies wars and has emboldened crusaders and imperialists to undertake acts of unbelievable cruelty in the past.

- ARUNDHUTI DASGUPTA

How does one find harmony in the discordant notes of a practice that ignites wars and justifies genocide, all in the name of God? Interestingly, that is exactly what this book seeks to do.

For author Trilochan Sastry, world religions are not at fault. The problem lies with the lack of understanding of religious teachings. If only, he believes, the sacred texts were studied more widely and their principles disseminated more freely, there would be more things to hold people together than keep them apart. The problem is bad PR and misinformation; not the texts that shape the religious order.

All religions preach peace, love and faith in the divine. Mr Sastry writes, "The moral and ethical teachings of all religions are very similar. By following them, society becomes harmonious and peaceful." Unfortunately, things are not that simple. The sacred texts are open-ended and are interpreted differently by different people. Where one person sees messages of peace and love, another may read damnation of the unfaithful. The texts are therefore used more commonly as tools to "other" people rather than bring them together, especially under the tutelage of the gatekeepers of all religions.