Religion and Patriotism are both beliefs. We are social animals who want to associate ourselves with a group to feel safe and secure. This is the basis for both these beliefs.
Then why did the first sticker make me angry while the second didn't. Surely it’s not because he is Christian. I would felt the same if I had seen Hindu instead of Christian. I am not biased towards any particular religion.
I just couldn't find an answer.
b a l a j i said...
Hi,
First time here...
nationality is not a choice... where as religion is... IMO, there's a difference between the feelings towards a nation and feelings towards a religion....
Patriotism is healthy and it has been glorified while religious fanatism is not, beyond an extent.
said...
I believe scientology is the best thing...
well, talking from my point of view, of the people i have seen in bangalore - people believe in globalisation these days, which eradicates both patriotism and religion..
ck said...
@balaji, welcome!! Like nationality, religion is also by birth. Why do you term it as choice. Patriotism and Religious Fanatism both have contributed to scores of wars and deaths. Though I would term myself as Patriot than a religious person, If you think about it objectively, one is not better than the other.
@VJ, scientology feels like its just another religion just with a fancy name. IMHO, Globalization is not a belief its just an oppurtunity. A means to survive in this oppurtunistic world
Bijesh said...
we are what we believe we are. the problem is we believe we are too many things at the same time and that's a conflict of interest. This is why we see so many chasms between people. At one point we cheer the Indian cricket team because we are from Indian. The next moment we would be one-upping each other cos we are from different states... weird, but that's how we are.
said...
The perception that i have is that in India we have seen a lot of problems because of this factor of religion. There have been clashes because of this religion factor. Thus there is an inherent fear/dislike in our mind towards openly portraying something like religion. The same is the case with someone from a hostile country, we do feel the fear/hatred towards him even if he is not directly one involved in the actions affecting us/our country. Particularly so when the other country's creation has been based on the religion factor.
Thanks for the wishes and your mail CK! :)
Subba
ck said...
@biju, is there a conflict of interest between religion and patriotism? Its not true always.
@subba rao, welcome to my blog. I didn't mean patriotism to be hatred against any particular country. I mean just the feeling of pride for just being an Indian.
Skely said...
I don't see any problem if someone says "I am proud to be a {religion}"
How should it matter to others if he is proud of something that he likes..
It will be a matter of concern if anyone tries to force any opinion on others be it religion or patriotism..
Everyone has the right to express the views as long as it does not interfere with others...
If you are not proud of what you are, and from where you are, then you will not like the way you are living..
Vijay Gandhi said...
yeah, i think skely is right - let one be what he wants to be...
grouping is a very natural thing...
ck said...
skely, you have a point that everyone is entitled to have their own beliefs. I guess I was flustered to see such an open display of religious affiliation with all the problems and miseries we face in its name.
But still its his belief and he has chosen to advertise it. I guess it should be ok.
DD said...
Hmm... nice arguments...
When someone says he's proud of belonging to a group (be it a nationality or a religion) it silently hints at imposed inferiority of other groups and that is what which creates discomfort... Yeah, but when one can accept others without compromising oneself, it is ideal!