ERADICATE DISRESPECT FOR RELIGIONS
IRRESPONSIBLE people are insulting religions. This is wrong for no religion teaches followers to condemn another’s religion.
As we progress in science and technology, we are forgetting our human qualities and allowing ignorance to dance like a devil around the world.
People who are stung by the venom of hatred are bringing ruin not only to themselves but to the world. Yet people do not mind the wicked path they are treading. The difference between man and beast is that man has unrestricted imagination, of cleverness in manipulation and, of course, loads of desires.
But does man use all this for his own good or the good of others? Man can weigh the pros and cons of every thought, word and action.
When reason dictates that it is wrong, man overrules the judgment, preferring the evil of sin.
How then do we eradicate disrespect for religions?
Would punishment under the law suffice?
All the legislation in the world will not abolish hate. Will punishment end the problem?
Perhaps a deterrent sentence would prevent these insults, but it will not produce a long-lasting solution. In a multiracial society, we must evaluate the consequences the law will create.
Hatred between people of different religions will destroy faith in religion.
Would forgiveness prevent insults from rising again? If so, what is forgiveness really, and how effective would it be?
Ignorant and hateful people may view forgiveness as a weakness. The key factor is knowledge. An avenue must be made available for dialogues and to impart knowledge to those who insult religions.
It will rebuild the bad ties between parties in conflict.
Perhaps when an accused is sentenced, the Prisons Department can play a major role.
The department has experience and expertise in conducting programmes to rehabilitate prisoners.
I would suggest the government build a museum of world religions so that there will not be any more religious insults. ARIFF SHAH R.K. George Town, Penang