Religion And Identity, Our Societal Demons -By Opadeji Samuel

At the dawn of the twenty-first century, a casual glance at world affairs would suggest that religion is at the core of much of the strife around the globe. Often, religion is a contentious issue. Where eternal salvation is at stake, compromise can be difficult at or even sinful. Religion is also important because, as a central part of many individuals’ identities, any threat to one’s beliefs is a threat to one’s very being. This is a primary motivation for ethno-religious nationalists.

On one sunny afternoon, while surfing through my social media space, Twitter to be precisely I glance through a particular tweet by a guy who converted to Islam during Ramadan Period, The tweet caught the attention of mine with different conversations surrounding the so-called this Muslim guy.

I never can tell the reason behind his conversion but those reasons are best known to him As far as he is capable of life decision making, but it’s quite unfortunate seeing some comments most especially from other religious people tongue lashing him for his decision by converting to another religion.

Someone went to the extreme of saying as I quote “I just pray your eyes to get open to what Islam really is all about”? While another Twitter user also Tweets a piece of advice, Advising the guy in question not to indulge in the bomb business. Then, I began to think randomly that does it really means that Islam is people who make use of the bomb? Of course not them alone, it’s all about the heart.

I was made to understand from the holy book of Quran that “God is reverence, but the most important is righteousness and the remembrance of the last day” I also know of a chapter in the Holy Bible that purely speaks of the end time and the peace it beholds, it’s quite obvious that both books preach the same just in a different language.

Why should we criticize ourselves for the sake of religion? I adore the Twitter user who made a comment that “Religion doesn’t give peace, it’s a choice”.

Many times, we feel disconnected from love sequel to our religion and it’s principles. Like a brother discussed with me earlier this morning of marriage issues as a result of religious discrimination and at the long end might cause an everlasting pain in the heart of those involved. In as much we understand what our religion truly is to us, we shouldn’t go to the extreme of criticizing.

As far as I’m not a religious fanatic I wouldn’t Stand to condemn any other people religion in as much our heart goes with it and I believe our heart lives in where peace lies.

What is to Be Done on our societal religion mindset :

In the eyes of many, religion is inherently conflictual, but this is not necessarily so. Therefore, in part, the solution is to promote a heightened awareness of the positive peacebuilding and reconciliatory role religion has played in many conflict situations. More generally, fighting ignorance can go a long way. Interfaith dialogue would be beneficial at all levels of religious hierarchies and across all segments of religious communities.

Where silence and misunderstanding are all too common, learning about other religions would be a powerful step forward. Being educated about other religions does not mean conversion but may facilitate understanding and respect for other faiths. Communicating in a spirit of humility and engaging in self-criticism would also be helpful.