N. Anandam
Rationalist Writer
Skepticism refers to a general sense of doubt regarding things such as religious beliefs, faith, or specific knowledge. Essentially, skepticism and inquisitiveness inspire individuals to think and create something of value. This activity is beneficial to human welfare and progress. However, there are numerous obstacles that impede the development of curiosity in human minds.
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Attributing omnipotence to an imaginary god is one such obstacle. Blind religious faith and beliefs constitute other hindrances. Religious fanaticism prevents people from questioning anything related to religion because they believe religious scriptures are beyond doubt and critical analysis; they are meant to be obeyed. This misguided notion enslaves people to religious beliefs, hindering the growth of skepticism and critical thinking.
Throughout human history, blind religious faith has consistently obstructed human progress. From the 10th to the 14th century, religious beliefs dominated European societies, keeping them stagnant in various aspects.
This social environment began to change in the 14th century. Thinkers courageously advocated subjecting religious ideas to scientific scrutiny and inquiry, encouraging independent thought. During the 15th century, Europeans were exposed to Greek philosophy, which introduced them to the value of skepticism and the importance of independent thought, investigation, and analysis.
These factors collectively awakened people’s minds and transformed their mental outlook. As a result, a scientific temper emerged. Rationality spread across Western Europe during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, making Western Europeans curious, adventurous, and enterprising. They harnessed their creative and reasoning abilities, leading to agricultural, industrial, and intellectual revolutions over the last five centuries.
Without drawing inspiration from Greek philosophy, they could not have achieved these remarkable advancements in science and technology. Observing this, thinkers from various nations emphasize the importance of fostering the spirit of inquiry and independent thinking.
Religious fanaticism exists in different countries at varying levels. It remains a major obstacle to the development of skepticism in people’s minds, particularly in the Middle East and North African countries. Governments impose more restrictions in Iran, China, Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh under the pretext of protecting their religions.
Social hostilities based on religion are significant in Iraq, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Somalia, Israel, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia. How can religious fanaticism be contained? How can the spirit of inquiry be nurtured in society? How can the spirit of tolerance be fostered? Let us examine the actions that nation-states should undertake in this regard as we coexist as nations.
Sociologists and political thinkers recommend that each nation-state take several political actions to curb religious fanaticism. They assert that the state government must become secular, separating itself from religion. Religions should be subservient to the state, and religious leaders should be stripped of the right to interfere in state policies and affairs. Additionally, the financial and economic power of religious institutions should be regulated. Citizens should be granted the freedom to express their rational ideas through mass media without any restraint.
In this context, Russia’s approach serves as a commendable example to follow. Their constitution guarantees freedom of conscience, separates church and state, and keeps schools independent from religion. The Russian constitution acknowledges the freedom of people to worship and make anti-religious propaganda. These measures have helped Russia curb blind faith in religion, leading to the widespread adoption of rationality in the country. Russian citizens are less superstitious compared to those in other religious countries, and their outlook is broader, more humane, and progressive.
The crucial point to note is that all Russian citizens enjoy the freedom to propagate anti-religious and atheistic principles. In many religious nations, such freedom is lacking, with propaganda towards social reformation often stifled under the false notion that it may offend certain religious groups. This situation is not prevalent in Russia.
Many nations deny their citizens the right to comment on religions, citing concerns about hurting believers’ feelings as an excuse. However, allowing citizens to express their ideas on all subjects, including religious faiths and beliefs, is essential for the development and spread of rationality. Without this freedom, people may become superstitious and irrational in their thinking and behavior, emphasizing the need to grant people the right to comment on religions.
Eminent philosophers emphasize that a civilized society extends freedom of thought to its citizens and regards freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. Imposing restrictions or conditions on these freedoms constitutes a violation of the spirit of freedom of expression.
The right to engage in anti-religious propaganda and spread atheistic principles should be considered an integral part of freedom of expression. Therefore, every nation must grant its citizens the freedom to comment on religions. All national governments are obligated to confront the challenges posed by religious fanatics with determination.
Promoting intellectual freedom and providing citizens with maximum rights, including political, social, and economic rights, is a sign of wisdom. These rights and opportunities enable individuals to live as rational, intelligent, and creative human beings. Denying intellectual freedom to people is tantamount to denying them the ability to live as sensible human beings.
