Guest guest Posted May 5, 2005 Report Share Posted May 5, 2005 Dear Jay, One of the developments of this age has been the steady decline of the power of organised religion. With plenty of literature available and religion ceasing to be preached out of the barrel of a gun, people are today forming their own opinion about what course to adopt. Another thing is that the word "spirituality" is slowly replacing the word "religion". The organised Church is finding all this a threat and often reacting in unpredictable manners. You must remember a recent order asking all Pontiffs not to let out their premises for "pagan" activities such as hatha yoga. Truly the Church is facing a tough task. If they are now thinking of "tolerating" other religions it is not because of a change of heart but because of the need to keep in pace with the changing times and keeping the herd in order. If they maintain a tough stance then they would get a thinner audience, that is for sure. As for the educated mass, they are now shifting towards a "mixture" of various faiths, taking what suits them in each faith. The new age gurus are pandering to this change in stance. I will not say that this is a bad idea. Only good can come out of this churning. Yet another cause of worry for the Church is that the clergy who started reading other faiths to malign them, developed love for them and even incorporated them in their teachings. Now it is a battle between the hardcore fanatics and the liberals. The election of the current Pope was not without this undercurrent. He was perceived to be the best suited to balance the two sections and perhaps ensure a win for the former. The former Pope's aim of a Christian world is not hidden to anyone. Neither Thakur nor Swamiji tried to eastablish any religion. The Ramakrishna Order encourages comparative study of all religions. Swamiji sought to establish "as many religions as there are people". I know many Christians who are very religious but keep a safe distance from the Church. They equate the Church with repression. In trying to force its views down the throats of people the Church has caused incalculable harm. Besides people today have realised that they can have a personal relationship with their own Ishta. Christ never set up a Church, his followers did. Love & Regards, Jagannath. Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. Learn more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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