Religion and Nationalism

Religion and Nationalism

The other day a friend and colleague remarked that US is not likely to be challenged as the sole superpower for at least the next 50 years. I did not agree. I think the geopolitical developments in the 21st century are not going to be that slow.

Moreover, the religion and nationalism that presently divide the human race into unnatural fragments are contrived passions. The two passions - religion, in the last two-three millennia, and nationalism in the last two-three centuries - have served their assigned historical purpose, namely, mobilizing public approval for the usurpers, oppressors, the invaders, the tyrants on the one hand and the losers, oppressed, defendants and the liberators on the other. They have done so too long. These two passions are fast running out of steam. For the modern man religion and nationalism have already become terrible afflictions. Because of them, the humanity is bleeding grievously. We should hope that in the next couple of decades the compulsions of global village would help demolish the national and religious barriers. The looming threats to our fragile planet from environmental disasters such as global warming and diseases such as aides will unite the human race against common enemies. Consequently, the barriers erected by the outmoded twin passions will fall apart and the human race will, for its governance and wellbeing, depend more and more on scientific enlightenment rather than religious faith and patriotic fervor. .
- Baldev Raj Dawar,
E 610, Mayur Vihar – II, Delhi 110 091
11 February, 2009