Propagating personal spirituality

Religious Disarmament

Author: Rudolf C Heredia

Publisher: Gyan Books, Rs 990

This book is an in-depth study of the topics of religious conversion and fundamentalism; Rudolf Heredia has made a convincing case for moderation in the matter of spreading God’s message, says AJIT kumar BISHNOI

Rudolf C Heredia is a doctorate in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has taught the subject and has also been associated with research in said field. Heredia has written quite a few books as well and has many publications in important journals and national newspapers to his credit.

In the preface of his book,  Religious Disarmament: Rethinking Conversion in India, he has introduced himself as a Jesuit priest but has clarified his approach to be that of a sociologist. In this book he brings out the dangers of forced conversion and advocates the liberty to preach.

Heredia has made a convincing case for moderation in the matter of spreading God’s message. He has quoted extensively from declarations made at different forums. He condemns forced conversions but criticises all attempts to choke preaching of God’s message to others and also sees the anti-conversion laws to be against religious freedom.

Heredia has rightly pointed out the dangers of forced conversions, having traced the history of various communities in this connection. This book is a highly researched text that brings out the damage caused by forced conversion. This conforms to the spiritual position, that is, it is against the free will granted to all by the Lord.

Regarding fundamentalism also, the author states quite unequivocally that it is not acceptable. Violence in the name of superiority of one religion over another is  insufferable. I quote the author, “Violence as the ‘argument of last resort’ has become common currency. However, the  violent resolution of conflict has only resulted in increasing violence  and decreasing reconciliation, so that unresolved issues leave a trail of terror.” In the Indian context, the author has blamed religious nationalists and fundamentalists.

I give further quotations from his book regarding coercion and truth. In 1966, the UN ‘International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights’ declared in Article 18 (2): ‘No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.’ This was considered necessary to allow for freedom of choice and at the same time to protect individuals from over-zealous proselytizers.” Another significant quotation in the book is regarding truth, “For all human are finite and can only hold a part of the infinite truth. Indeed, we are capable of grasping truth, but there is always more beyond our reach.”

Religious disarmament can actually be achieved by propagating spirituality. The spiritual position is that a soul has free will, which allows the soul to think independently, desire what the soul thinks and decide what is best for him or her.

We confuse spirituality with rituals and most religious sects are based upon specific rituals, which according to them are paramount, while spirituality is above rituals. Every individual is a unique personality. We cannot treat a community as a homogenous mass, spiritually speaking. When the author condemns forced conversion and violence in the name of religion, he is trying to be a moderate.

Regarding preaching, the fact is that there are several ways to reach the ultimate truth or God. Propagating God’s message is very laudable, whoever does it for the benefit of others. The author points out, “There are those who genuinely want to share the truth that has enlightened them, and changed their lives, to reach out with the compassion they themselves have experienced.” He further states that our contention here, as with eastern thought more generally, is that faith and reason are complementary, not contradictory ways of seeking truth.

Now regarding conversion, the topic of religious conversion is highly controversial. Multiple dimensions of religious conversion have been discussed by the author. He has also mentioned various unfortunate incidents relating to religious conversions and he hopes they do not happen again. This word assumes that one converting is better placed. The spiritual position is to enlighten and leave the choice to the individual.

It is time all, including the so-called civilised people, got in their heads that faith and religious practices are entirely personal. And we cannot wish away those who think differently from us. Any system which does not lead to God should be shunned. Conversion should mean a change of heart  in the right way and not according to our personal whims and fancies.

The author does not feel too good about the state of religious freedom in India. He is emphasising on a rational debate and not on the intolerance of others. He mentions, “These principles must be given some substantive content in terms of moral values: justice, truth, humanity, compassion, love. Further, these values must be spelt out in behavioural norms: non-violence and respect of life, social solidarity and a just economic order, tolerance and truthfulness, gender relations in terms of equality, partnership and respect.” He himself admits that all the issues raised by him in this context cannot be settled to everyone’s satisfaction.

Finally, the overall impression is that it is a highly researched text. The book is full of information regarding the history and characteristics of major religions. It also contains ample description of Indian history and culture.