Technology and religion

What follows is an interesting assessment of the impact of technology on religion. It was written by a TXU executive who recently moved to California to retire where religious differences are more widely accepted.

"One thing is for sure; our world is becoming connected slowly. There are billions even now, almost five billion who are vastly disadvantaged. They have no access to mass communication media like the internet or the wireless communication. Slowly but surely they too will soon be connected. This interconnection is exposing thoughts that previously were cloistered amongst few.

Religions, their basic faith and preaching are here for all to see in an objective manner- without listening to a preacher. Christians say Jesus is the only way; he is the only one who rose from the dead and without him there is no salvation. Muslims say Prophet Mohammed knew the only way to reach Allah and if one does not conform to a way of living one is not a good Muslim. Buddhists believe meditation leads to salvation. Hindus believe surrender to Krishna is the way. Every faith shows the way to God, there is no disagreement in that and that is why for me personally there is no need to go any further. For me a complete surrender to Krishna is sufficient in this life. At the same time I have no problem whatsoever with the Christian, or Muslim or Buddhist or Sikh beliefs. I respect each religion’s tenets from my heart and respect all those who think completely differently from me. Neither does it matter to me how they perceive me.

I am writing all this from the observation of technology bringing the views and tenets of every religion right to my desk, nay, to my lap.

Technology I believe will sooner or later make us respect each other. Why do I say so, because, when I travel around the World I am amazed to see that our technological differences are similar to our religious ones. I cannot use my electric razor in Germany without having the right “German” plug to fit the “German” receptacle in the wall. Germans think the American plug is not safe to use—it can be mortally dangerous—that is why I got to use theirs. Same is true for India or Australia or Fiji or Brazil and this is happening even though there was no electricity only 100 years ago. Come to think, God has always been here and people have seen him and worshiped him in many ways and faiths differently. On one hand, we are content to live with our electrical differences, very happily and accommodatingly; it is rather ironic that on the other, we are willing to hate each other over our Gods.

Let it be of the Beatles was inspired from religious thoughts of John Lennon in the following:

'When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.

Let it be, let it be, .....

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, .....'"

~Kamal Joshi