O GOD, SAVE ME!
Religions in Disaster Management
When questions are asked regarding religions, the students express different reactions. Some do not feel comfortable with religions because of growing rift between religious communities owing to prejudice, fear, suspicion, etc., growing fundamentalism and fanaticism, political use of religion and communalism, etc. Some feel allergic to talk about it. Some feel indifferent to religions because of diverse beliefs and practices with so many paths of salvation. Some feel that religions are too “other-worldly.” Many centres and gurus offer peace, etc. misguiding people or giving false hopes. There is so much of dichotomy between the spiritual and the material, sacred and profane, heavenly and earthly, male and female, etc. emphasizing only the former.
Some do not feel the need of religion. They think the world is too modern and too technological and scientific and hence religion does not fit in such a world. It does not attract the youngsters. Some think that religion is more psychological and emotional. If reason overtakes emotion, religion will disappear. Some feel that religion is busy with more of superstitions than anything else. And it does not go well with the change of times. Some are bewildered at seeing too many gods and goddesses with more of human attributes and so many paths for salvation. Too many masters claiming to be god-like! Many feel that morality is more important and sufficient than any religion or God.
But in reality, especially at crucial moments like the time of exams, sickness, accidents, interviews, travels, etc. the students look for supernatural powers and deities to support them, satisfy them, or accompany them and encourage them, help them, etc. To them, God is the ultimate refuge – because God would do the impossible! Such hopes are very common among people. For instance, a barren woman wishing for a child or a pauper, ambitious about constructing a grand house, and so on....