Religious dogmatism is the blind adherence to beliefs without questioning, leading to intolerance and division. It creates an environment where differences are not just ignored but actively persecuted, and rational discourse is silenced. In India, this deadly combination has been manipulated for political gain, turning religion into a tool for power rather than faith.
Political parties in India have perfected the art of using religion to control the masses. They tie religious identity to political allegiance, making it impossible to separate the two. Over time, this has resulted in people identifying with particular religions based on the color or symbol of the party they support. It’s no longer about belief-it's about politics. This manipulation breeds distrust, polarization, and violence. Political leaders aren’t just exploiting religion; they’re weaponizing it to create an army of blindly loyal followers.
Look around-religious dogmatism has fueled riots, communal violence, and social unrest. Communities that once coexisted peacefully now live in fear of each other. These divisions aren’t accidental; they are manufactured by political agendas that have no interest in peace or unity. They thrive on chaos and division.
On social media, this religious dogmatism is amplified. Influencers, knowingly or unknowingly, spread content that fuels hate and division. Their words have far-reaching consequences, as millions of viewers internalize these messages, reinforcing the belief that some religions are superior to others. This is not just irresponsible-it’s dangerous.
Satyajit Ray’s Devi (1960) stood as a direct critique of religious dogmatism. The film tells the tragic story of a young woman who is worshipped as a goddess, her life slowly destroyed by the weight of this blind faith. Ray showed how dangerous and destructive unchecked religious dogmatism can be. This wasn’t just a fictional tale-it was a warning. A warning that’s just as relevant today.
Ray’s message is clear: religion is meant to unite, not divide. But today, it’s being twisted and used to create rifts that tear communities apart. Instead of questioning blind belief, we are being pushed into accepting it as truth without challenge. It's time to wake up and realize that we cannot let religion be hijacked for political gain. We need to stop worshipping dogma and start questioning it before it’s too late. Ray’s work still rings true-religious dogmatism is a weapon, and it’s time to dismantle it before it destroys us all.
Written by Aaryan Majumdar
