IS GOD DEAD?

To pose such a portentous question as the above, could be only attributed to a cynic, who does not view God in the proper perspective. It could stem from his ignorance of God, and the universal marginalisation of the forces of good by the forces of evil. The triumph and adulation of these evil forces, are destroying his belief in goodness and truth, making him wonder at times of God’s existence.

God is neither a physical nor an abstract creature. He is not there in temples, churches, idols or the pilgrim spots that one so religiously visits. He is but a manifestation of all things good in life, and resides in each and every living creature on earth.

The Bible says “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he him, male and female created he both.” It was this eternal truth that Siddhartha set out to find after renouncing his kingdom, only to later realise after his enlightenment, that what he had set out to seek in the outside world, could have been found in him only. This eternal pursuit of man to know God gave rise to spiritualism, and the growth of religion. Thus, in the Hindu mythology, we have the great epic of Ramayana, which motivates us to emulate the noble ideals of Lord Rama. It effectively brings out the universal truth of victory of good over evil. Thus all religions preach the virtues of godliness, for salvation and happiness.

It is indeed an antithesis of all religions, that we find people fighting among themselves to prove the supremacy of their religion. This hatred has led to the growth of religious fundamentalism, which is posing a grave danger to mankind. The religious zealots behave like savages, baying for each other’s blood, an act not sanctified by any religion. Charles Colton rightly remarked “Man will wrangle for religion, write for it, fight for it, anything but live for it.”

To compound to the growth of religious fundamentalism, there is a progressive domination of the forces of evil that seem to go unpunished all around us. On the other hand, the forces of good are seen to be retreating and going unrewarded. Thus, we find the mafias and criminals infiltrating the corridors of power and are eventually prospering, while the good and pious are being gradually sidelined, and trampled upon. We are all aware of the corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, flourishing the government, at the expense of the poor taxpayers. They resort to corruption, and even crime, never to meet their nemesis. It is this skepticism that at times raises the doubt of God’s existence.

The eternal truth is that, all religions lead us to one God. Godliness resides in every human soul, and can be nurtured and developed through love and compassion for our fellow beings. This is the basic percept of all religions. One must also not lose heart on seeing the forces of evil, presently, having the upper hand, for in the ultimate analysis, good and truth will certainly prevail. In the words of H W Longfellow,

“Through the mill of God grind slowly,
yet they grind exceedingly small;
Though with patience He stands waiting,
with exactness grinds He all.”

One must therefore not give way to despair, and move away from godliness, as it only can make us happy, and bring peace and prosperity to this strife torn world. Our belief in God and Godliness cannot die, as long as there is life on Earth. To have any illusion on the contrary, would tantamount to inviting disaster and doom.

Richa Singh is a student pursuing Economics from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Edited by: Nuzhat Khan

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Jamia Review or its members.