Religion is an illusionary curtain
Even if the communists doesn’t believe in the religion, they respect others belief in religion
- Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy
Former General Secretary, CPI
Communists' attitude towards religion has been explained extensively by communist theorists, in different contexts. Communists don't believe in religion as they are rational. We have all read about the evolution of the universe, the earth, its birth, the birth of living beings and their transformation into human form. But those who believe in religion think that science is different, life is different. The scientific knowledge attained in the school, will be left in the school building. Some people have doubts about the existence of God, but, they follow religion and due to societal pressures and family.
Science was not even in primary stage when religions were born. Thinking about the origin of mankind began when the human intelligence began to evolve. Before that, human beings started worshipping nature, fearing natural disasters. Those who fear, worship for protection. Based on that, the thought started that there was a creator. Over the time, the concept of the creator has been strengthened. Religion was created to promote it. There is a popular movie song called "humans made God, God made humans." God was created on different occasions in different continents of the world and religions followed it. The form of God is obscure. Many religions refuse to paint the image of God. They would be offended if someone tried to do so. In India, in Vedic religion, worship of God in human form was started in the later period. Over the time, the number of the gods expanded to grow to 33 crore gods such as Devendra, Indra, Yama Dharmaraja and others were created. These were created to scare the non-believers of religion and to strengthen the faith of those who believe. Consequently even thieves, bandits, gamblers and war mongers, pray to God for their work to be successful. In the name of God, an array of things ranging from coconuts to cash and gold are offered. The irony is those who believe that this world was created by God, never think for a moment the requirement of their offerings. Just like the names of the gods are different in different places, the forms also change. Stone idols in human form, wooden idols in Puri of Orissa that change every 12 years, tribals performing a festival under a tree with a stone decorated with haldi and pray are all different forms of worship. Apart from these people, in every village in South India, there are village goddesses to an approximate estimate of 110. It’s interesting to note that all the village deities are women Goddesses and the people of entire village participate in it. They will have priests from local Bahujans. Brahmins are the priests in Vedic religion. No other religion in the world has such a huge number of Gods and Goddesses. There are imams in islam. Bishops in Christianity and the Pope over and above them. Systematically the religions have been strengthened by kings for mutual benefit. Religious leaders promoted the kings as rulers sent by god to rule over people and kings promoted religious leaders as representatives of gods and those both were benefitted by mutual support. Wars were fought to spread their religion all over the world. Millions of people died in these wars and killings. Even now, religious wars are going on in some parts of the world. If God is truly powerful, then all nations should have one religion. Why is God limited to one religion for certain countries? If you ask these questions, the religious fanatics get angry for not being able to give a rational answer. There will be attacks on those who question. The heads of non-believers will be cut off.
Marx said that “religion started as a relief and comfort for the suppressed and the oppressed. It ultimately became an opium.
Religion is an illusionary curtain. Communists think rationally and consciously. Hence, they do not believe in religion.
There are some religions that doesn’t speak about God. Buddhism is important in that. They wished for a society where there are no sacrifices of lakhs of animals and there are no differences of caste and religion. China, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Sikkim, Japan, Thailand, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam and other Asian countries are inhabited by the highest number of Buddhists. Without believing in religion, trying to explain its loopholes is different. Hating religious followers is different. Communists, though, don't believe in religion, but respect the believers of religion as their right. They want equal rights for all religions. There is no point of being pro or gainst any particular religion. In the name of religion, cheaters and public betrayers are projecting themselves as saviours of religion. Communists fight against fundamentalists and religious fanatics. Their fight is always against those who cheat and deceive people in the name of religion.
There is no rule that all the members of the Communist Party should be atheists. Lenin refused to include such a clause in the party agenda. He said people should think scientifically and be rational by achieving social and class consciousness.
Communists are absolutely opposed to bigotry. The highest number of people in all religions are common believers. Some of them are very devotional. Few others are religious fanatics. The problem and danger is with these people. They spread false propaganda that religion is in danger, other religions are given priority, their population is increasing and our population is decreasing and such similar wrong ideas are being continuously propagated. Every problem is exaggerated and poisoned in the peoples minds as a religious issue to rouse their sentiments, Thus causing religious conflicts. In the name of religious power, they will try to get power by come what may, including blood shed. Religious fanaticism is very dangerous in any country.
Countries formed in the name of religion will never develop, but will face disastrous consequences. For example Pakistan, after 75 years of independence, has become bankrupt with abject poverty, hunger, unemployment and terrorist killings. For almost 40 years, Pakistani Society has been crushed under military regimes. Afghanistan is another living example ruled by cruel hands of the fanatic, idiotic Taliban. Religion is always against democracy, progress, development of science and ultimately scientific education. Women are suppressed under communal regimes. That's why Communist Party wants all the people to fight against hate propaganda and fanaticism.
The primary duty of communists is to fight against class exploitation, fight against economic inequality, and to instil scientific thinking and consciousness among the people.
It is important to raise consciousness through rationalism and scientific understanding rather than attacking religion directly. A recent international survey found that there are more than 110 crore non-believers in the world. This is a very big number. They accept this fact only through their consciousness.
A direct attack on religion will make the believers more harder. That will not fulfill the purpose. Light alone can destroy the darkness. Not to directly attack by statements doesnt mean that we are not against it, no. It will bring down our moral scientific understanding. Don't fall into their trap. Since there is no rule to be an atheist in the party, it’s not a licence for communists to be part of religious rituals, yagnas, etc. Communists should think rationally and stay away from religion and religious activities. General communist sympathisers are different. Party members, activists and leaders are different. Once leaders make a mistake, it becomes an excuse and tradition at the lower level. This is why leaders should be careful. They should be exemplary in their daily life.
Religious freedom exists even in socialist countries where communist parties are in power. People used to go to prayer in the Soviet Union's ancient churches, cathedrals, etc. I went to see a spacious mosque in Baku. We discussed with the imam for a while. He said we have freedom but very few of the new generation are coming to prayers while elderly people come to the mosque. He introduced us to his grandson. He studied MSc. We asked him if you participate in religious prayers. He said I am a science student and I don't believe in the existence of God. A Muslim friend who was with us asked him "Do you get brainwashed in college?" The young man angrily retorted - there is no textbook that tells how to bath and be clean daily. This is cleaning the brain.
Buddhist temples in China are beautiful and spacious. They are not just places of worship, they are also big tourist attractions. Recently a few party leaders and activists were visiting temples and religious ceremonies. Well, that's just not right. That doesn't send a good message to the majority of the left sympathisers and comrades. Consciousness should be raised as communists. People need to be made aware with scientific thinking. That is our duty.
Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy
Former General Secretary, CPI
Sources
From the MediaFx archive.