It is time to demand a sense of proportion, and realism.

Published on Wed, Nov 14 2012 by Pikin-In-Chief

Ah, wishing for a day when we can all have meaningful unemotional discussions on religion in our lives.

But if we must engage, well then, let's speak to well articulated positions.

This piece by Wole Soyinka, on theRoots.com, is a must read on the case for, and path to Peace.

This is a long piece, and requires careful reading, a real struggle in our hyper ADD-infested state of consciousness. So here are some highlights that must be reflected upon by all.

It is pathetic to demand what cannot be guaranteed.

The core of the message, buried all the way to end of the article, is that religious extremism built on demanding things that cannot be delivered offers no viable path to reconciliations and solutions.

The world should not continue to acquiesce in the brutal culture of extremism that demands the impossible.

An in this case, Wole is clear on what demands are vastly not deliverable.

Control of the conduct of millions in their individual spheres, under different laws, usages, cultures and, indeed, degrees of sanity.

Either we are for or against a position, we collectively must work hardest at holding folks using violence, rather than civil discuss, as the first, and often only means to achieving their ends. This is treble important because ...

What gives hope is the very special capacity of man for dialogue, and that arbiter is foreclosed, or endures interminable postponements as long as one side arrogates to itself the right to respond to a pebble thrown by an infantile hand in Papua New Guinea with attempts to demolish the Rock of Gibraltar.

So basically, let's give actually asking nicely for what we want a chance first. If what you are asking for is really reasonable, a call to arms won't really be necessary. After all, this is 2012, right?

And here is another salient point made that is worth careful pondering,

A solid core of confidence in one's moral and spiritual choices is thus sufficient to withstand external assaults from sudden and hostile forces.

Truth indeed, any truly devout practitioner of religion is so confident in his/her belief systems, such that they can truly clearly and convincingly articulate the great tenements of their faith. So much so, that it's easy to convert others to their faith solely on strength of presentation and character alone.

The message here is clear; the ability, capacity or willingness to use violence to create and preserve a way of life is not and should not be rewarded as an acceptable demonstration of the quality of one's faith. According to Wole Soyinka, and rightly so,

That principle of personality development is every bit as essential as the education that inculcates respect for the belief systems and practices of others.

So, as Nigerians, we ought to continue to reflect honestly about the role of Religion in our lives. Let's embrace the humane aspects of our faiths even more strongly. Live and let Live!

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