Tuesday, June 28, 2011

rajiv malhotra's new column: "The Dangerous Idea of Martyrdom" asks, why die for your god?

jul 28th, 2011 CE

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rajiv Malhotra


 

http://newsgram.com/2011/06/the-dangerous-idea-of-martyrdom/

 

Please read my latest column that addresses the religious foundations on which modern suicide bombing is based. I am implicating the much celebrated notion of "martyrdom" in the Abrahamic religions There are too many martyrs being honored, and these have traditionally served as role models for the younger generation to emulate. This "hall of fame" of martyrs needs to be dismantled as part of peace movements. We should stop encouraging people to die for their religion in fights with others. The whole business of victimhood has also emerged out of this principle of martyrdom.

 

This is a very provocative piece, because it says things that are not polite, but such a public debate is necessary if we are to make progress.

 

Regards,

 

Rajiv Malhotra

 

 



1 comment:

Pavan said...

While we are at it, one more idea needs discrediting, and that is the idea of eternal damnation. There is no such thing. For every mistake we commit, there is a price we will pay, if not in this life, then definitely in the next. And that's it. After paying for all our mistakes, we will be heaven bound, even if we don't believe in the cult of J.