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Principles
and Practice of Hindu Religion A
Comprehensive Study of the Ancient Tradition and
the Perennial Philosophy | Epilogue
: Progress,
Prosperity & Problems
| A
Time to Think About It is Now The
Decline of the Society and
a Time for Renaissance |
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E
- 06 - : Spreading the Faith as Dogma
through Force How
the Kings could use the Message to rule their Land |
Whenever
one race or community was suffering, under the rule and the tyranny of another
race, a social leader or a "Messiah" appeared on the scene to deliver them from
the misery and get them the power to rule for themselves and destroy the evil
doers. In every community, the leader as a "Messiah" appeared for the illiterate
farmers, shepherds, hunters and workers who were oppressed people or race in the
land ruled by a superior force. In all these cases, the message was simple to
unite them all under one rule, one belief and one leader among themselves to stand
up against the tyranny of the ruling class. They preached to deny the existing
faith and forms of worship and established the rules of religion as divine words
of God revealed to them. Theirs is the only form of God their people should believe
in and follow. They should follow certain rules for living and avoid other actions
listed as sin. They should carry the message to all members of their community
to make them follow their Messiah or leader. Opposing them is blasphemy and will
lead to Divine punishment. |
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As
years passed, the new leaders in their community started using the name of the
messenger rather than the message. They often modified the message to suit their
convenience. The kings occupied new lands to carry the "message" and convert the
people to the new faith. In the name of spreading the religious belief, they ruled
people of other races. Roman kings carried the message of Jesus Christ to bring
the world under European domination. The Arab and Turkish kings carried the faith
of Islam to bring several parts of the world under their influence and rule. Ancient
Persians and Zoroastrians were thrown out of Persia and Iran became an Islamic
country. When the rulers and other religious leaders insisted on their forms of
interpretation of the religious works to hold on to the power, certain dogma was
enforced and any one questioning was punished for blasphemy. People with mental
strength opposed the oppression. This led to reform movements and splinter groups
were formed. When these views were not acceptable to the main groups, the splinter
groups got separated.
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Sanãthana
Dharma ãsthra |
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