M L Satyan –
The questions surrounding the origins of religion and the nature of deities have long captivated thinkers, artists, and everyday individuals alike. In contemplating whether religions and gods are human creations, we are invited to reflect deeply on our shared humanity and the societal constructs that shape our lives.
KJ Yesudas, a legendary figure in Indian music, poignantly captures this introspection in his song “Manushyan Mathangale Srishtichu,” written by the great poet and lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma, which translates to “Man created religions.” Below is the English translation of the song:
Man created religions.
Religions created Gods.
Man, religions and Gods together,
divided the land, divided the hearts.
Man created religions…We became Hindus, we became Muslims and we became Christians.
We have become unrecognisable.
World has become a lunatic asylum.
Thousands and thousands of human hearts became armories.
While God is dying on the streets,
Devil is having his last laugh.Where is our truth? Where is our beauty? Where is our freedom?
Where are our blood relations?
Where are our eternal affections?
Where are the reincarnations that comes once in thousand years?
While man is dying on the streets,
Religions are having their last laugh.
Man created religions…
Ramavarma’s lyrics challenge us to consider the implications of our divisions—how religious identities can sometimes overshadow our common humanity. Yesudas’s message resonates profoundly in a world where boundaries often dictate interactions and foster misunderstanding.
The etymology of the term “religion,” derived from the Latin religare, meaning “to bind,” suggests that religion serves as a connective tissue among communities. It binds individuals to their cultures, ideologies, and each other. Yet, as Yesudas’s song suggests, this binding can also lead to division. The question arises: Are we losing sight of our shared truths, beauties, and freedoms in the pursuit of religious identity?
In recent years, scholars like J. Anderson Thomson and Clare Aukofer have explored the psychological underpinnings of belief systems. They propose that understanding human psychology can illuminate why we create gods and religions as coping mechanisms for life’s complexities. This perspective invites us to consider religion not merely as a set of doctrines but as a reflection of human needs—our desire for community, understanding, and meaning in an often chaotic world.
India’s rich tapestry of religious pluralism exemplifies this complexity. With a diverse population comprising Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and others, the potential for harmony exists alongside challenges. Yesudas and Vayalar Ramavarma’s call for introspection is especially relevant here: Are we truly embracing the beauty of our diversity?
While some religious leaders may exploit faith for personal gain—leading to disillusionment—it’s essential to recognize that many individuals find solace and strength in their beliefs. Religion can inspire acts of kindness, community service, and social justice. It can foster resilience in the face of adversity and promote values that uplift society.
However, it is also crucial to confront the darker aspects of religious practice when it becomes a tool for division or oppression. The critique that religion can become an “opium” for the masses speaks to its potential misuse by those in power who may prioritize their interests over genuine spiritual guidance.
As we navigate these complex dynamics, let us heed Yesudas and Ramavarma’s poignant questions: Where is our truth? Where is our beauty? Where is our freedom? These inquiries urge us to seek deeper connections beyond labels and divisions. They remind us that while we may create religions as frameworks for understanding our existence, it is our shared humanity that ultimately binds us.
In conclusion, rather than viewing religion solely through a lens of creation or critique, we can embrace it as a multifaceted aspect of human culture—a source of both division and unity. By fostering dialogue and understanding across different faiths and beliefs, we can work towards a more harmonious existence where every individual feels valued and connected. Let us strive for a world where our differences enrich rather than divide us—a world where love transcends labels and faith inspires action toward collective well-being.