THE OTHER SIDE OF RELIGION

The Other Side of Religion

The Roman Empire is known for slavery, brutality, ethnic cleansing, and violence and yet is considered the most powerful one. Does it mean that the poor and downtrodden have no choice but to turn to religion? This is prompted by the following lines in Quora Digest. 

“There is the reason why Christianity was popular among slaves and the poor because it gave them something no other religion did and that is compassion and hope for the better future be it in this life or the afterlife.”

An answer in Quora on Roman Empire.

As I know, our scriptures tell us so. Karma of this life will be rewarded in the next life. A vast majority of poor people believe in that and get exploited by the preachers who can in no way be called poor. This is like hanging a carrot at a viewing distance or hanging green grass with a stick on the neck of the camel, as a motivator to run as fast as possible and eat it, which never happens. 

One has to observe the huge crowds our God-men and God-women attract. Most of them are brought their all-expense-paid and free food. One has to watch the rush for reaching the food tables. Who are these Bhakti-the poor and downtrodden? Who brings them-the paid agents? Who benefits from them-the God-men and God-women?

These ‘preachers’ of Karma are used by politicians to further their own agenda to remain in power. Most politicians are corrupt and self-serving and nothing is expected of them for the betterment of the poor, except their votes. 

The answer seems to be to do your karma and make life comfortable and if possible luxurious as you wish in this life only because there may be no other life. Some compromises may have to be made in the process but everyone does. 

There is, however, one caveat. There sure is some Super Natural Power that controls and all your efforts may not lead to success. There will always be leaders and followers.