Religion- an Elective- My Distant Dream

Religion- a concept, phenomenon, tool abused by many, mystery, an answer, an unifier, a separator, a food for thought and discussion, a taboo etc.

All in all, one that has a multi-dimensional definition and purpose. I could never fathom its depth and purpose. This piece of writing is just my attempt to baseline my thoughts on Religion and use it as a tool to refine my understanding as I evolve. Was long pending from my side and as it is a very complicated thought I was letting my thoughts to crystallize and will take it slowly from here.

Of course, the trigger point being the re-conversion/ conversion debate going on in the country and definitely PK   :D.

First of all, I am yet to find out why anyone feels so close to something that they have not worked for but attained by just BEING BORN INTO IT. No one has ever struggled to become a Hindu, Christian, Muslim etc. I understand the fact that religion is very close to heart of many. This "many" includes, an illiterate from a rural background to a scientist who heads a national organization that sends satellites. But, Why? The answer may not be simple at all, because it is not one but combination of answers. For some, it is Hope-Generator, positive anchor. For some, it is binding factor that brings people together to help them in need.

So, I will not try to answer the above question here, as it is beyond my realm of understanding. However, I will try to build an imaginary scenario where Religion is CHOSEN and NOT GIVEN.

I, often thought, what if we define Religion as some path of spiritual life or a path that someone adopts as their Approach to unravel or answer some pertinent questions in their lives. As if, it is extension or part of their education. Something like an Executive course or part of Continuous Education that you pursue after you are "ready" ( I don't know when someone will be ready to handle this). So, one will be born Religion-Neutral. One will not be a Hindu because both or one of her/his parents is a  Hindu. This, I feel is very important, because the conditioning of tender minds will form the basis of different perspectives they form in their adult lives. The concept of Religion will be dealt as if something that is done or talk after you are an adult. You see, like going for a late night new year bash ;). 

I envision there will be Schools of Religion under every University headed by a religious Guru who is well versed with the concerned religious texts and mythologies. Also, we may have Departments of Atheism, Agnosticism etc. As you grow and are "ready", you may enroll in one or many schools. From there on.. you can include all the concepts that a new-age education system has- electives, theses, assignments, projects, labs, exams, scores, placements (OF COURSE!! and Spiritual or Religious Entrepreneurship will be encouraged! There is lot of money there :D). How nice! 

My whole attempt is definitely not to mock the concept of religion but penning down a dream that I feel, may resolve some of the losses we have today because of gross misinterpretation of Religion.