Understanding the profundity of secularism

L  Luingam
Contd from previous issue
THE WRATH OF GOD
The Bible says that king Uzziah reigned for 52 years in Judah. He was overall a good king who did much for his land. But in later years pride crept in his mind and disobeyed God by trying to perform the priest’s duties in direct disobedience to God.
God’s wrath felt on him and so he was smitten with leprosy rather than any other diseases because leprosy was at that time considered a token of special divine judgement. Uzziah lost his throne and had to live in a separate house banished from the temple. It clearly shows that religion is spirituality and so it should always be kept aloof from politics and vice versa. Religion should be confined to the walls of Churches, Temples and Mosques. It should not trespass into the arena of politics. People should not accept any infringement by religion in the region of secular affairs.
Furthermore, king Jotham’s failure was that though he always did what was right in the eyes of God, he could not as a king, prevent others from doing wrong. So, God punished him severely. It is true that God’s wrath is always directed against the godlessness and wickedness of those people who deliberately suppress the truth for the sake of evil. We all know that God is a jealous God. Nobody can stand before His indignation. Therefore, National survival depends not on political manoeuvres but obeying God. See how a Nation is led to ruins and her people to exile because of the evil and wicked ways of their kings.
Therefore, power, position, riches, wisdom all these tools are to be used prudently but when it is used with wrong motives and ungodly ways, these very useful tools may turn to be deadly snares and may even destroy a Nation.
MODI’S VIEW ON SECULARISM
Christians in India are becoming sceptical of the present NDA Government at the Centre that it is anti-religious minority. In contrary, I would like to quote what Shri Modi said–My Government ensures that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has undeniable right to retain or adapt religion at his her own choice without coercion or undue influence. He also said the Constitution of India is the sacred book for every citizen of India. It reflects his commitment to tolerance on religion in its true spirit and propagates secularism as enshrined in India constitution. Over and above, Shri Modi’s sterling good sense led him to implement the PRASAD schemes for Muslims and Christians. Many places of deep religious significance to Indian Muslims have benefited from this scheme. The Prasad scheme has also improved the infrastructure and facilities of many important religious pilgrimage sites for Indian Christians- such as, Velankanni, St Thomas International shrine and Churches in Goa etc. His Government continues to engage with the Christian community on cultural and developmental issues. The Prime Minister and his Government has worked hard to preserve the cultural ties of Christianity with the rest of the world.
The writer is from Ramva, Ukhrul District, Manipur.