Jewish Orthodoxy: Coping With Secularism
In ancient times, it is true that the fear of the unknown, the
anger of gods and goddesses and the concept of divine punishment
compelled people to believe in some sort of religion. They began
to worship the forces of nature. In the Middle Ages, the
Christian Church set up the Inquisition to punish the wrongs
against the church. As man's knowledge increased, this fear was
replaced by a conviction that behind the universe was a Creator,
who was just and merciful and not revengeful or mischievous.
Fear is not always a bad thing. Fear of police and of
imprisionment makes many people abide by the law. The fear of
veneral diseases keeps many persons away from sexual over-
indulgence. The fear of sickness has turned men's minds to
research and the discovery of remedies for many chronic diseases
and violent epidemics.
According to the new science of psychiatry, fear of any kind,
particularly in the case of children, undermines their
personalities. Instead of telling people about penalties for
moral wrong doing they should appeal to their higher sense and
considerations of the social good. It is in the interest of
religion itself to discourage such fear and to strenghten the
individual's moral values and social conscience. The moral code
ought to be a part of daily life and any breach should be
regarded as an injury to society, and against the best interests
of the community.
Sikhism does not encourage fear. It does not believe in a
system of punishment or the inducement of rewards. In place of
fear, it advocates personal courage. It believes optimistically
in the ultimate victory of the moral order.
Sikhism preaches that we should neither cause fright to anyone
or be afraid of anyone. This healthy spirit has been responsible
for the Sikh's willingness to offer his life for his faith. True
heroism, requires a lack of fear and a lack of hatred. The Sikh
believes in the cause he serves, without any idea of reward or
punishment.
In Sikhism, the awe of God turns into love. Just as a faithful
wife is careful and cautious not to cause any annoyance to her
husband but rather minister to his comforts. In the same way,
the true devotee is prepared to offer his all to please God and
to serve His Creation.
