Column by U. Mahesh Prabhu

Since time immemorial mankind has been in pursuit of God(s). There are many versions as well as “incarnations” of this idea. “Your god” may not be “his god” or, even, “our god.” “Your god” they say is “dangerous”, whereas “our god” is more “merciful and benevolent”. “Our god is ever forgiving”, they admit, but “only to those who believe in him.” “At times like a parent he even punishes his kids.” they even warn!

Interestingly, none has – ever – seen this being called god. If – at all – he exists we are sure not to know what he may even look like. “Probably we may have already seen him, but never realized.” there are some imbeciles who say suggest this. And yet, what we see on the ground isn’t anywhere encouraging, ourselves, to come out of the fascination for a being which “makes us” besides “making us happen.” But why it is so? Like many (or few?) across the ages I have been fascinated with this idea of “god”.

Interestingly, none has – ever – seen this being called god. If – at all – he exists we are sure not to know what he may even look like. “Probably we may have already seen him, but never realized.” there are some imbeciles who say suggest this. And yet, what we see on the ground isn’t anywhere encouraging, ourselves, to come out of the fascination for a being which “makes us” besides “making us happen.” But why it is so? Like many (or few?) across the ages I have been fascinated with this idea of “god”.

Born into a reasonably devout Hindu family I always found fascinated with the idea of “millions of god” – one for every kind of work you may desire to do. But then was equally taken aback when people of other faiths mocked at “my gods.” “How dare you insult my god?” I would warn in an attempt to ward them off. With time my curiosity went deep and, also, my fascination for religions. I was – at first – moved with the idea of “heaven” and “hell”. The very idea of paradise with all the things that you could never find upon this earth was all out there! It needed you to do some kind of a “good deed” something which was more relative. You had some conditions to comply before you could actually get entry into the “heavens”; noncompliance could result in “hell” where you were to be burnt in fire by the unruly Satan with oil (not sure which one).

“Who has seen this heaven?” I wondered. Interestingly, all those who had, supposedly, seen this “heaven(s)” were either dead or now “living there”. None are accessible for a conversation – neither by email nor via mobile! The more objective I became (in my thoughts) more I began to rebuke the idea of god. “Was I tricked?” I thought in rage; may be it’s a time to desecrate those “gods in idols”.

But then that historian in me woke up. I realized that man’s unruly nature has always – and ever – resulted in – bloody wars. These wars were always fought between those who believed and negated “god”. Blood has been spilled by both theists as well as atheists. The problem that we have faced across the ages isn’t “god” in reality but “our idea of god”. When we spoke of god we spoke of our ego – in particular. When “our god” (or “our no-god”) was challenged it result in absolute chaos.

Virtually every faith has ridiculed people in every possible way(s). Even atheists of today seem to be doing little more than ridiculing, than just putting across a point. We cannot find solution(s) for “god(s)” with our egos associated with it. We need nothing but humility in finding an enduring peace. But are we pursuing it?

Virtually every faith has ridiculed people in every possible way(s). Even atheists of today seem to be doing little more than ridiculing, than just putting across a point. We cannot find solution(s) for “god(s)” with our egos associated with it. We need nothing but humility in finding an enduring peace. But are we pursuing it?

These are MY thoughts. I neither wish to impose nor propound it. Rather I would just contemplate upon it for the rest of my life. But I wouldn’t mind declaring that I am an atheist with humility to appreciate every being’s idea about god; unless that idea isn’t hurting me. I come in peace to live in peace.

Columnist, U. Mahesh Prabhu, is Founder & Editor-in-chief of Folks Magazine.