Our
View: Trendy religious symbols and
practices trite
A
simple, somber cross and a jolly, potbellied
Buddha were once symbols of one’s
religious affiliation, serving as ways
to communicate to others one’s
devotion to a faith and providing a constant
reminder to believers to follow a religion’s
teachings. Recently these symbols have
taken on a new, trendy image as the latest
fad in American pop culture, reducing
these once sacred and holy symbols to
trite garbage.
It has become virtually impossible to stroll along a beach without encountering
a grandiose home proudly bearing the image of Buddha at its doorstep. No longer
does the image of Buddha conjure up thoughts of a minimalist lifestyle or the
rejection of material possessions for a higher understanding of life. The image
merely signifies that those in possession of a Buddha or Buddhist symbols are
keeping up with the latest trend as they also demonstrate through their acquisition
of other “status symbol” goods.
Also, few people recognize the religious significance of the latest fad exercise — yoga.
Although the current hype may rave about its ability to create a slender physique,
yoga is actually a centuries-old practice of achieving spiritual enlightenment
and is a central part of the Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and Jain religions. Some
of these eastern religions even believe that through yoga one can experience
God.
The fact that this religious practice is being taught in gyms and studios with
the intent of merely improving one’s appearance is disheartening. While
some who practice yoga may attend classes to practice a healthy lifestyle,
many people who practice yoga do so for the sole intent of looking more attractive.
A practice that is fundamental to any religion should never be reduced to promoting
something as egotistical as appearance.
Eastern religions aren’t the only ones bearing the brunt of the latest
cultural obsession with religious symbols.
Christianity has also recently taken a blow as crosses are being ostentatiously
adorned with large gems and are being worn by people of all religions. Despite
its central role in the Christian faith, the humble attitude professed in Christian
dogma no longer is something associated with the religion. In its stead are
capitalist ideals of materialism and egotism.
With religious zealots like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson at the microphone
spewing messages of hate and the prevalent negative portrayal of eastern religions
in the media, it is no wonder why respect for religion has diminished so drastically.
It would be hard for anyone to respect an organization that encourages violence.
Regardless of the messages shown on television and other forms of the media,
we should not generalize the isolated instances of religious extremism as representations
of an entire culture. Although the media is partially to blame for limiting
public exposure to different cultures, the responsibility for this disrespectful
behavior ultimately resides with us, the people.
There is no justification for the blatant disregard of religion currently in
society. If we are to create a more sensitive and compassionate society we
must first begin by recognizing and respecting other beliefs. Those who do
not observe the basic aspects of a religion should not bear that religion’s
symbols.
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