INTERVIEW FOR CSE 2019 All ForumIAS members selected for CSE 2019 Personality Test must submit their details and DAF and register below to receive further instructions and guidance from ForumIAS. Click here to register now
INTERVIEW 2020 CHANNEL ForumIAS Channel for Interview Preparation is now Active! Please join the channel by clicking here
there's an excellent article by Mohammad Hanif on the status of Christians in Pakistan,but I couldn't find the link. So my two cents- after the Ahmadi sect,Christians are probably the most vulnerable community in Pakistan. They've been the target of numerous attacks and systemic violence.The reasons are complex-most Christians in Pak are converted low caste Ajlaf Muslims. A community which is mostly poor and downtrodden is seen as an easy target,everywhere in the world. Pak's primary problem is an inability to define citizenhood and link it to civic rights. Once you link religion to citizenship in a multi religious,multi ethnic country,it's a recipe for disaster.So, the Sunnis don't consider Shias citizens, Ahmadis are accused of blasphemy,etc. In fact, a small sect of Central Asian Muslims who sought refuge in Pakistan were persecuted and bombed, because their Mongolian features marked them as 'outsiders'. Moral - logic fled Pak when they tried to create a unireligious state out of a land with 2000 years of religious and ethnic intermingling. It's a confused nation. P.S. A bishop in Pak immolated himself to protest against the blasphemy law. Now the govt is planning to put up a statue of him. Go figure.
I am always confused between religious extrimism, fundamentalism and communalism. Are the three same or is there any fundamental difference between them.
Communalism is, perhaps, the most generic of these terms. It refers to an ideology which attaches significance to one's ethnicity and one's ethnicity only- this could be religion, and sometimes, even castes or groups within the same religion. In India, the word has come to mean this kind of segregation on religious lines. To simplify: A group belonging to X religion denying amenities and facilities to another group because they belong to Y religion is a manifestation of communalism.
Fundamentalism is a feature that could characterize all religions. It is basically the promotion of orthodox and conservative tenets of a religion-any religion- relying on, for example, the most ancient and "fundamental" texts of a religion. It can be Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Hindu (although this is a subject of some debate). Fundamentalists tend to argue for a religious point, often false and irrational- and are inflexible about any deviations by followers. It is possible that they have an ulterior agenda of their own. Most importantly, they almost always tend to be non-secular, i.e. not tolerant of other religions and faiths. Fundamentalists also appear to endorse violence, especially to those who belong to a group other than their own.
Extremism is an ideology which advocates very extreme or strictly polarised viewpoints. In an extremist's world, things are either black or white, and nothing is grey. Their methods and conclusions never follow the morals or standards of society. Extremism, like communalism, can also be between religions, or within religions, or for something entirely non-religious. To simplify: if you've watched V for Vendetta, the protagonist V is a classic extremist, although his cause is not religious. Religious extremism is when the cause is religion.
Based on your post this is what i understand and correct me if it is wrong 1. Communalism - you want every one except your group to be treated as 2nd grade citizens. The group could be formed on any basis.
2. Fundamentalism - You want all the people to believe in your ideals and dare not deviate from the age old texts that preach a particular religion.
3. Extrimism - Eradicate everyone who doesnt accept superiority of your group and treat who accept as 2nd grade citizens.
Yes, I think your understanding is more or less correct, though it might be advisable to not be fixed on a single narrow definition- all these terms are often used loosely and interchangeably, and they must always be understood within context.
Also, following from my previous post:
The root of communalism is the idea that all the members of a religious (or ethnic group) have similar economical, political and social interests- which are always in opposition to such interests of other groups- which in turn lead to non-secular tendencies.
Religious fundamentalism is often detrimental to the followers of that very religion. For instance, both Hindu and Islamic fundamentalists often advocate positions depriving their own women of the most basic rights.
Based on your post this is what i understand and correct me if it is wrong 1. Communalism - you want every one except your group to be treated as 2nd grade citizens. The group could be formed on any basis.
2. Fundamentalism - You want all the people to believe in your ideals and dare not deviate from the age old texts that preach a particular religion.
3. Extrimism - Eradicate everyone who doesnt accept superiority of your group and treat who accept as 2nd grade citizens.
Am.i missing anything here.
Religions that limit themselves to doctrine alone, even at the cost of logic, or religions that limit freedom of thought and expression, are no more than tools in the hands of those who have ambitions beyond divinity. They are the root cause of terrorism.
Today's extremist religious doctrine (a perversion of the original lofty thought), is on the same side as fascism. As such, it really is the same entity.
There is one focus of unquestionable reverence and few objects of hatred. There are footsoldiers that have a chance at promotion and getting closer to the object of reverence or special benefits for their service benefiting the supremo. Add a dash of herd mentality and a pinch of acceptability of extremist behavior in the fraternity - and presto - a well indoctrinated fully disposable soldier of the lord. Use as you please.
And when the lord / eternal bliss is something that one can get after and "honourable death," you have people happily jumping to their deaths running after an illusion.
Somebody once said something about this topic - don't remember who:
Work for me tirelessly in your life / give me your life and I shall give you an eternity of bliss in heaven.
We are a secret self-moderated community for Civil Services preparation. Feel free to join, start a discussion, answer a question or just to say Thank you.Just dont spread the word ;)Sign in or join with Facebook or Google
ForumIAS is India’s leading Online website for UPSC IAS Exam Online Preparation and guidance. At ForumIAS, we have a dream. Our dream is to make its members achieve their IAS dream. Today thousands of aspirants have joined the elite services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other central and state services with the right inputs provided by ForumIAS. Take a look at our IAS Toppers
Free IAS Online Preparation Initiatives by ForumIAS
Current affairs is the most important part of UPSC IAS exam. ForumIAS provides a detailed analysis of important news articles through its 9PM brief. In current affairs reading Editorials Online needs an in-depth focus and hence we provide a separate analysis of daily editorials which is not found in any other website. Click the following link to access these free preparation initiatives in Portal . ForumIAS also provides compilations and Free downloads for UPSC IAS preparation
Knowing is never enough for IAS exam. An IAS aspirant must be engaged in answer writing practice to do well in UPSC IAS Mains Exam. ForumIAS has launched a Mains Marathon initiative for IAS mains Online answer writing. Click here to access UPSC Mains Marathon initiative . For Daily Must Read Newspaper articles, Visit Must Read Newspaper page here. Must Read Newspaper is an Initiative by Team ForumIAS to provide Current Affairs links to the Must Read Articles of The Day from Newspaper.
UPSC Syllabus
The most important part of UPSC IAS exam is its syllabus and there is a need to take an in-depth look at it. Click here to view the UPSC IAS Prelims syllabus. Visit UPSC IAS syllabus page here
UPSC IAS Study Material
ForumIAS is the repository of many toppers’ Online study materials for GS Mains and Optional subjects. The most unique thing about it is that they are handwritten by toppers themselves. Click here for UPSC sample notes
Interview Preparation for IAS
Interview is the last and crucial stage for becoming an IAS officer. How to prepare for it? We provide a solution. ForumIAS is the only online website where quality IAS interview preparations happen. Online Current affairs from an interview perspective are extensively discussed and specific preparation based on candidate’s profile and hobbies can be done. Please visit this link for UPSC Interview Preparation
At ForumIAS we have an exclusive Online page to read the UPSC Interview Transcripts
Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
IFoS is one of the most sought after All India Service. ForumIAS provides the right approach to excel in this exam through their toppers who have shared their success mantras and their study materials in an elaborate manner.
About Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
IAS is considered as one of the best jobs on earth. IAS officers hold the most important positions in Central and State Governments and in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). They also represent India in international organizations. They take the most important decisions in the administration of Government policies and development programs.
About Indian Police Service (IPS)
IPS officers occupy higher positions in the State Police Departments, Central Armed Police Forces and Intelligence Agencies. Their most important responsibilities are maintenance of Law and Order and internal security.
About Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
IFS officers serve as diplomats in international missions and embassies of India around the world and in prominent international organizations like United Nations (UN), World Bank, and IMF. They work to promote India’s interests from a bilateral and a global perspective.
The Study portal is a single point of online IAS preparation through its several initiatives like the Must Read News Articles, the 9 PM Brief, the Mains Marathon. If you are preparing for IAS exam online, ForumIAS is the place to go. ForumIAS is proud of ForumIAS Alumni in UPSC Service who have secured top Ranks in past 5 years.
Visit Us At
ForumIAS - Offline Guidance Centre
ForumIAS Academy, 1st Floor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Opposite Metro Pillar 95-96, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005,
View Google Map Location
Comments
P.S. A bishop in Pak immolated himself to protest against the blasphemy law. Now the govt is planning to put up a statue of him. Go figure.
Incredibly well written, thanks. His Case of Exploding Mangoes also features a Christian protagonist in Pakistan.
I am always confused between religious extrimism, fundamentalism and communalism. Are the three same or is there any fundamental difference between them.
@bharat141 Let me give this a shot.
Communalism is, perhaps, the most generic of these terms. It refers to an ideology which attaches significance to one's ethnicity and one's ethnicity only- this could be religion, and sometimes, even castes or groups within the same religion. In India, the word has come to mean this kind of segregation on religious lines. To simplify: A group belonging to X religion denying amenities and facilities to another group because they belong to Y religion is a manifestation of communalism.
Fundamentalism is a feature that could characterize all religions. It is basically the promotion of orthodox and conservative tenets of a religion-any religion- relying on, for example, the most ancient and "fundamental" texts of a religion. It can be Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Hindu (although this is a subject of some debate). Fundamentalists tend to argue for a religious point, often false and irrational- and are inflexible about any deviations by followers. It is possible that they have an ulterior agenda of their own. Most importantly, they almost always tend to be non-secular, i.e. not tolerant of other religions and faiths. Fundamentalists also appear to endorse violence, especially to those who belong to a group other than their own.
Extremism is an ideology which advocates very extreme or strictly polarised viewpoints. In an extremist's world, things are either black or white, and nothing is grey. Their methods and conclusions never follow the morals or standards of society. Extremism, like communalism, can also be between religions, or within religions, or for something entirely non-religious. To simplify: if you've watched V for Vendetta, the protagonist V is a classic extremist, although his cause is not religious. Religious extremism is when the cause is religion.
Thank you for such a lucid explanation
Based on your post this is what i understand and correct me if it is wrong
1. Communalism - you want every one except your group to be treated as 2nd grade citizens. The group could be formed on any basis.
2. Fundamentalism - You want all the people to believe in your ideals and dare not deviate from the age old texts that preach a particular religion.
3. Extrimism - Eradicate everyone who doesnt accept superiority of your group and treat who accept as 2nd grade citizens.
Am.i missing anything here.
apologies for wrong tag in previous post :-(
Yes, I think your understanding is more or less correct, though it might be advisable to not be fixed on a single narrow definition- all these terms are often used loosely and interchangeably, and they must always be understood within context.
Also, following from my previous post:
The root of communalism is the idea that all the members of a religious (or ethnic group) have similar economical, political and social interests- which are always in opposition to such interests of other groups- which in turn lead to non-secular tendencies.
Religious fundamentalism is often detrimental to the followers of that very religion. For instance, both Hindu and Islamic fundamentalists often advocate positions depriving their own women of the most basic rights.
Today's extremist religious doctrine (a perversion of the original lofty thought), is on the same side as fascism. As such, it really is the same entity.
There is one focus of unquestionable reverence and few objects of hatred. There are footsoldiers that have a chance at promotion and getting closer to the object of reverence or special benefits for their service benefiting the supremo. Add a dash of herd mentality and a pinch of acceptability of extremist behavior in the fraternity - and presto - a well indoctrinated fully disposable soldier of the lord. Use as you please.
And when the lord / eternal bliss is something that one can get after and "honourable death," you have people happily jumping to their deaths running after an illusion.
Somebody once said something about this topic - don't remember who:
Work for me tirelessly in your life / give me your life and I shall give you an eternity of bliss in heaven.
Humans are smart, but not idiot-proof.
Is the fascism you are talking about same as fascism in Italy during Mussolini regime??