To be raised in a very strict religious family and sent to Islamic (although only) elementary school is one of my big burdens in this life, I assume. The bigger burden is when I successfully (I suppose so) gave myself ‘enlightenment’ to get rid of the blind Islamic teachings and doctrines (you can read my post I entitled “My Spiritual Journey” in this link (in English) or in this link (in Bahasa), I still (have to) live surrounded by those people who are blindly indoctrinated. The most recent case of Al Qiyadah even showed that the majority of Muslim in Indonesia—not only those living around me—is still blindly indoctrinated.
When I involve myself in the lively discussion (especially about religion) with my cyber friends in one mailing list, I feel my burden get lighter. However when I keep in touch with people around me—with their judgmental eyes when looking at me—I always feel like thumped to a very hard rock! And since I lack masculine soul—I don’t like direct confrontation—I would rather be quiet.
Referring to Sobrino, one liberal theologian from Latin America, (cited by one member of JIL), three important aspects in enlightenment are: human agency, critical (and intellectual) thinking, and public reasoning. I somewhat doubt if people around me—and also Muslim people in Indonesia generally—will really be enlightened so that they will respect what other people believe if they keep thinking that religion is not dialectical. Their reasoning has been silenced and will always be dumb with the government (plus the media)’s strong support. When their reasoning is silenced, how can they think critically? That means their role as an agent does not function well either.
And I must say that I am really impatient to wait a miracle to come so that I will really live humanly and peacefully, without being judged unfairly.
PT56 23.50 021107
P.S. :
Read this link too :)
4 comments:
You're not the only one waiting for that miracle. It will likely take generations.
I have been moved by this entry.
Change usually only can be brought about by dissenters. It takes a lot of courage, brainpower and perseverance. Dissenters are heroes and heroines.
I'm sure you and a few other independent minds, can bring about the "miracle".
(I have to confess I feel a bit ashamed about my comment; is rather gratuitous, speaking from a comfortable position in NW-Europe. I hope you will forgive me.)
You can't wait for a miracle.
You can do something.
Starting from now.
For a great optimist like you, Rati, I agree with you, we are not to wait for miracles. But sometimes when I feel helpless (sigh heavily ...), I consider it as a miracle.
For Mr. Colson, thanks for the compliment for my blog in your blog. :) You know, I consider dissenters as heroes and heroines after I recognize myself as a part of them. What a shame! :(
Post a Comment