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Religion and Politics

1Malaysia 1God?

Does anyone have a copyright on God’s name? Does the Divine One liked to be called or know by a specific name that is only available for use by followers of a particular religion?

In the ongoing debate in Malaysia surrounding how we should address God or the name of God, I believe that it will be expedient for all parties and bystanders to take a step back to reflect on two things that may help all of us move forward towards a more godly solution.

First, can the creature (man) fix a name for the creator (God)?

Can the creature name the Creator of heaven and earth and say that that is the one and only name that He can be referred to by all his children?

The sheer arrogance of this action of attempting to copyright the name of God, confining Him into a box and then marketing him to a specific audience is idolatry and blasphemy.

We are sure that both sides can agree that there is only One God, the Creator of heaven and earth.

Second, those who love God keep His commandments.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord’ but do not do what I say?”

Rather that arguing how we call the Almighty, I would suggest that all this energy and effort be better spent on “doing” what He says.

Would not God (by whatever name you choose to call Him) be more pleased with his sons and daughters if they reach out to take care of the needy and do the things that He wants?

If we look at what is happening around us, would it not be better for us to focus on eradicating the injustice against his children that is being perpetuated here on earth?

Unfortunately our religion is sometimes only skin deep and confined to meaningless rituals preformed in the confines of the four walls of our religious institutions.

If we really practice what we preach then we must look at how we can all work together (regardless of religion, race, etc.) to tackle the challenges that confront us as a nation – crime, corruption, abuse of power, racism, hate, greed, etc.

I would assume that we all can agree that it is critical for the “religious” to put into to practice what they hear from God’s Word so that they build a firm foundation in the here and now, and in the hereafter.

Are we really so blind and full of ourselves that we have come to believe that God actually needs us to copyright a word to uphold His name on earth?

Let us take time to reconsider our positions that we are so filled with religious fervour in defending to the point of violence and reach out to our brothers and sisters from different faiths, to love and accept them as our Father would.

Mark Devan's avatar

By Mark Devan

I am a father, writer and cyclist on a journey of self-discovery. I love learning new things and I am fascinated with ideas that empower us with choice and allow us to determine our future in spite of circumstances.

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