Is Religion Causing Problems?

Question to Radhanath Swami : Swamiji, my question is not directly related to religion. But some of the biggest challenges facing the world today are the problems caused by religions. What is the solution for this?

Radhanath Swami: I do not see it as a problem of religion. I see it as the problem caused by irreligion in the guise of religion. We have to find what religion actually is. Real religion does not mean a Hindu, a Muslim, a Jew, a Christian, Zoroastrian, Jain, or Buddhist. These can be very much social, ethnic, or egoistic identities. Real religion is that process which awakens one’s love for God. Where there is the awakening of love for God, there are the qualities of tolerance, peace, compassion, mercy, self control, and forgiveness; these are the universal qualities of anyone who loves God. Where we find sectarianism, envy or cruelty that is not religion.

If any of these people who fight really understood what is really in their scriptures, they wouldn’t behave with another person based on external beliefs. When a man comes home, sometimes he is dressed in a three piece suit; sometimes he comes in a swimming suit; sometimes he comes in his pajamas. Now, his dog will recognize his master in whatever dress he wears. Isn’t that true? So if our master is God, whether He appears as Krishna, Allah, Rama, or Christ, we will recognize Him in all these different appearances.