Two views of secularism

[aneeshm]

This was an interesting point which I've been thinking about for some time.

In India, there are two traditional ways of looking as the concept of secularism as applicable to the state.

The first one is called धर्म निरपेक्षता - which means tradition secularism, where the state does not interfere in religion, treats all religion equally, and does not allow religion to interfere with its functioning.

The second is called सर्व धर्म समभाव - which means embracing all religions, and actively participating in them and acting in their best interests (as seen by the state).

Which is the better one? Which the more sustainable? Which more practical? Which fairer?

[Ari Rahikkala]

/me looks at the thread title

Indeed, my friend.

[Dinner]

If the government is actively involved with religion then it is by definition not secular.

[DRoseDARs]

The old title was better, very "Wtf Pekka?"-esque.

[Heresson]

Secularism supporting RCC would be the best I guess.

Nah.
Active supporting all religions? It's impossible. They'd start fighting who is supported more and stuff.
Also, if I created a church of my own, would the state have to build a giant cathedral for me and my 2 followers? Why not?
It wouldn't work.

But I think it is silly to ignore reality and separate state and religion completely. What is being done in France is suicidial and absurd.
Major traditional religions of a country should be respected. Not by favourable legislation, but if some great bishop or reknown muslim scholar dies - it wouldn't hurt to lower a flag for a moment. If there's Christmas it wouldn't hurt to send wishes etc, if the state would build a new capital, a place for temples of major religions should be granted etc.

[Arrian]

From my point of view, the first one. Clearly. The second one doesn't sound feasible.

-Arrian

[Provost Harrison]

Those squiggles look the same to me

[Heresson]

I like hindu script. It looks so noble, perhaps due to that the upper line is almost never broken.

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत ।अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्

cool, because of the line
Teh line woule be less cool if it was never broken, or if there wouldn't be some tiny bit sticking up to it.
It looks a bit like laundry on a line.

॥४-७॥

no line - sucks

[DaShi]

I think it looks better with no line. The line looks unnecessary because it's overused. You could write a just as understandable (and more legible) sentence without it. Plus, it allows us too better appreciate each little squiggle, which are usually lost in the line.

[VetLegion]

I agree it looks cool. Is that A Hindu script or THE Hindu script?

[Heresson]

without the line, it'd be all pointless hats and dragons, just like chinese script! It's Teh Line that holds it all together. Hindu script without a line would be like Cartman without Clyde Frog, or like muslim-loving aneeshm

[Imran Siddiqui]

Active supporting all religions? It's impossible. They'd start fighting who is supported more and stuff.
Also, if I created a church of my own, would the state have to build a giant cathedral for me and my 2 followers? Why not?
It wouldn't work.

Truth.

But I'm probably far more seperationist than Heresson. I disagree with France's social experimentation, but I do think the government shouldn't get involved in religion. Allow religion to do as it will without barrier (well, unless it violates other laws... ie, human sacrifice won't fly) and without support.

[DaShi]

Originally posted by Heresson
without the line, it'd be all pointless hats and dragons, just like chinese script! It's Teh Line that holds it all together. Hindu script without a line would be like Cartman without Clyde Frog, or like muslim-loving aneeshm

The line is the chain holding them together. It's a symbol of oppression and conformity. Free the scribbles!

[Dinner]

Originally posted by VetLegion
I agree it looks cool. Is that A Hindu script or THE Hindu script?

Neither. It is TEH Hindu script.

[Heresson]

The scribbles would be NOTHING without Teh Line. The line is for them like a tree to the leafs, like mother to quintuplets in her tummy, it gives them nutrients and oxygen. Without it, they'd fall down, dry off and be carried away by the wind...