The 'Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi '(Tamil version of KBC) program yesterday featured Actor Kamalhaasan and today I see a harsh status on Facebook from a friend about his repeated expression of atheistic views in every stage claiming he mocks at God and religious views. This is not the first time I hear reactions about Kamalhaasan's atheistic views among my family and friends. And almost every time the reaction is more of an outburst, explosive anger expressed with so much hatred and rage. On a deeper note, it seems like the person wants to hide oneself under a protective shell of unarguable belief, which should not even be attempted to be questioned. In doing so, they end up targeting the private lives of the atheist and finding faults in their behavior, as if theists are void of these.
To sum up, Religion is just a view and a way of living. Everyone is entitled to their own views and no one has the rights to derogate other's beliefs. But the point am trying to make here is, theists are the ones who mostly take offense in whatever an atheist says. Every question about a belief is an insult! If you are a firm believer, why not brush off the so-called-offenders without an ugly show off of insecurity, intolerance and blame game. Live and let Live!
Not-so-brief P.S: To answer the question whether am an atheist or theist, am neither! Yes, am a confused soul. If complete refusal of existence of a super power and shunning our Vedas, Epics, Culture and the way of living practiced by our ancestors is atheism, am not an atheist. If blind surrender to religious views, visiting temples dutifully, saying Rama/Krishna/Jesus even at the drop of a pin, performing fasting, 'nerthi kadan/venduthal'(tamil word for offering something or performing a ritual in return for a fulfilled prayer) and the likes is theism, am not an theist.
And regarding the FB status on Kamalhaasan's views, I have followed Kamal's remarks and views in many stages and yes, he stresses atheism at every given opportunity but never have I felt that he insults or mocks. Infact, he quotes liberally from Epics and the like which only shows that he is well-read and has taken his stand after understanding what Hinduism and other Religions propagate.
