The Test of God

Should religious preachers abandon the concept of ‘Test of God’ in preaching to struggling communitites?

Given the abstract nature of the debate, there is no yes n answer to the question, there are multitude layers of religion, philosophy and beleif that come into play.

The obvious seems that such concepts make people complacent, creating a falsed sense of illusion as a result of which they start gaslighting themselves. Not only that, it reduces the much needed altruism and limits help to othe rpeople by promoting the narrative that struggling must struggle. Insead of priotitsing the truth and reducing structural discrimination and putting the onus on the oppressor, it is a convenient way to shift the onus to the already suffering - who no wthink they deserve their traumatic life. Many believe it is a false way of manipulating karma and fooling people.

However a few set believe that instead of internalising damage, such narratives creates a sense of hope - hope to strive towards starting and fulfilling duties and the hope to come out of the situation. More importantly it promotes a benevolent society by motivating the oppressed to stay moral, not commit heinous crimes and promote good values within the community leading to the greater good. It creates a sense of satisfaction and acceptance for many who deal with situations they have no control over, situations they cant change and leads to collectivatisation and mobilisation through the promotion of religion as a sense of belonging and a divine obligation.

Were you a religious leader, would you do the same?