Why is institutionalised religion becoming an ultimate evil?

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Institutionalised Religion Becomes an Ultimate Evil When Politicised

Institutionalised religion transforms into an ultimate evil when it is co-opted by political agendas, leading to conflict, oppression, and the suppression of dissent. This fusion of faith and statecraft perverts the core aims of religion, which are generally to foster spiritual well-being and cultivate virtues such as kindness and honesty. Instead, politicised religion becomes a tool to justify governmental actions and silence opposition, thereby fostering intolerance and hostility within society.
Historical and Philosophical Precedents for Religious Politicisation

Historically and philosophically, the merging of religious authority with governmental power has often paved the way for oppression. The concept of a theocracy, where divine will is interpreted by earthly rulers, inherently risks concentrating power and stifling individual conscience. When religious doctrines are codified into law and enforced by the state, any deviation from these norms can be framed not merely as a political disagreement but as a spiritual transgression, justifying severe penalties. This dynamic has been observed across various civilisations, where religious establishments have been used to legitimise authoritarian rule and persecute those deemed heretical or disloyal.
Religion as a Pretext for Conflict and Oppression

The institutionalisation and politicisation of religion provide a potent pretext for conflict and oppression. By framing political objectives in divine terms, leaders can mobilise followers with an unparalleled fervour, often demonising adversaries as enemies of faith itself. This was evident historically, for instance, during the Umayyad caliphate, where the ideology of Jabriyyah was employed to justify the persecution and execution of the Qadaris, who opposed the ruling tyranny. In such scenarios, religious institutions become instruments to enforce a singular worldview, marginalising or eliminating those who hold differing beliefs or political stances.
Contemporary Examples of Politicised Religion

Contemporary examples illustrate how institutionalised religion continues to be weaponised for political ends. In Malaysia, instances such as JAKIM sermons asserting that defying the government leads to divine damnation, or a Mufti labelling a political party kafir harbi for opposing hudud laws, highlight the use of religious pronouncements to silence political opposition. These actions demonstrate a pattern where religious authority is invoked to enforce compliance with government policies, thereby stifling public discourse and precluding the possibility of challenging established power structures without being perceived as attacking the religion itself.

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Why is institutionalised religion becoming an ultimate evil?

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