Respect The Scholar, Value Debate

In a thinking world, the path to progress lies beyond the mere assertion of constitutional rights.

Some months ago, an American television network interviewed Reza Aslan, a scholar of world religions and the author of Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. During the interview, the news presenter repeatedly questioned Aslan on why, as a Muslim, he chose to write about Jesus. Her questioning veered into irrelevant territory and continued almost until the end of the interview.

Throughout the exchange, Aslan remained gracious while firmly holding his ground. He clarified that he was speaking as an academic expert, nothing more and nothing less, and that his personal choice to follow Islam (having previously been a Christian) had no bearing on his professional scholarship.

I have not read the book and therefore have no opinion on its contents.

What interests me, however, is how the mere subject of Jesus and the title Zealot can spark such heated reactions. Unfortunately, some reviews attack the author rather than critically examine the book itself or analyse its arguments.

Ironically, the same media that finds it necessary to highlight and criticise the Church’s treatment of homosexuals (using the terms “media” and “church” broadly) or condemn the burning of the Quran by a pastor, also felt compelled to uncover a supposed hidden agenda behind a Muslim author writing about Jesus. Is this an example of double standards in what claims to be objective journalism? Or are we, believers and non-believers alike, somehow contributing to such narratives?

The Value of Independent Thought

We encourage scholarship and debate in schools because children learn better through independent and analytical thinking. As adults, too, we desire the freedom to form our own opinions about issues and events.

Scholarly work is typically the result of extensive research, careful analysis, and sustained reflection. While Aslan’s book may open certain ideas to debate, such dialogue ultimately leads to healthier, thinking societies. Safe and progressive societies are shaped by learning and scholarship within democratic and non-discriminatory environments.

Across the world, many blame religion for the problems facing humanity. Yet, upon reflection, most of us would agree that dialogue, rather than division, is what makes ideals such as peace and brotherhood possible, despite ideological differences.

Evidence, Inquiry, and the Courage to Question

Richard Dawkins, the well-known atheist and evolutionary biologist, is widely recognised for his critique of religion. However, Dawkins is also a father. In a letter written to his ten-year-old daughter several years ago, he shared the following:

To my dearest daughter,

Now that you are ten, I want to write to you about something that is important to me. Have you ever wondered how we know the things that we know? How do we know, for instance, that the stars, which look like tiny pinpricks in the sky, are really huge balls of fire like the Sun and very far away? And how do we know that the Earth is a smaller ball whirling round one of those stars, the Sun?

The answer to these questions is ‘evidence’.

Dawkins goes on to explain the importance of observation and prediction, detailing the roles of astronauts, detectives, doctors, and scientists. He also cautions his daughter against three commonly cited reasons for belief: tradition, authority, and revelation.

Would you or I blindly accept everything we are told? Or would we verify what we hear, consulting experience and evidence, before making important decisions? When our health or lives are at risk, we are careful. We question, we research, and we choose wisely.

Dawkins raises a valid point. Reading the letter in its entirety with an open mind is worthwhile. What stands out most is a father’s concern that his daughter learns to think before she believes. The letter closes with the words, “Your loving Daddy.”

Toward a Thinking, Respectful Society

Many of us grew up in cultures and eras where questioning was discouraged. Yet we are not meant to function as mindless robots. A meaningful understanding of who we are, what our purpose is, and why we do what we do can only come through thought, introspection, questioning, dialogue, and respect for differing viewpoints.

For societies to progress, individuals must be respected and professional work given a fair hearing. Vision that emerges from thoughtful inquiry and growing awareness is what enables people, and communities, to thrive. The greater our respect for diverse perspectives and sincere scholarship, the greater the possibility for advancement, rather than conflict and division.

Religion itself is not the problem. More often than not, we are.

About the Author

Jessu John is an independent journalist with a Master’s degree in Journalism from the UK. She writes for The Hindu and Business Line. Fiction remains her first love, and she is currently finalising her first collection of poetry.

The views expressed in this article are her personal ones.