Features
“The medium and the message” of religion?
“Most of our assumptions have outlived their uselessness.”
Marshall McLuhan
by Susantha Hewa
Year in and year out we are rejuvenated by a chain of cultural and religious events among which are Deepavali, Ramadan, Vesak, Poson, Maha Shivaratri, Thai Pongal, Easter, Good Friday, and Christmas. Generally, we are interested in celebrating these events but much less so in thinking of religion outside the prescription.
As we grow up, we begin to talk about politics, the economy, diseases, corruption, social issues, health issues, education, crimes, environment, climate, pollution, accidents, drinking, gambling and many other issues that affect our daily lives. And we talk about them without inhibitions or set boundaries, according to our lights, and being informed about the changing views and perspectives. Surely, you aren’t always correct in your views about any of them, but you constantly change and refine them as you become open to different or opposing views. The result is that you become more informed and more flexible. It helps build more fluidity of ideas and thus more democracy. However, we tread more cautiously when we come to terrains like customs, beliefs, traditions, cultural practices, age-old myths, superstitions and religion. Surely, they are part and parcel of daily existence just like the others, but they are shielded by convention. As a result, we generally shun them as taboos. So, the passing years make little difference in our views of them and depending on how insulated or open-minded you are about any of them, you change the distance between you and your ancestors in the relevant area. The more we shy away from them, the closer we get to primitivity. However, there is one silver lining. Whereas you are naturally ill at ease about not being sufficiently updated about the current perspectives of most other issues, you don’t have to be embarrassed about holding your great-grandfather’s views about the ‘protected’ subjects like conventions, customs, cultural practices, religion, etc.
Coming back to the festivities mentioned in the first paragraph for a moment. The celebration of those events contributes to keeping alive what may be called the “spirit of religion” and passing it over to the next generation. As individuals, as well as societies, we take part in many of these events and each time we celebrate them, we get into a religious mood of sorts, which may be different in intensity and character from person to person. And, as a result, we also become more and more benign, humane, compassionate, sensitive, broadminded, intelligent, peace-loving, empathetic, etc. Or do we? Isn’t our engagement in these religious events supposed to make us more and more refined and civilized? Is it unreasonable to expect our commitment to each of these religious experiences to make us a bit better in our sensibilities? Or are they events that stir our ‘religious’ feelings for the moment and leave us no better than we were? Of course, they make us more ardent followers of these rituals year after year, but whether they sensitize us to be more united as humans on a broader canvas is debatable, if the present level of lack of sympathy among people is any indication.
This year, too, while we are routinely energized by the religious events on the calendar, we are getting our regular dose of war news coming from different parts of the world. Some of them make the headlines, others do not. The devastation in Gaza is continuously sending shock waves across the world every now and then. The pace and magnitude of the destruction in Gaza is said to be unparalleled in recent history. As Amnesty International has announced, “Month after month, Israel has treated Palestinians in Gaza as a subhuman group unworthy of human rights and dignity, demonstrating its intent to physically destroy them.” Equally chilling are the mass killings happening in other places although they may not get enough media cover. However, unless you are sufficiently naïve, you are not likely to wonder why all those recurring events that raises our religiosity haven’t done much to end largescale violence and bring about a saner world. You can ask that question only at the risk of being treated as weird. Surely, many would tell you that ‘religion’, as we have known for donkey’s years, hasn’t ever been able to stop any of the wars that have decimated millions of people at different times in different places and that wars have never shunned religion.
As history may give evidence, it is asking a lot to count on religion to solve our most critical problems like wars, famines, plagues, etc., that have taken their toll on millions of people. Not only in antiquity, even now we resort to religious rituals to get rid of serious problems. For example, during the COVID–19 pandemic, we turned to various religious rituals in addition to superstitious practices in the hope of lessening its virulence, but in vain. On the contrary, the congregation of devotees helped the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, religion has been a direct cause of violence and bloodletting at different times throughout history. As such, you can’t blame those people who are not happy about the antiquated tryst between war and religion, if they yearn for the emergence of a new religion – a philosophy, doctrine, vision, dharma, ethics, call it what you may – which can find ways of effectively influencing the warmongers who don’t seem to recognize how their traditional religions can ever be relevant to our experiential, earthly life.
For many, our earthly life is of no significance without that ‘afterlife’; it’s a mere interim period to prepare for eternal happiness on the other side. Of course, there are differences among the ways in which religions describe afterlife, but they have without exception, have made us conscious of an afterlife, investing it with greater meaning and significance than this life. Very often, the obsession with that afterlife tends to belittle, if not overlook, the horrors of violence in ‘this’ life. Sam Harris says, “One of the problems with religion is that it creates in-group loyalty and out-group hostility, even when members of one’s own group are behaving like psychopaths”. This is enough reason to be disturbed and curious about why religions have failed to sensitize people towards miseries of our own making.
However, it is useless to blame religion for failing to stop wars or major violence. Let’s take a step back to ask the obvious question. If it’s not religion that causes estrangement and bias, then what? Can this be understood with reference to a secular theory? Have we made religions to be what they have been, and what they will be, by using a model of communication of our own making, which doesn’t seem to have any inseparable or necessary connection to religion? In other words, would it be better for us to continue to transmit religion to succeeding generations in the same way we have been doing for ages through inheritance?
Well, all may agree that the content or the ‘message’ of every religion subscribes to a meaningful life. However, after all these centuries of religious instruction we are no better than our ancestors when it comes to the all-important problem of conflict resolution. There’s the rub. If all religions are wise in their content what on earth could have rendered them ineffective in making us a bit more sober?
The philosopher and media theorist, Marshall McLuhan, hopefully, may throw at least a little light on the intractable problem of why religion is not what it is intended to be, that is, to serve as a promoter of peace and goodwill. According to Prof. McLuhan, “The medium is the message” in all forms of communication. He emphasized that the message is so much a part of the medium through which it is communicated and perceived by us, that our primary focus in understanding communication should be the medium, because the message is embedded in the medium. Taking the light bulb as an example, he showed that it was a medium without ‘content’, but it changed everything around it, including our perceptions, the numerous ways in which we organize our work, etc. Some may say that it is not very prudent to borrow from McLuhan to understand religion-related communication. But we cannot think of the passing of religion to progeny without a medium through which it comes to us no matter how much aura it has gathered around it. That is, we cannot consider religion as an abstraction naturally descending on us with no human intervention.
What is the medium through which religion has customarily been communicated for centuries? It comes to us as a cultural experience together with all other traditions. It is given to us by parents and the relevant institutions of the community. As far as the receivers are concerned, it is much more of an overarching and multifaceted experience than it is ‘learning’ per se? It is an inescapable experience we begin to get from our early childhood in which knowledge resulting from conscious learning is virtually absent and unworkable. As children, we all have “experienced” religion in a variety of customary ways with no adequate cognitive resources to understand it. The means of religious communication, from what we know quite well, is repeated exposure. It defines what we understand as religion.
The same content or ‘message’ transmitted through two different processes or ‘mediums’ wouldn’t be the same message. To put it in a better way, we cannot conceptualize message independent of the means of its communication. In other words, religion, when it is embedded in a communication model, we may call its medium, cannot escape being determined by the medium used.
If a religion, or religions, were to come to us along with other subjects in the school curriculum bypassing that no-escape childhood experience, then it wouldn’t be the same ‘religion’ as we have come to know it for millennia, which has unwittingly created alienation amongst us. Thus, if we want religion to be more effective in addressing burning problems, perhaps we have to turn to another medium of communication.
At present big power tensions are working out mainly at the level of rhetoric but if the international community fails to reduce these antagonisms substantially, going forward, there is every possibility of rhetoric giving way to ground-level military confrontations. Of course, it will be in no-one’s interest if the latter development occurs.
There is a tendency on the part of publics and polities to view the international community and the UN system as synonymous but this is a somewhat limited perspective. Among more reflective sections, the phrase, ‘international community’, while meaning mainly the UN system, also refers to all those parties that have a stake in the world’s wellbeing and are actively promoting it, such as peace campaigners and people-centred organizations. Accordingly, international peace-building in the substantive sense refers to a globe-wide collective effort.
However, world peace-building devolves on mainly the UN and one of the most discouraging features of our times is the seeming impotence of the UN in the face of increasing big power tensions. Accordingly, rendering the UN effective and result-oriented becomes a task for all sections that value peace. Reforming and broad-basing the UN is integral to the latter process and should receive equal weightage.
Unfortunately, among those actors that are tending to disregard the UN and its authority are quite a few of the world’s foremost powers and their supporters. But ‘the hour is late’, and unless all sections of the world community give the UN the position and esteem due to it, it would be only a matter of time before the current threatening rhetoric mouthed by some major states translates into actual military confrontations. Thus, increasing the effectiveness of the UN becomes a foremost challenge of our times.
Given the seeming helplessness of the UN and increasing global cleavages along military, political and economic lines, it could be said that the current international political situation has many things in common with the international power rivalries at the beginning of the 20th century which degenerated into World War 1. Then as well as now, dangerous and emotional rhetoric among the foremost powers was rampant before a ‘tragedy of miscalculations’ by the rival power blocs gave way to a devastating war.
The contemporary world could very well be nearing such a World War 1-type flashpoint unless rationality prevails among the major powers and value-based politics are made to replace realpolitik. The big powers could begin by curbing their threatening rhetoric.
Right now, the Ukraine remains one of the most dangerous war zones and could do with stepped-down inter-power rhetoric. Russia, for example, has warned the US and NATO of a ‘decisive response’, including ‘military-technical counter-measures’, if the latter players continue to ‘make new missile threats’ against Russia.
The Ukraine situation calls for renewed peace efforts and the US could lead from the front, if it is serious about a political solution, in initiating a dialogue among all the relevant sections to de-escalate the wasting conflict in the East European country, whose sovereignty needs to be respected by Russia.
But misconceptions are abounding among the relevant external powers. Powerful sections in Russia are seeing the continuous arming of the Ukraine with lethal, sophisticated weaponry by the West, as in some way posing a threat to it and its perceived spheres of influence. It will be in the interests of Russia and the West to iron out their differences on this score at the negotiating table. Apparently, the term ‘sovereignty’ itself needs to be discussed by the sides and a common understanding on it arrived at. There is, apparently, a need to get back to basics.
However, as matters stand, it ought to be plain to see that a country’s territorial integrity could in no way be violated by another, for whatever reason. Meanwhile, the US and NATO would do well to take cognizance of the grave dangers growing out of the present international situation and seriously explore the possibility of cutting down on the supply of exceptionally lethal weaponry to the Ukraine. This could lead to a more constructive dialogue between the US and Russia on the Ukraine question.
It needs to be factored in that the patience of Russia’s rulers could shrink and that such a mindset could lead to the perpetration of blunders that could bring about a full-scale regional war. Hopefully, ‘Jaw, Jaw, Jaw’ would indeed be seen as preferable to ‘War, War, War’.
The next theatre of war that needs urgent defusing is the Middle East. Here’s one war zone that reflects most glaringly the world’s current power cleavages that could take the Middle East close to a full-blown regional war. Once again, states’ rhetoric is not making the peace maker’s task any easier.
Recently, for instance, China and Iran said, among other things, that the ‘Middle East is not a battleground for the big powers’. There is no denying this but the observation applies with equal importance to the rest of the world’s war and conflict zones as well.
Ideally, the major powers of the East and West need to disentangle themselves from these theatres of wasting conflict. The US, for example, cannot afford to forget this truth considering that its most recent military interventions in the South have proved disastrous and counter-productive for it.
Besides, the US needs to bring increasing pressure on Israel to step-back from the path of war and bloodshed and enter into a dialogue with the Palestinian side. As a first step, the US could reduce the fire-power of Israel, which is playing a major role in perpetuating the Middle East conflict.
Replacing the dangerous rhetoric of war by more conciliatory pronouncements by both major parties to the Middle East blood-letting, could have the effect of paving the way for a peace-oriented opinion climate in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, major powers of the South, such as China, could give peace a chance in the Middle East by impressing upon Iran and other major regional actors, the importance of getting on to a more reconciliatory policy path.
Right now, while it is true that Israel is showing every sign of persisting in its war effort, disregarding reason in the process, pro-war and divisive pronouncements by its adversaries are in no way proving helpful either. It ought to be plain to see by all concerned that increasingly the language of peace and reconciliation needs to replace the rhetoric of war and butchery.
Sri Lankans, in Australia, had plenty to look forward to during the festive season, with entertainment taking the top spot.
They not only enjoyed the music, provided by the Sri Lankans, now living in that part of the world, but were also given the opportunity to checkout artistes, especially flown in from Colombo, for the festive season.
Reports indicate that music lovers in Melbourne were treated to an unforgettable evening of soulful tunes and lively performances on Sunday, 15th December, as Damian Wickremathilleke rocked the stage at Epicurex in Mulgrave. Backed by the dynamic band Replay 6, Damian captivated an enthusiastic audience of over 100 friends, family, and fans.
They say the event, organised by Esric Jackson, in collaboration with the renowned Epicurex restaurant, was a perfect fusion of music, camaraderie, and fine dining where guests savoured a superb dinner while enjoying a stellar live music experience, turning the evening into a celebration of culture, flavour, and artistry.
According to Esric Jackson, still a big name in the Melbourne music scene, it was a privilege to see Damian Wickremathilleke performing at his best.
Don Sherman and daughter Emma
Said Esric: “Paired with the incredible atmosphere and gourmet offerings at Epicurex, the evening truly highlighted the vibrant entertainment scene Melbourne has to offer.”
The energetic crowd couldn’t resist hitting the dance floor, brought to life by Damian’s engaging stage presence, and the electrifying beats of Replay 6.
With a repertoire ranging from timeless classics to contemporary favourites, the performance left everyone asking for more.
Replay 6 is now playing every 2nd Saturday of the month at The Workers Club Dandenong. And their next gig is scheduled for 11th January.
There was also plenty of action on New Year’s Eve with the Singing Chef Don Sherman and his extremely daughter Emma teaming up to usher in 2025 at the Lobby Bar, Novotel Melbourne, in Glen Waverley.
Cherrie Chamari, another popular personality in the Melbourne scene, did her 31st night gig, with her band, Cherry & The Bees, at the Epicurex in Mulgrave.
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- Damian Wickremathilleke: Rocked the stage at Epicurex in Mulgrave
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- Esric Jackson: Very active in the Melbourne scene
The Voluntary Outreach Club’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, at The Grand On Princess, Mulgrave, was a sold out event.
The dance featured Replay 6 and Ebony, with guest artistes from Sri Lanka – Clifford Richards and Radika.
Derrick J was a part of the scene at the Melbourne Rangers ‘sold out’ 31st night bash held at the Cathies Lane Receptions.
And, in the New Year, there’s more to come…from Sri Lanka.
On 22nd February, 2025, The Grand On Princes Mulgrave will feature the group Wildfire (Shafi, Coba, Derick and CJ), along with Replay 6, and they are calling it ‘Valentine’s Night’.
Hector Dias and D Major are scheduled to do four venues during their Aussie Tour 2025: Brisbane – 22nd February; Melbourne – 28th February; Sydney – 8th March; Perth – 15th March.
Hi! Wish you all a Super-Duper New Year, with lots of Love, Happiness, and Excitement. And…may your dreams of having a wonderful complexion, and everything connected with beauty, come true in 2025.
OK, let’s blast off with some simple tips for your skin….
* Potato Juice and Honey for Skin Lightening:
This is one of the easiest potato face-packs to prep. Honey moisturises the skin, and potato lightens.
Mix 03 tablespoons of potato juice with 02 tablespoons of honey, and apply the mixture all over your face and neck.
Wait for 10 minutes for the pack to dry before rinsing it off.
(Repeat this daily for results)
* Potato Juice and Milk for Uneven Skin:
This potato face mask evens out your skin tone and reinstates the softness of your skin.
Mix the juice from 01 potato with 02 teaspoons of milk and a few drops of glycerin.
Apply the mixture all over your face, and let it sit for a while before rinsing it off.
(Repeat this twice or thrice a week)
* Potato Juice and Olive Oil for Dryness:
It’s clear that the benefits of potato juice on the face are innumerable. If your skin is dry and scarred, this face-mask is the answer to your woes.
Mix the juice from 01 medium-sized potato with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Massage the solution into your face for 02 to 03 minutes before letting it sit on the skin for another 20 minutes and then rinse it off
(Repeat this twice a week)
* Potato and Tomato Juice for Acne:
Mix 01 tablespoon of potato juice with 01 tablespoon of tomato juice, and then add two tablespoons of honey at the end.
Stir it all together to make a paste, and apply it to the face — focusing on the acne-ridden areas more. Keep it on for 10 minutes.
* Potato Juice and Glycerin and Milk for Wrinkles:
This one’s great at scavenging for wrinkles. Glycerin moisturises while potato and milk exfoliate and tighten.
Grate 01 potato, and mix it with a few drops of glycerin and a tablespoon of milk.
Mix well and apply it on your face, and let it sit undisturbed for 15 minutes.
(Repeat this once or twice a week)
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