Religion can do good things as well

To divide is religion. Religion either makes a person terrorist or a coward. From Rome to Asom, religion has played several dirty tricks. But, the same religion can be a partner in solving serious global problems including terrorism and environment degradation. 

Churches, temples, mosques can easily eradicate poverty if they open their chest. But, they don't. Even the government won't let them do this. To some sceptics, it would take them back to proverbial dark age when churches, temples ruled. Mosques still do in some parts of the world.

But, a brave step has been taken by the Good Shepherd Church of India. It has now joined the Haritha Haram campaign which aims at making Telangana green. Telangana has a good tribal population. So, some conversionists may be looking at it as a good avenue to expand their faith. But, there are agencies to see that they don't lure or force tribal or poor people.

Dr. Joseph D’ Souza, Moderator Bishop of the Good Shepherd Church pledged to promote plantation of trees in Telangana as the state finance minister Etela Rajender Garu launched the Haritha Haram campaign. The minister, the bishop and others planted saplings to mark the occasion. 

Dr. Joseph D’ Souza, Moderator Bishop plants sapling in Hyderabad on Friday

But, the focus should be on the church people as D'Souza said, "This is in line with what the Bible teaches. We have to take care of God's creation." If the scriptures teaches environmental care why the Church have neglected it till now? The followers of the Church have done the biggest damage to the environment.

Pundits have been claiming that the plants are worshipped in Hinduism. But, they never cared for launching a movement to protect one of the gods. They have been busy in finding another house for just one of the gods, who is now more a symbol of politics than worship. 

The Quran proclaims that God is the creator of the world. "The Earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his stewards over it." But, Maulvis seldom take note of it. They are quite busy with women's clothing, laws of property, right to choice of food, right to block the road for offering prayer et al.

So, if some priest is taking interest in expanding green cover, it is a welcome step. Green is not a colour of religion. The proponents of green have chosen black.