Look At The Paradox !

Religious believers are often exempted from laws that infringe the code of belief of their religion. By contrast, non-believers claim of exemption on non-religious grounds have a propensity to receive less consideration.

Here is an example. The other day I visited Andhra Bank. There was a notice that except for Sikhs, non are allowed to bring in any weapons including knives no longer that six inches long.

While Sikhs are allowed to carry ceremonial dagger authorized or consented by their religion, a secular citizen who may claim that wearing a dagger was an integral part of his lifestyle would almost certainly not receive the same consideration.

A devout Sikh has an obligation to wear a kirpan. It is too serious and important a thing for establishing and acknowledging the integrity and identity of this religious believer. He cannot relinquish it even though others would see the kirpan as a weapon and a danger to Bank safety.

Now suppose here comes a non Sikh, carrying a family knife which may go back to many generations and which he always carries with him as a symbol. Will he be allowed to carry the knife inside the bank’s premises?

Why is this disparity in treatment a paradox?

Maybe false beliefs are necessary conditions for the sustenance of life?

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