Kumudini Valambia’s letter regarding status of Christianity in U.K. is similar to Hinduism being treated in India. In both cases majority practice the named faiths yet these are sidelined to care for minority faiths.
Prayer is a personal practice carrying ethos/ discipline preached by specific faith. Exhibition of such behavior is an anathema/ anachronism in multi religious society. Suggestion to place adverts reciting “Lord’s Prayer” is an “ideal” from view point of religious people and highest authority. But there is wide gap between “ideal” and “pragmatism”. Cinema goers are not all Christians but an assortment of various faiths. Next, atmosphere at any cinema is not always conducive to spiritual ethos of any prayer. The mood of piety created by prayer may clash with contents of the film being shown. Prayer may tend to dampen mood of enjoyment for which the audience have bought the ticket.
Prayer associated with any faith will always be antagonized by parallel or diametrically opposing faiths, and by liberals who anticipate sheer inane hedonism. If at all prayer according to any one faith is felt essential, it may be suggested to be as per devotee’s faith, be voluntary and with open mind.
Ramesh Jhalla
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