Questioning Right and Wrong: The Struggle for Truth and Freedom
My question may seem foolish to some, but I have encountered many—including myself—who struggle to differentiate between right and wrong. Our societies have evolved through immense struggles, shaped by diverse religions, beliefs, and philosophies. What is forbidden in one culture may be completely acceptable in another.
Morality and ethics vary across the globe. In earlier times, these differences were less apparent because communities remained isolated from one another, only crossing paths during conflicts and wars. However, the world has changed—technology has brought us closer, allowing us to engage with and learn from different cultures. Today, religious texts and teachings are no longer confined to specific faiths. Allah is not exclusive to Muslims, nor is Jesus solely for Christians. Anyone can explore Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, or Christianity, and gain insight into their principles.
Despite this accessibility, an unfortunate reality persists—most people remain unwilling to reassess their inherited beliefs. They continue to cling to traditional notions of right and wrong without critically examining them. In many cases, this is not entirely their fault. From birth, individuals are shaped by the environment they grow up in, making it incredibly difficult to change ingrained beliefs.
This resistance to questioning established ideologies has dangerous consequences. Throughout history, people from various religions have justified violence in the name of faith, believing their actions to be righteous. But how can doctrines developed centuries ago dictate absolute moral standards in today’s world? Should we not have the freedom to question these teachings, to scrutinize them with logic and reason?
Instead of blindly defending traditions, we should ask ourselves: Are our religions so fragile that they require constant justification? The truth is, no religion is inherently flawed—each carries profound wisdom. However, as society evolves, so must our understanding of faith and morality. Adjustments and reinterpretations are necessary to align religious teachings with contemporary realities.
It is time to grant individuals the freedom to choose their faith, their beliefs, and ultimately, their way of life. True freedom allows people to explore, analyze, and determine what is truly right or wrong. Without this freedom, we remain trapped in an inherited cycle of unquestioned truths, unable to discern the path to enlightenment and progress.
