The Dangers of Religious Authority: A Historical Perspective and a Personal Journey

Throughout history, religious authority has been one of the most powerful forces used to control societies. Unlike political or ideological power, religious authority claims legitimacy from God, making it nearly impossible to challenge. From ancient civilizations to modern times, leaders have used religious authority to justify violence, oppression, and control over people, all in the name of a belief system.

Early Forms of Religious Authority

In ancient civilizations like Egypt, rulers such as the pharaohs were considered gods on earth. This divine status made their rule unquestionable. Similarly, in Mesopotamia and other early empires, kings were seen as chosen by the gods, and their authority was considered sacred. This blending of religious and political power laid the groundwork for future religious authority, where leaders could use religion to strengthen their control over people.

The Crusades and the Catholic Church 

One of the most infamous uses of religious authority was during the Crusades. The Pope, viewed as God’s representative on earth, called for holy wars, leading to the deaths of millions. The Crusades were justified by the Pope’s religious authority, turning what could have been a political conflict into a divine mission. This was one of the earliest examples of how religious authority could mobilize entire populations for violent purposes, all under the guise of a belief system.

The Catholic Church in the medieval period was another prime example. It had immense control over kings and kingdoms. The Pope could excommunicate rulers, cutting them off from the church and society, giving him unparalleled power. This religious authority allowed the Church to shape the political landscape of Europe for centuries.

Religious Authority in Iran: Wilayat al-Faqih

In modern times, one of the most dangerous forms of religious authority is found in Iran under the system of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist). This system grants absolute power to religious leaders, who claim their authority comes directly from God. The Supreme Leader of Iran, operating under this system, holds both religious and political control, making him virtually untouchable.

Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Wilayat al-Faqih has dominated the country’s political system. This has resulted in widespread oppression, as any opposition to the Supreme Leader is seen not only as political dissent but as defiance of God’s will. Over the years, this form of religious authority has led to severe deterioration in Iran’s economy and society. The country has faced social unrest, human rights violations, and economic decline, all justified by the claim of divine authority. The rigid control of the religious elite has stifled reform and kept the population under strict surveillance, ensuring that no meaningful change can occur.

Zionism and Religious Authority in Israel 

In Judaism, the belief that Jews are the “chosen people” has also had dangerous consequences. Jews believe they are uniquely selected by God and are entitled to things that others are not. This belief has fueled the Zionist movement, which claims that God promised the land of Israel to the Jewish people. This religious justification makes political disputes over the land nearly impossible to resolve, as it frames the issue as a divine right.

This sense of divine entitlement has allowed Israeli leaders to justify their invasion and occupation of Palestinian land. Throughout the decades, Israel has carried out military invasions, committed atrocities, and engaged in the displacement of Palestinians. One of the most brutal examples is the massacre at Deir Yassin in 1948, among many others where thousands of Palestinians were killed by Zionist forces. Recently, thousands of Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed without mercy, all under the watchful eyes of the United Nations and other global entities. In Gaza, Israeli forces continue to bomb and kill thousands of civilians, claiming they are acting in self-defense under divine authority. These are a few examples of many religious authorities around the world, where millions of lives have been lost or slaughtered in the name of God.

The Gap Between Intellectual Religion and Truth

The root of the problem with religious authority lies in the gap between intellectual religion and practicality. Intellectual religion refers to abstract and often ideological beliefs about the divine that are disconnected from practical and lived experiences. When people become overly absorbed in these abstract religious ideals, they risk losing touch with the realities of their everyday lives. This detachment makes them more susceptible to manipulation by leaders who claim divine authority.

Real religion, in contrast, is about integrating religious principles into daily life in a way that is organic and meaningful. It is not merely an ideology or set of beliefs to be adhered to but a lived experience that influences how we interact with the world and each other. When religion is integrated into our lives organically, it fosters compassion, justice, and a grounded understanding of our place in the world. It challenges us to confront real issues and address injustices, rather than escape into abstract ideals.

When religious authority is imposed from above, claiming divine backing, it disrupts this integration by creating an unbridgeable gap between spiritual claims and the practical realities people face. This makes it nearly impossible to question or reform the authority because doing so is perceived as challenging the divine itself.

The Path to Genuine Change: Embracing Individual Transformation

The way forward lies in embracing individual transformation rather than relying on external ideologies or authorities. No matter how noble a belief system may be, if it is imposed by an authority, it cannot lead to genuine progress. True change begins with each person’s internal journey, evolving their awareness from within rather than being conditioned by external forces.

This personal transformation involves reconnecting with reality through direct experience rather than ideological conditioning. It requires a return to fundamental practices that help individuals cultivate a deeper sensitivity to both the tangible and subtle aspects of life. Movements that promote this kind of personal growth, such as certain aspects of Siddha practices, are promising because they focus on organic growth and real-life integration of religious principles.

For example, my own journey with Siddha practices has been transformative. I have moved from being influenced by external beliefs and cultural conditioning to a more authentic connection with life. Siddha practices emphasize non-forcing, non-controlling, and enjoying the journey rather than being goal-oriented. This approach has not only enriched my personal life but also influenced how I interact with the world. By not imposing beliefs or expectations on myself or others, I have learned to appreciate the natural flow of life and understand that true societal progress cannot come from control or submission but from authentic, individual growth.

Separating Beliefs from State Power

To overcome the dangers of religious authority, we must separate religious beliefs from state power and ensure freedom of belief. This separation allows individuals to evolve their awareness through an internal journey, free from external conditioning and control. By fostering environments where people can explore and grow their religious understanding organically, we can promote a more just and compassionate society.

Conclusion

The dangers of religious authority are profound and pervasive, often leading to oppression, violence, and societal harm. Historical and modern examples demonstrate how religious claims can be wielded to justify extreme actions and entrench power, making meaningful reform nearly impossible. To counter these dangers, it is essential to ground our religion in real, lived experiences rather than abstract ideologies.

By separating religious beliefs from state power and ensuring freedom of belief, we can create an environment where religious understanding is shaped by personal growth and authentic experiences, not by imposed authority. This approach fosters a more just and compassionate society, where progress is achieved through individual transformation rather than control. Embracing this path helps us resist oppressive religious authorities and build a more equitable world, rooted in genuine compassion and justice.