‘Sometimes I pray for comfort’

Soli Sorabjee, former Solicitor-general of India.

What does Spirituality mean to you?
It is about dwelling with matters that are beyond the material realm, which may never be explained by a rational or a scientific approach, though I would accept them. But I cannot identify it with religiosity, especially as too often I equate the latter with people refusing to question the religious doctrine. It is so easy to accept the doctrine the way it is instead of questioning it and finding one’s own answers. Also, I have issues with attributing moral qualities to God. Most of the time, people conceive God as both omnipotent and benevolent. But with all the suffering we witness everywhere, either He is benevolent and not omnipotent, or omnipotent and not benevolent, which would both be problematic.

On the other hand, there are important ethical values conveyed by religions, which are important in the moral construct of people. And if I had to mention one I am more attracted to than the others, I would choose Roman Catholicism. Indeed, I feel it is important, if one believes in the message of the Christ --- that he came to this world, died and resurrected to save humanity --- that there would be a centre of authority. Someone must interpret the belief and we cannot let every individual come up with his own reading. Otherwise we end up like Protestant Christianity, with an infinity of streams, groups and denominations. So if one believes in the basic tenants of Christianity, Roman Catholicism seems logical. Besides, the fact that it has lasted for the last 2,000 years speaks volumes about its strength.

Of course I am also close to Zoroastrianism as I grew up in it. Its philosophy is more about the goodness of life and about enjoying it, rather than about abstinence, fasting and so on. It simply insists on good thoughts, good words, good deeds, with a particular emphasis on charity. When I was a child, my grand-mother and mother loved seeing me reciting my prayers every day. I later stopped though as I could not understand the words I was uttering, it was mere recitation for me.

Do you believe you are guided and protected by a superior force?

... contd.