Controversial Novelist Puts Religion on Trial in New Book Recently Banned in Malaysia
Newswire Services
October 03, 2009
New book prompts modern approach to religion and challenges all to create one´s personal religious view.
Many books discuss the origins and tenets of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and other world religions. Few provide a universal understanding as to why religion plays the prominent role it does in many people´s lives. In the pursuit of growth, should we not seek out our own answers?
The Book of Walla by M. Ram Krishn is a culmination of the author´s fascination with the mystery of faith and religious culture, providing a cross-religious explanation that allows readers to gain perspective on their own religion while evoking religious tolerance for the beliefs of others. The topics of the book draw upon his experiences traveling through Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas; visiting places of worship and cities rich in religious history.
"I grew up in multi-religious society deeply divided along the lines of race and religion," says Krishn of his upbringing in George Town, Malaysia. Coincidently, The Book of Walla is banned in his native Malaysia.
"As a student raising issues of religious discrimination, I was threatened and asked to keep my thoughts to myself, or face denied entrance into public university," Krishn explains. "It was at this moment that I sought out to decode the powerful hold that religion had over people´s outlooks, perceptions, behaviors, and actions."
The Book of Walla presents a challenge to the concept of God and religion, as religious leaders are prompted to explain their respective faith´s starring role in human conflicts. When a religious conflict outside a temple rips apart his world, the main character, Dr. Shoorab, decides to sue God and various religious councils. Leaders from religious creeds across the board put aside their differences for a common cause – the defense of faith and God.
"The novel serves to quench one´s inherent thirst to understand spirituality," asserts Krishn. "The Book of Walla explains the tenets of each major religion, highlighting the differences and similarities between them, but goes much, much deeper; hopefully inspiring readers to think again about their religion, in ways they never before considered."
Topics touched upon in the novel include:
>> Why religions cause conflict
>> Why religion is personal, not institutional; the role it plays in the life of one individual is distinct from the next
>> While religion serves as a positive force in one´s life, it could also breed ignorance and prejudice
>> Exploring the adage of 'God helps those who help themselves' and the power of the individual to make things happen for themselves
>> How, in practice, each religion may not necessarily reflect the intention and message of its creator
>> Why it is important for the individual to approach religion with an open mind – to continue to ask questions, test the hypothesis, and formulate one´s own interpretation of religious philosophy
Born in George Town, Malaysia, M. Ram Krishn was raised Hindu in a multi-religious society where discrimination was rife, ultimately motivating him to study law. While attending university, he battled adversity as he boldly raised issues of discrimination. Intrigued by the significant role religion played in people´s outlook, Krishn spent some four years researching world religions, and experimenting with meditation. This journey led to the major themes espoused in The Book of Walla – highlighting the principle tenets of world religions and the common thread that runs through them. The book has been banned in Malaysia.
Krishn now resides in the Cayman Islands, where he is an attorney at law.
For information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit www.bookofwalla.com and www.amazon.com.
Many books discuss the origins and tenets of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and other world religions. Few provide a universal understanding as to why religion plays the prominent role it does in many people´s lives. In the pursuit of growth, should we not seek out our own answers?
The Book of Walla by M. Ram Krishn is a culmination of the author´s fascination with the mystery of faith and religious culture, providing a cross-religious explanation that allows readers to gain perspective on their own religion while evoking religious tolerance for the beliefs of others. The topics of the book draw upon his experiences traveling through Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas; visiting places of worship and cities rich in religious history.
"I grew up in multi-religious society deeply divided along the lines of race and religion," says Krishn of his upbringing in George Town, Malaysia. Coincidently, The Book of Walla is banned in his native Malaysia.
"As a student raising issues of religious discrimination, I was threatened and asked to keep my thoughts to myself, or face denied entrance into public university," Krishn explains. "It was at this moment that I sought out to decode the powerful hold that religion had over people´s outlooks, perceptions, behaviors, and actions."
The Book of Walla presents a challenge to the concept of God and religion, as religious leaders are prompted to explain their respective faith´s starring role in human conflicts. When a religious conflict outside a temple rips apart his world, the main character, Dr. Shoorab, decides to sue God and various religious councils. Leaders from religious creeds across the board put aside their differences for a common cause – the defense of faith and God.
"The novel serves to quench one´s inherent thirst to understand spirituality," asserts Krishn. "The Book of Walla explains the tenets of each major religion, highlighting the differences and similarities between them, but goes much, much deeper; hopefully inspiring readers to think again about their religion, in ways they never before considered."
Topics touched upon in the novel include:
>> Why religions cause conflict
>> Why religion is personal, not institutional; the role it plays in the life of one individual is distinct from the next
>> While religion serves as a positive force in one´s life, it could also breed ignorance and prejudice
>> Exploring the adage of 'God helps those who help themselves' and the power of the individual to make things happen for themselves
>> How, in practice, each religion may not necessarily reflect the intention and message of its creator
>> Why it is important for the individual to approach religion with an open mind – to continue to ask questions, test the hypothesis, and formulate one´s own interpretation of religious philosophy
Born in George Town, Malaysia, M. Ram Krishn was raised Hindu in a multi-religious society where discrimination was rife, ultimately motivating him to study law. While attending university, he battled adversity as he boldly raised issues of discrimination. Intrigued by the significant role religion played in people´s outlook, Krishn spent some four years researching world religions, and experimenting with meditation. This journey led to the major themes espoused in The Book of Walla – highlighting the principle tenets of world religions and the common thread that runs through them. The book has been banned in Malaysia.
Krishn now resides in the Cayman Islands, where he is an attorney at law.
For information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit www.bookofwalla.com and www.amazon.com.
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