Atheism in Mauritius. Atheism is growing, it is now a major…
By: The Secret Mauritian
Tags: Government, Religion, Atheism, Secularism, Mauritius

Atheism is growing, it is now a major system, as countries become more and more secular. In Europe an adherence to secularism, has allowed irreligion to become a working option. Mauritius due to the constitution has a duty to protect religion for the sake of societal cohesion. At the time of independence, it can be argued that this provided certainty in a time of great uncertainty.

Belief or non belief is developed across time. I am a non believer, my father was an atheist and the rest of my family are Hindu (define Hinduism how you will).This has been a piece I have been considering for a while now as I try and understand how society works in our multi cultural world. Religion represents a structured code to how we live, providing morals, an answer to what happens when we die, and a purpose for our existence. From a personal point of view I believe that survival predates religion as the structured code, and how to live harmoniously. I have had doubts as you sometimes try to understand some magnificence in nature or witnessed something of great beauty.

Mauritius has numerous laws in place protecting religion, but what is frowned upon is the critiquing of religion. For an atheist it is a view of the tangible versus the intangible. There are some religious practices which are ancient and only exist due to their religious significance. For example organised religion can undermine gender and sexual equality.

Religion if followed represents what we refer to as progressive politics, with redistribution and sharing of wealth. Religion has a progressive message and only the newer evangelical churches promote the accumulation of wealth. Now we see the change from biblical truth to a message which resonates with society. We have seen politicians through the ages use religion as a tool and side with communities, Theresa May was a vicar’s daughter but oversaw a hostile environment for immigration, Britain over her time as home secretary saw an increase in homelessness and the use of food banks. She is but one example, prime ministers, presidents send messages on days of worship.

Around the world atheists and non believers are victimised mainly by the religious class, concurrently religious people are victimised in extreme atheist states. These extremes are damaging. China is not a place where one would want to live, as the belief systems are a choice. In this scenario religion challenges the authority of the party, and thus an interpretation could undermines that authority. Saudi Arabia has made atheism similar to terrorism, Bangladesh is struggling to maintain a secular system.

This ties in with the breakdown of traditional power structures, so the legitimacy of the these organisations is called to question. There are smaller challengers like church universelle in Mauritius a part of the UCKG headed by Brazilian Billionaire, Edir Machedo, who is behind Brazil’s new populist president, Bolsonaro. Machedo has also made comments around interracial marriages and is a believer in Prosperity Theology, which challenges previous progressive interpretations of religion. The growth of ministries like Machedo’s illustrate how traditional organisations have not adapted to newer challenges. They still remain powerful, but there are newer competitors.

India seeks to influence the hindu majority states, of which Mauritius is one. Traditions have been altered on the island to take into account, Hinduism’s latest outpost. Some people offer rum now as an offering to their god. The growth of the guru is a worrying trend, as they monetise religion and followers.

The challenge for atheists in Mauritius remain over acceptance and role in society. These are replicated across the world as religion represents a mark of morality and trust. Also atheists need to remember that winning hearts and minds is not about meme culture, but reasoned debate around belief. Religious groups get funding from the state, for atheism to be represented, Mauritius needs to have a look at secularisation across the board. Who would vote for that? Also without a secular state how can we be sure to hold religion to account like any other body.