His was not the first syncretic religion. Sikhism evolved out of attempts to bridge the gap between Islam and Hinduism. Nor was it the last (Bahai, and Unitarian Universalism came later).But it was part of the trend toward the modern attitudes of religious tolerance.
Its a nice idea. Akbar's particular theological concoction died out when he died, but the general idea (governmental tolerance of various religions, and personal interest in the beliefs of various religions, and even partaking of ideas from other traditions) continues. More and more folks treat religion like a buffet, rather than as a homestyle meal. The trend may not by itself wipe out all religious bigotry. But there is nothing wrong with it.
20 Jul 2018, 5:34 am
