Religious Freedom In America
A Whackadoodle opinion about how religious freedom in America is often infused with religious bigotry; while simultaneously defining, Religious Bigotry, Religious Nationalism, and Religious Hypocrisy.
I have a great deal of respect for religious freedom, and the rights of people to form their own beliefs. However, I have found that religious freedom in American is often infused with religious bigoty.
I am against religious bigotry. Where people start thinking that one religion is better than the others. I am Sunni, so the Shia are wrong. I am Muslim, so the Sufi have lost their way. I am Jewish, so I am one of the chosen people. I hear you're an atheist, so I'll pray for your soul. I am Christian, so I am the best person to run your government and teach your children.
Throughout the past century, Indigenous American children were regularly taken from their families and communities and sent to 'Good Christian Schools," where they were punished for speaking their own language, and in some cases, told to keep scrubbing themselves until they washed that dark color from their skin. Similar government boarding schools existed, and still do exist, across the world. The United Nations has published an amazing report documenting the practice.
Over the years, I have watched too many politicians hold up their Christianity as a reason to vote for them. You’d never here an Atheist do that, nor a Muslim, nor a Pagan, nor a Buddhist, nor a Hindi. Believe me, it’s not because they are ashamed of their faiths; it’s because they’re afraid of how religious bigots might react to them.
And haven’t people watched enough NBC Dateline to know how often the criminals featured in the show claim to be good Christians, and are known to attend church regularly, only to be found out to be religious hypocrites, promoting one way of life, while living another.
I get so irritated when someone holds up their Christianity like a shield, as if saying, “Because I am a good Christian, I am above reproach, and better most other people.” Religious bigots promote Us versus Them thinking. It seems to me that they don’t preach compassion, acceptance, or love.
Don’t get me wrong. I do not consider all Christians religious bigots. Most Christians that I have met, practice their faith without believing that they are somehow better because of it. They lead with compassion and humility. I also understand that religious bigotry is not the sole province of Christianity. Other faith have followers who believe that somehow their faith makes them better than others. These people often become Religious Nationalist, creating laws that impose their religious beliefs on those who do not share their beliefs, expecting others to be grateful.
And yes, I have a problem with that. I have a problem with religious bigotry.