In earlier centuries religious heretics were abused or killed. This sad
religious legacy of abusing unbelievers sours the attitude of many people to
this day with respect to religion.
That same legacy in our country still brings heavy disapproval on
viewpoints that are considered against the Judeo-Christian
tradition. Non-embracers of the Judeo-Christian tradition and other unbelievers
have a difficult time trying to win elective offices and they face
discrimination in numerous other ways.
Just last night North Carolina became the 30th state to pass a measure that
limits marriage to a union of one man and one woman after one of the United
States' best known fundamentalist Christians, Evangelist Billy Graham, was
prominently featured in a full page ad opposing the amendment. Obviously this is
a residual carryover from our prior Puritan legacy and nothing else.
Those of us feel the way Einstein did in that "science without religion is
lame, religion without science
is blind" are left in a bit of a bind. We are convinced that religion or spirituality still is a valuable concept for humanity, but we want no part of thought-limiting religious fundamentalism. And they obviously want no part of us.
is blind" are left in a bit of a bind. We are convinced that religion or spirituality still is a valuable concept for humanity, but we want no part of thought-limiting religious fundamentalism. And they obviously want no part of us.
At the same time we face disapproval from the more devout atheists who
would view us as being only a tad more reasonable than the fundamentalists and a
part of the overall problem. I don't think that is fair, either.
But I'm ashamed of North Carolinians and everyone who uses religion as an
excuse to degrade and discriminate against their fellow humans. They give
religion a bad name.
8 comments:
Hi Doug. I live in NC and I'm asshamed of them also. I proudly displayed a vote against amendment one sign in my yard and I voted against it. I really wonder if Billy Graham posted the add or if it was all his sons doing. It really seems that fundamentalist are shoving their beliefs down our throats. How can this be stopped?
Sylvia -- We stop them by being vigilant, advocating for justice, and showing others the merits of our position. It takes time and patience, but it's the only way we'll triumph over the fundies.
Doug -- I heard the news about North Carolina this morning, and I was disappointed. The struggle continues.
Have a little sympathy Doug. Those poor Christians are sooo persecuted.
Thank you for the online support of our LGBT brothers & sisters. That is especially meaningful to my gay son and his partner of 8 years.
@ Sylvia,
If Billy Graham wasn't back of the ad I wish he would come out and say so. I like to think Christian extremists are fading away, but I wonder sometimes.
@ Ahab,
And I'm afraid it will be a long struggle.
@ Exrelayman,
LOL. And they could help their cause so much if they would expand their thinking.
@ Don,
I wonder why these "protect marriage" folks don't worry nearly so much about rampant adultery and no-fault divorces. Seems to me those are the biggest threats.
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