Reflections on...religion

So I have read some interesting news articles recently I wanted to comment on...

First, a friend posted a commentary from the Salt Lake Tribune about the potential threat that anti-Mormon protesters could have should they turn their attention from street-side bullhorn rallies and instead seek to alter the constitutional protection of the freedom of religion... it's not the best commentary I've ever read and honestly a bit outlandish but thought-provoking nonetheless

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_10755288

Shortly following that article, I happened across a BBC report on an atheist movement in London to put "There's probably No God" on signs across buses in an effort to give a "breath of fresh air" to the masses constantly reading pro-Christian advertisements.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7681914.stm


This all comes amidst a number of cases of politicians being examined in terms of their religious views and the impact that it could have on their leadership. The former candidate Mitt Romney was seen as an extremist for being Mormon, Barack Obama has been connected to extreme anti-white preachers like Jeremy Wright and suspected of being a Muslim, and McCain is accused of pandering to the Christian Right...in all, religion has played a prominent point of analysis.

See:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21728725/
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4443788
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/13/1263140.aspx


So, what does it all say about today's society's views on religion?

Taking all the specific examples aside, I have to think that there is a lot to say in general. It has become unpopular or 'uncool' in the academic world and the upper echelons of society to acknowledge that you have any religion of any kind. The 'opiate of the masses' as Marx deemed it, the idea of a religious institution is somehow intrinsically opposed to science, progress, human development, and the freedom of expression sought to be embodied in democracy and civil society. It is an interesting counter to the traditional development of social movements. Typically, a group feels it is being denied a right or an ability or access of some sort and fights against the prevailing "loud voices" of the times in order to shake things up and create change. Here, we have been granted the precious freedom to worship whomever, wherever, and whenever we so choose...or likewise to not worship at all. This comes thanks to the countless millions that fought against the oppressive "loud voices" demanding one religion over another or using religion as a political weapon or even as a motive for warfare and destruction.

So, wouldn't it be fitting that today, in 2008, we would be able to integrate the rhetoric of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual understanding into the arena of religion? Yet, somehow in the mix, the right not to worship has twisted into an obsessed inferiority complex prompting anti-religious advocates to become the 'loud voices' drowning out the millions of tempered, faithful, believers in a higher power throughout the country. It is not universal, granted, this is a reaction to the extremes that feel a need to turn their anti-religious sentiment into campaigns and bus signs, but it is real.

And, there is another twist. It isn't just those that are trying to highlight their right not to worship, but also those that take their right to worship and turn religion itself into an anti-religious institution. Multiple evangelical groups preach against their rival congregations in hopes of winning membership and raising the coffers of donations. Extremist Islam groups forming networks to attack the infidels, black solidarity extremists damning America for parts of its history and demanding the heads of the privileged white, anti-Semites re-birthing the swastika and WWII symbols of hatred and fear Etc. etc.

So, maybe the Crusades weren't the only time in history that religion was a tool of destruction. On all sides, whether from the anti-religious campaigns, the religious extremist campaigns, or the complicit acceptance of faithful citizens failing to raise their voice, somehow all the attention is going to these new loud voices.

Personally, I find it disheartening that such so beautiful and positive institutions of all faiths could be targets of such destruction and hate. I believe in a loving God. I believe He wants us to reach across lines of faith and care about those around us whether they share the same views or knowledge that we do or not. They may not call Him by the same name or even choose to think about whether He exists, but I respect their right to worship or not worship, just as I hope they would respect mine. We have so many wonderful blessings in common and a great big world in which to enjoy them. It saddens me that people would resign themselves to the cheap talk of divisiveness under the guise of entitlement.