Friday, May 11, 2007

Spiritual People Inspire Me, Religious People Frighten Me

Recently in San Francisco, I bought a pin that says, "If religious groups want to get into politics, they should pay taxes." Not a bad idea, huh?

Certainly, there is no question that the separation of church and state is narrowing, at an alarming pace.

Our elected officials, and religious leaders, seem equally intent on ignoring the Constitution of the United States.

We already know what G.W. Bush & friends have to say---that we must "protect marriage" (you know, from those loving and devoted homosexual couples and parents), and that we must "protect the sanctity of life" (although this doesn't seem to apply to Iraqis, Iranians, or to people awaiting execution, for crimes which they may--or may not--have committed.)

Moreover, the Catholic Church, many Protestant churches, and some Jewish and Muslim religious organizations are further conflating religion and politics in America.

Recently, Conservative evangelical leader James Dobson said that actor, and former Senator, Fred Thompson wasn't "Christian enough" to be president of the United States. However, Dobson went on to approve Newt Gingrich--you know, that guy who has been married three times and recently admitted to having an extramarital affair. (I believe that Ted Haggard was Dobson's first choice for 2008, but then he had that little kerfuffle of "acting out.")

In 2002, five evangelical Christian leaders signed the "Land Letter" and presented it to President Bush, affirming a "Christian theological basis" to invade Iraq.

This very week, Cardinal Roger Mahoney--head of the Los Angeles Archdiocese--threatened his faithful with denial of heaven if they didn't support amnesty for illegal aliens. Cardinal Mahoney stated, "Anything that tears down one group of people or one person, anything that is a negative in our community, disqualifies us from being part of the eternal city." (Oh, reeeally? Why don't we ask him what he thinks about freedom for homosexual couples to marry!)

And, please don't get me started on the Pope—okay, I can't help myself—was he infallible *before,* or *after,* he was a Nazi?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm right there with you sister!
The US just seems to be going backwards! There is NOT equality and freedom for all in the USA. I am not going to wait around for marriage equality in the US. I'm moving to Canada-seriously. Our government is also pushing women's rights back. I love my country, but I don't trust my government. 2008 can't come soon enough! What ever did happen to the "separation of church and state"?! It is a fear-based world!

Persephone said...

Right back atcha sista! Thanks for the comment. I'll see you in BC!

See my blog tomorrow, I'll be posting about about "freedom to marry."

Anonymous said...

I mentioned this elsewhere on your blog but why do you have "in god we trust" in state legislature ? What about your supposed constitutional division of state and religion ? From a perplexed Englishman who is also shocked to learn that Mr Bush senior once declared "I don't know that atheists should be considered citizens, nor should they be considered patriots". How does he get away with that ? My religion states all such people and affiliated bigots should be condemned...I made up my religion...but then what's the difference between my "religion" and other religions people CHOOSE to follow because of their own blind prejudices ?

Persephone said...

Huggin,

I'm sure that you would agree with me, that religion often instills and manipulates people with "fear" (often resulting in guilt).

I think that people choose religion for various reasons... It may be the result of a one's wanting to please others, to fit in, in order to avoid conflict. It may be the result of people not really wanting to question and "think." It may stem from fear of the unknown. Some people desire a "guide book for Life." For some, religion offers a neat little package in which to define the meaning of life--well, so long as they don't think about it too much! What can I say, Karl Marx hit the mark when he said that "religion is the opiate of the masses."

You bring up some very interesting topics...

The Bushes--as well as many Americans--view the United States of America, as a "Christian Nation," while they fail to see that this ideology is in direct conflict with creating a true democracy.

The subject of "separation of church and state" is one that I could discuss, or write about, for days on end. And I'm sure that I will be posting more on this topic in the near future!

Historically, it was the Anglican Church that desired this separation. As far as I am aware, Islam is the only religion that "commands" NO separation between religious doctrine and government policy. So, it's rather curious now, the similarities between Islamic extremism, and the political efforts of the Evangelical Christian Church.

Well, I'll stop for now, because I want to respond to your other comments...

P.S. How is Munnin?

Persephone said...

Oops, my faux pas--

I meant to type "Huginn"and "Muninn."

Anonymous said...

I could not agree more. There are numerous ways to spell hugginn and munninn...corruption of language really...but i confess to my inconsistency. I will try to comply with "huginn"...just a personal preference.
Muninn is fine, but getting no younger....his memory is not what it used to be: he swears that the USA was once a great country to live in with its envious egalitarian secular values !!! He is particularly reticent to fly over the Southern states :) :)