Religion. One of the biggest sources of conflict in recent times, and I think its fair to say that along with greed, one of the biggest sources of conflict
EVER.
Politically religion is a big thing, especially in America. Man, people get real fired up. So I figure I'm gonna start with a big topic, figure how I feel, and get this whole belief clarification thingo rolling.
Now, some atheists argue that religion is a construct, developed by those in power to appease the lowly. After all, most people rolling around in dirt wearing nothing but rags need something to look forward to, right? So religion is supposed to make them happy about hardship, put up with all the shite they go through, and not kick up too much of a stink when the bloody land lord comes around.
I don't subscribe to this theory, but it's a valid one. Why? Because all religion is based around a fundamental concept of love and pacifism. Sure, there's by-laws and amendments, but overall, when Jesus says "Love thy neighbour",
Mohammed smiles and nods, Buddha pats his belly in contentment, Jehovah grunts in assent... there is no real religion that says "Kill everyone, they're all scumbags out to screw you."
So whether you are a Jew, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Wiccan... whatever you are, theres a basic precept of love.
However, we need to remember theres no really NEW religions. Most are pretty ancient. So the reference books we have are somewhat(!) dated, and we need to take that into consideration. But overall, the wisdom contained in holy books is often what makes them so valued and holy. They contain many lessons that still resonate today. But some of them don't.
Before I get really rolling, I need to note: I come from a Christian background. That means most of the things I say are based on that background.
A) H-O-M-O-S-E-X-U-A-L-I-T-Y
This is not a new thing. Gay people have been around for yonks, sometimes more openly, sometimes more "closet". But they are there. We're in a rather open phase right now, and many people are scared. Gay people can't look after my kids. Gay people can't get married. Gay people can't have children!!!! Hysteria grows as Homosexuals start to act like heterosexuals - they kiss in public (GASP!) they hold hands, they want a family, they want symbols of commitment, they want to be like heterosexuals.
Good on them!
Religion has this thing in for Gay people. I think this stems from a purely functional standpoint - traditionally, they are of no use to society because they can't naturally bear children. So they don't have a bunch of brats to till the soil, plant the wheat, do the washing. Now in Old Testament times, this was essential. Now... not so.
So we have an antiquated book (which I have utmost respect for, make no mistake) that tells us Homosexuality is evil. But in our modern age, is it really THAT bad? we don't need more brats to till the soil. They don't hurt Heterosexuals. What we have now is a society where its almost acceptable to be publicly Gay. It makes NO impact on anyone except the individual! So why does the government really care? The Good Book?
Lets consider the Good Book, and the offences it outlines. Have you ever planted two different types of plants next to each other? Have you ever touched a pigs skin, eaten pork? Have you ever sewn a garment using two types of thread? Have you ever looked at porn? Really wanted to get down and dirty with that guy/girl, even though they are taken? Ever has sex (GASP!) before marriage?
Many of these "crimes" would have you stoned to death, or worse, according to the Good Book. A saying comes to mind: "Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house."
So give the Queeros a break, ok?
The final shot I take is this: Christianity is about freedom. God gave Christians the freedom to CHOOSE to follow him. Jesus taught Christians to love thy neighbour, your enemy, and everyone else. Jesus accepted the prostitutes into his company, accepted the outcasts. Jesus frowned upon those who cast judgement on others. Afterall, thats God's job innit? So please Christians, please, read the old testament less and the new testament more. Gay people have that freedom to choose, just as you do. Leave the judgement, death and punishment with the Big Man.
B) ABORTION
Many of the same arguments to above apply here, about freedom to choose. It is so ironic, however, when Pro-lifers run in and beat up doctors who perform abortions. Even here in Australia, a protestor (pro-lifer, of course) SHOT a doctor. Killed him. Pro life my arse.
Furthermore many arguments are based on the idea that life exists as soon as sperm wriggles his lucky little way into an egg. I disagree. That is the beginning of a chemical reaction. There is a potential for life there, I agree. But theres also a potential for death, miscarriage, and a multitude of other mishaps. I have the potential to be a millionaire, and my girlfriend has the potential to be a worldwide singing sensation. But are we? No. We might end up being in said positions, but theres a question of likelyhood there. And when the other option is that a woman ends up with a baby she doesn't want, begotten on her by her friendly local RAPIST, screw pro-life. Even if the kid is born, by the age of 15, he/she probably wouldn't want to have been.
This post will likely receive editing at some point. Theres so much to mention, so much to talk about. But I'm tired , and need to sleep. More on abortion, God in Government and fundamentalism next time.
