I'm sure that if I were to walk out onto any street corner in America and start polling people about their experiences with religion, I would receive a wide variety of answers. Some, I'm fairly certain, would be instantly antagonistic, seeing religion as a crutch of the weak-minded or as a vice of a mentally constrained and self-righteous society. Others would actually feel a sort of unspoken kinship with me, as they would feel connected by our mutual recognition of a higher power. These two examples, while highlighting the diversity of our culture's beliefs, hardly begin to catalogue the vast assortment of opinions and positions pertaining to what is easily one of the most polarizing concepts in human history. Through all this variety, though, I would find solidarity in the fact that religion affects us all and is very important to the current state of our American civilization.
Why then does such a polarizing and unresolved topic of discussion get such odd treatment from the media? Much of the content in what we see, hear, and read today comes as the direct result of the individual passions and opinions of the persons in creative control of its production, and more than 80 percent of this country claims to belong to a form of organized religion (Wikipedia). If this is the case, why is the media so loath to present personal opinions on the subject of religion? They have no trouble being delightfully divided on a wide range of other topics. Movie critics, political pundits, musicians, artists, filmmakers, etc., will all argue violently about everything from the climate to the governing of our country to the gender roles presented by SpongeBob SquarePants. When it comes to religion, however, they are strangely guarded; at times offering criticism of the whole idea, at times promoting tolerance of all religions and ideologies; or worst of all marginalizing and mocking religion as the province of the intellectually stunted.
For some reason, we in this country fear to stand up for ourselves when it comes to the subject of religion. "Maybe if I leave everyone else's religion alone, they'll leave my religion alone and we can all go blissfully about our way believing what we believe and not getting in each other's way." I say forget that! If we truly believe as we say we do, then we owe it to ourselves and each other to start talking about these beliefs. Religion is closely related to morality, and morality is the fabric of our very existence and community. We began as a country of ideals, of black and white, and of action. We have evolved into a country of grey and apathy with a fierce love of the status quo. Have you ever argued with someone about a topic you felt strongly about, and at the end of that argument remained at peace with them? I have, and if you haven't, I believe that you are fully capable of doing so if you will make that a priority in your discussions. I am perfectly capable of fully disagreeing with someone, yet seeing their point of view and still considering them to be an intelligent and valuable human being (and yes, even LEARNING from them). When we present our religious beliefs, we offer windows into our true selves, and are able to connect with others on a deep and personal level- even in opposition.
We are a culture that is heavily influenced by the media, and they have dropped the ball on this issue. Tolerance is important, and respect is important, but an overzealous application of these ideals can lead us to become very superficial- more concerned with who won American Idol than where we are going when we die. I don't want Larry King to mediate an argument between a Baptist minister and Buddhist monk. I know what they believe, and I can easily see its effect on their lives. I want to know what Larry King believes, and how his beliefs affect his life! I may disagree with Tom Cruise, but I have far more respect for his willingness to talk about his beliefs than for Trey Parker and Matt Stone's blunt dismissal of them. I find the South Park episode on scientology to be humorous, but the fact that it is one of the most candid examples of discussion on the topic is sad.
My religion has had a profound impact on my life for good in a very specific and measurable way. I would be churlish if I didn't wish to share those impacts with you for the betterment of yours. I invite you to do the same for me, or to warn me of dangers in religious thought based on your own experience. Just get the conversation started and SPEAK UP!
Erik Russell
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"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people people so full of doubts." -Bertrand Russell
Beautifully put. I'm sorry that I am not so graceful with words as you to justly describe your presentation of your beliefs. I completely agree with your observation that people have difficulty "speaking up" for their faiths and ideals. I am no exception. I find it human nature to want to avoid conflict and disagreement. However, that is hardly an excuse to allow one's beliefs to be buldozed to the wayside. So long as firmness in belief is accompanied by open-mindedness, we should be able to discuss and debate our differences while maintaining a "civilized" relationship. I would say that, when dealing with a less considerate believer, one must choose one's battles. Sometimes it is not worth sinking to the level of one's adversary in order to prove one's point. Action without thought is recklessness; thought without action is selfishness. The trick would be to find the balance, right? Anyway thanks for the read. It's nice to find someone with a different belief but a similar mindset.
ReplyDelete-David
Oh and the quote at the bottom is great. Any relation to yourself? =] There is a typo though ("but the wiser people PEOPLE so full of doubts."), just so grammar doesn't get a chance to diminish the power of the thought.
Interestingly put. I've been brought up to share my religion with others but not to get into arguments over religion. Just keep it hush or back off and not offend the person your arguing with. I think that is stupid. I want to defend my religion but that doesn't mean I want to fight with someone about theirs and not listen to their side. However most of the people I have these arguements with are very much into their religion and won't hear anybody elses side. I wish they would read your blog and understand that a debate or disagreement isn't the end of our friendship and we can come out of it still friends and might even learn a thing or two.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Erik. Great points, great use of citations to back up points, great writing. With such a long (for a blog entry) post, you do run the risk of scaring away busy readers, but your writing style is engaging enough that, if they start reading, they're not likely to stop half-way through.
ReplyDeleteErik, you are such an eloquent writer. I completely agree with you that people need to "speak up" and be proud of their religions. For most people, religion is a very important foundation of their lives. I find it sad that there are martyrs out there that give up their LIFE to stand up for their faith, when some cannot even sacrifice a few words.
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