Religion is one of the most powerful forces on earth. Religion has equal-power to build and destroy. Without it, life as we know it, would not exist. Religious beliefs have shaped the fabric of our culture. From the philosophies of the East to those of the Greeks and everything in between. It was religious persecution that caused a group of Brits venture into a new world and help create one of the powerful countries in the world. It was religious beliefs that helped build one of the biggest (at the time) man-made structures in Egypt.
Religious beliefs have been at the center of almost all human revolutions. They have kept us safe by providing rules against foods which at the time were deadly (pork, seafood, etc). They have spread common-sense community-survival beliefs (don’t kill, be kind, don’t envy your neighbor, etc). They helped to create some of the most magnificent pieces of art the world has seen (The Renaissance). The benefits the world has experienced from religion are too many to count and impossible to fully appreciate.
Equally, religion has brought the worst in humanity. Most wars are fought under the pretense of religious beliefs (from the crusades to ISIS). Religion is the go-to tool of dictators and kings. God himself appointed the king, what could anyone do about it? Some of these notions may seem ancient to some of us, but ask the North Koreans if they believe in God and his appointment of their chairman and you’ll be surprised by their answer.
The cause for this preamble was a recent discussion I listened to on a popular podcast. The podcast included a popular conservative and the discussion was about gay marriage… oil and water.
On the abstract, this is a conversation we should not even be having. It is 2019, most scientific studies have concluded sexuality is dictated by something in a person’s internal psyche and a person (whether gay or not) has as much control over their sexuality as they do over the color of their hair. In both cases you may try to change that aspect, but in both cases the solution is external and ephemeral. Yes, there are outliers out there, but that’s all they are, outliers.
So how, then, can a well educated, modern adult still be against gay marriage except for the power of religion. This same person believed in evolution, which I presume means would allow him to see the irregularities of his religious beliefs, yet he could not let go of the idea that his religion prohibited gay marriage and therefore it was something he could not accept. He was so opposed to the notion, that if invited to a gay wedding, he would have to decline. Any celebration of the sin was out of the question. At the same time, he claimed to have several gay friends with whom he had enjoyed outings together. I suppose at least the person is being consistent.
But it is this irrational consistency that I cannot understand. How can a person be able to reconcile these conflicts? The answer is easy. We are reasoning beings, the output is hypocrisy. Give me a problem and I’ll help you reason it to meet the narrative of your choice. There is a famous saying that comes to mind, “if you want a narrative, you can find 99 reasons”.
So what role do I think religion should play in our society these days? Religion is everywhere and everyone believes in some shape or form. Some believe in a very structured mandate and without it they would be lost. Some people aggregate the beliefs of various religions and follow them as best as they can (me). Some people believe in the religion of science (yes, science can be a religion). Others are spiritual and idolize nature and earth.
So long as your religious beliefs do not interfere with mine, I suppose we’ll be fine.
