Soaring out of the Spiritual Closet
When I tell people that I study religion there is often one of two assumptions made – either that I am deeply religious or that I am unreservedly anti-religious. These assumptions are inaccurate. So, in honour of my second year of blogging under the Black Chicken moniker, I thought I’d soar out of the spiritual closet, so to speak, and clear up a few things (and undoubtedly ruffle a few feathers in the process).
I do not consider myself religious in the sense that I am a follower of any particular faith, institution or path. I do, however, consider myself a student of all religions and paths – both the traditional and esoteric. The closest definition I can attribute to my beliefs is agnostic. Simply put – I don’t profess to know one way or the other. I’ve never been particularly fond of rigid definitions, but for sake of classifying my beliefs, it’ll have to do.
I consider myself a secularist. In this sense, I mean that I don’t believe politics and religion should mix. It does not mean, however, that I think religion should be banished from society or that religious groups shouldn’t have a voice (just like any other group representing a segment of people within society). I just believe that when one group is given preferential status to shape politics, this inevitably leads to alienating people within that society. For me, it doesn’t matter how small or fringe the out-group happens to be, they are still part of the make-up of society and have just as much right to express themselves to the powers that govern.
I am a secularist, religious ‘none’, but this does not mean that I don’t find value in religion. I hold the view that religion has inspired people to create some truly beautiful things in the world. From artistic expression to revolutionary movements, religious motivation can be wonderfully awesome. I am also aware that this same motivation has aroused some truly heinous things. I don’t deny that, but I think it’s important to point out that religions are not inherently good or bad – it is people that hold these qualities. Sure, I can prattle off images of violence in sacred texts and historical examples of religiously-motivated atrocities. In the same breath I can identify calls for peace and love in scriptures and point out divinely-inspired movements that have had great benefit to mankind. It’s not as black and white as far too many people claim.
I believe in tolerance and respect. I seek to achieve these in my own life by removing myself from my context and trying to understand and even appreciate the worldviews of my fellow human beings. No, I don’t always agree with everyone or everything I come across. That’s not the point. I don’t have to agree, but I do believe that I have a duty to earn respect by giving respect. It is far too often that I see extreme groups both religious and irreligious condemning the other for so called atrocities. Let’s get real on this subject. It is fine to align anywhere along the spectrum of belief. That’s your choice, but to infringe on the rights of others to do so is horribly hypocritical – especially when one of your base arguments is that the ‘other’ forces their beliefs on people. Kettle meet pot. Far too often I see online groups that supposedly represent a rational worldview calling for an end to religion because it indoctrinates and dictates. I hope they see the irony in these arguments. On the other side, I see groups claiming a moral ambiguity and an erosion of ethics due to a lack of religious values. Again, I think we need to get real. Religion does not make people evil or righteous. It is people who can be considered good, bad, or somewhere along the spectrum. Yes, religion may inspire or motivate them. So too can art, literature, politics, experiences, illness, and a host of other variables. Again, it’s not as black and white as some claim.
Further, I’m not saying that you can’t critique, satirize or poke fun at beliefs. Sure you can. In my opinion, it should never be to hurt, mock or incite violence and hatred. If you’re going to do it, be respectful and open to dialogue. I realize this is a very fine line (one that I too have been guilty of crossing), but that’s how freedom of expression works. The problem is when we express in a manner that is disparaging. If the intent is malicious, then it really serves no good purpose such as engaging in critical thinking or laughing with someone instead of at someone.
We will never find peace in the world or within ourselves until we stop the madness of forcing other people to adopt our worldviews whether they are religious or otherwise. We also cannot say that we are truly secure in our own beliefs if we are belittling and bullying others for theirs. On this, the second anniversary of my online squawking and feather-ruffling, I extend a wish that you all find your inner peace and security. Live and let live.
M. xo