For countless people across the world, religion is the quintessence of life. The worship of a deity has become not just a belief, but an integral part of one’s identity and a defining factor to a person’s perspective. Devotion to God/gods can provide meaning for an individual’s existence and often makes a better world for everyone, such as in the case of religious charities and non-profits. Organizations like the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity have used their faith to bring prosperity to those who would otherwise have nothing, which is a testament to the good believing in God can do. But, this is only one side of religion and the other is far uglier. As much as religion helps, it can hurt ten-fold when in the wrong hands. And while it is usually ignored by the media and public at large, the dangers of invasive religion are still a threat today. In fact, they matter more than ever.
Like two different sides of the same coin, the good, and evil in religion depends on how the faithful employ their beliefs. Because religious texts are usually vague and archaic, they can be interpreted differently from person-to-person, often times used as a tool for personal gain. For example, the same religion the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. used to demand racial equality was also used to condone slavery, and while these two philosophies are antithetical in their most basic tenants, both can be supported by verses in the bible. Throughout human history, misinterpretations such as these have allowed the worst of mankind to mold holy books into weapons of war. In fact, it could be said religion is the most powerful weapon for any fanatic leader, because people and warheads can be destroyed, but the ideas which inspire those who wield them never die. Not only are these ideas indestructible, but also unquestionable, using God as a source of authority who justifies all actions. Therefore, even if certain liberties and basic human rights need to be sacrificed, an extremist will believe it necessary to establish the kingdom of God, seeing anyone who stands in their way as opposition to “His will.” It is this mentality of infallible, fundamentalist religion which has allowed for the ripping apart of geopolitical areas like Ireland and the Balkans, as well as countless places in the middle-east. In the end, this was not the original purpose of religion, but the lesson we must take from its history is invaluable; it must never be forgotten that the tools we use to build better futures can also be twisted in order to divide and conquer us. Now more than ever, this knowledge of the past must guide our actions in the future. Especially, here in America.
In the United States, there is a constant controversy over whether church and state should be separated. Whether it be the argument over prayer in schools or teaching creationism in science class, there is a large movement pushing for religious involvement in politics and public institutions. The success of this movement can be seen in all of the societal norms Americans have become accustomed to. Until just this past year, it was illegal for gay and lesbian couples to get married, with the exception of a few states. This was on the basis that doing so would change the definition of marriage, arguing its definition was between one man and woman with procreation being the main purpose. This is clearly the biblical definition, discarding the countless cultures which practiced homosexual marriage throughout history, but it remained up to the states nonetheless. This means the American people not only allowed, but pushed for Christian doctrine to become law, going directly against the constitution. In the name of religion, the human rights of the minority were denied, and only this past year has the Supreme Court corrected this injustice. And while these religious offenses often go ignored because they are not of the same magnitude as a suicide bombing, they pose just as much of a threat to the American way of life and must be opposed in their entirety.
The main concerns of the public are often dangers from far off in the distance, like ISIS or the Ebola virus. At the end of the day, though, these are mere distractions from what issues affect life on an everyday basis and invasive religion is one of the most overlooked. Instead of looking to the horizon for the next big threat, the country should focus on combating the stupidity and capricious nature of fundamentalist ideals here in the United States. If a stand is not taken against the bullies and tyrants of our country, especially those who come in the name of God, the bedrock of our democracy will crumble and granulate into dust. It is the duty of every citizen to preserve the country in which they live, guarding from extremists and the power-hungry. To remain indifferent is to hand over our country to charlatans and theocrats, who like ravenous wolves, will tear it to shreds. It is the ultimate choice we must make; will America be one nation under God, or have liberty and justice for all?
