Intolerance, Bigotry and Religious Freedom

What are religious texts really? Well, essentially they are nothing more than guidebooks for life, of which religious leaders have always retained absolute control of the text in so doing making, religious leaders the influential, powerful force providing direction. However, what an individual does with that information is another matter. 

Religion must always teach kindness, respect and tolerance; it must never condone greed, violence and war. Those of faith should always be seeking common features amongst religions (and groups within their own faith), common features which, bring them together rather than pushing them apart.

Unfortunately in the current global political climate, it appears bigotry and intolerance are increasing and appears to making conservative, fundamentalist and radical Christians more vocal in their bigotry.

Bigotry pushes for the freedom to deny others the identical rights of everyone else – and be thanked, free of the consequences their actions bring.

In this environment, Progressives have a moral obligation and duty to stand up to this, to clearly and irrevocably state, ‘this is not OK’.

In refusing to accept their bigotry we are not rescinding their rights to be the obnoxious petty myopic minded bigot wish to be – such individuals are still free to wallow in their bigotry, but they cannot and should never be permitted to avoid the consequences as their bigotry forces their beliefs onto others, without the permission of those others. Therefore bigots do not have the right to insulate themselves from the consequences of their actions, prejudices etc.

Religion must always provide benevolent guidance and influence. Obviously all religions attempt to lead their followers down a path of care and respect for others* which means religious leaders must bear the responsibility of direction. It is their responsibility to teach kindness, tolerance and respect. To spread a message of peace, not condone: bigotry, violence, greed or war. Discrimination is not genetic; it is, learned and fostered.

Is it ever okay to be intolerant? Yes it is.

It is okay to be intolerant of:

• ·      Politics which attempt to create and ensure a climate safe for bigotry to flourish and disguise it as ‘respectability’.
• ·      Legislation, which limits access to basic human rights, due to an individual’s: gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender expression etc. Or any legal system which is unbalanced (against) these groups:
• ·      Mechanisms and environments, which protect those who bully LGBTQI youngsters under the façade of ‘protecting religious freedom’.
• ·      The marginalisation of other religions or denominations.
• ·      Killing civilians, just because they have the misfortune to live in a nation, our politicians don’t like.
• ·      The politics of fear, which keeps refugees from finding a home amongst us and views such migrants as leeches, terrorists etc. rather than assets to nation and economy.
• ·      Rape culture.
• ·      Any system, which favors the wealthy over the poor.
• ·      Those damaging the environment, by denying human responsibility for it / impact on it.

Bigotry is a choice and if it is your choice – fine, but you also have to live with and take responsibility for the consequences. Also don’t expect the rest of us to standby and not speak out. 

Particularly whilst the Australian Govt conducts the 'Religious Freedom Review'. One can only hope the voice of both Australian Secular Society, Moderate / Progressive Christians, The Australian Constitution and common sense prevail.  

Religion has no place in politics and bigotry has no place in Christianity (any religion or puplic policy).   

Last but no least, please remember, fundamentalism of any flavor is dangerous - it is not religion specific.

*I loath the word 'righteousness' as it always seems to me those using it, are often using it in an attempt to justify some crappy or nasty conduct.