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ReligionAndBeliefs 6 - 30 Jun 2010 - Main.MikeAbend
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| | In one of my classes last week, someone asked “how do we tell the difference between religion and a regular belief?” This question gets to the heart of something I’ve thought about a lot – why do we accord special protection to beliefs we deem “religious” but not to other, secular beliefs?
As someone who is not religious, tends to be skeptical of religion in general, but also tries to remain open-minded, I find it frustrating when religious beliefs are given immunity or sanctity above other beliefs. I realize the importance of freedom to believe, and of having state-supported rights to associate based on belief, and of knowing that you will not be persecuted for religion. However, I think that having strictly “religious” freedom might be illogical and underinclusive. | | |
-- WenweiLai - 29 Jun 2010 | |
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I think the answer may lay in defining what a religion actually is and what that means. First, what compromises a religion? Can one person's beliefs be a religion? Can the beliefs be illogical, unrealistic, or unproven? There is no defined boundary of religious definition, but at some point religions gain general recognition (with a substantial following).
When a religion gets to this point, there are so many members that 1) the head of that "church" inherently wields power, both economic and political, and 2) there are enough members of the church that denouncing one member's beliefs is to denounce potentially millions of peoples' beliefs, no matter how absurd (and increases the likelihood that I will personally know a member).
Facing the prospect of being openly judgmental, it's easier for me to be respectful yet skeptical and not make known my opinions of these people's beliefs.
As for the power, well, L. Ron Hubbard put it best: "You don't get rich writing science fiction. If you want to get rich, you start a religion."
-- MikeAbend - 30 Jun 2010 | | | |
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