Could someone out there tell me what is wrong with people who have their heads so wrapped up in their religious identities that they can’t behave in a civilized fashion? It would certainly help me at least begin to try to understand them. Or pretend to try and understand them. Okay, so maybe not.
I’m not one to judge what people believe and why. Really. I notice and move on. I may question it, think about it, maybe even worry about it or roll my eyes a few times. But that’s all. I completely understand that my purpose on this earth is to be a constructive human, and to raise productive humans. I don’t point fingers, or get too caught up in others’ day-to-day drama. Blogging doesn’t count.
But once in a while, I wonder why there are people who are so consumed with their beliefs they aren’t satisfied until those beliefs are plastered everywhere forcing everyone else to see and know what they stand for — religiously. I’m not talking about tree huggers here, okay?
I have trouble understanding when said people consumed with their religious beliefs (read men in Sudan and other places, but especially Sudan for this particular point) that they take to the streets calling for the execution of a woman who allowed her child to name a toy.
Surely this warrants an eye for an eye. (I’m trying to understand here, okay?)
Surely, they have absolutely nothing better to do with their time after they’ve just finished worshiping than to crowd together acting like complete barbarians for the sake of a man who, if alive, would most likely be horrified to know that what he stood for has been so completely distorted.
When events such as this happen, I try to put myself in the position of the one so rudely offended. I try to find a similar situation where I (or another as noble and understanding as myself, of course) might be equally offended. Now the first example that comes to mind is the fact that many families from Spain (or countries that were invaded by Spain when it was obsessed with its religious beliefs and killing those who didn’t agree…) traditionally name their male offspring “Jesus.” Say “Hay-soos” and you’ve got it. I have heard someone question whether this is “okay” since fair-skinned individuals who are avid believers in Christianity would never name their male children Jesus. Never. But that’s a weak example, isn’t it? Hmmmm…? Okay, everyone…to the streets! Such heinous disrespect!
Do they TRULY believe the British teacher should have to face imprisonment, 40 lashes, deportation, or as the learned masses demand — execution? Really? Why might the children not understand that this isn’t appropriate? Might the families be falling down on their religious responsibilities to educate their children about all the truly important dogma they must adhere to in order to become crazed zealots by the time they’re old enough to join a crowd in the streets to call for revenge by violent means?
You know.
To even the score.
Sure. That should take care of it.
I know somewhere, there’s a connection to the food chain. Everything has a place on it. I’m wondering what religious zealots’ place on the chain is. What their purpose in life is. Why entire countries and their governments have gotten it all so horribly wrong.
They must not have enough to read. Not enough to stimulate their intellectual capacity. Enough to encourage individuality and creativity. Constructive inspiration. Freedom.
It’s challenging for me to not acknowledge my intense reaction when I read about events such as this, or watch segments on the news. My distaste is extreme, and familiar ability to tolerate missing.
I don’t want to understand their reaction.
I don’t feel like I should have to try.
I’m not comfortable with their actions…
…or them.
They’re dangerous.
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