Unfortunately, I had some technical difficulties trying to upload this video to my blog- but feel free to follow the link to it!
This video points out something that I've always found interesting (and troubling) about religion: the way it is used out of any kind of context to justify discriminatory or hurtful thoughts or behaviors towards one group or another. The creator of this video points out that, while homosexuality is deeply frowned upon in the Bible (this statement is often used to the serious detriment of sexual minorities, as a justification of their persecution), their are a plethora of other things that are condemned at least as strongly.
So why is it that we do not see anyone advocating for the execution of those who curse their parents, or of killing married couples who have sex during the woman's menstrual period, of the stoning of adulterers, or the importance of never mixing crops or materials? These provisions (and countless others) are clearly stated in Leviticus and Deutoronomy, along with the denouncement of homosexuality. Why is it that certain of these rules are sensibly placed in the historical context in which they were written, but a few notable exceptions are not?
It is probably natural for religion to be used for political ends- after all it is such a major cultural force. It is, however, very disturbing how often it becomes a tool for oppression when, as the creator of the video points out, the main message of so many religions have to do with loving other people.
this is a interesting thought. i totally agree with how its odd and feels a bit ironic with some of their arguments. i wrote on some similar variable but from a different angle- identity. its odd how homosexuality is one form of an identity and Religion is as well and sometimes those groups of people have to judge others identities to strengthen theirs.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that has always confused me is the contradiction inherent in these different parts of the Bible. Who gets to decide which parts we can use and when to justify our actions? How do we know which laws are the "important" ones to follow and which ones we can disregard, or which ones are out of date and which ones are still relevant? I think its funny that people who use the Bible as their main tool for arguing often refer to it as saying that these issues are black and white, clearly laid out by God. You'd think this means all or nothing, too, but apparently not...
ReplyDeletereluctantly humanity recognizes that religion should grow and forgets that God is ahead of the curve, not behind it. So we change the laws we made and forget. Some people will take anything to their own ends, while what God does cannot be turned aside. A building comes down and spirits are raised. Fear is announced and people love eachother all the more. Would that we would consciously make it work.
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