Mindless Hostility to Religion
Read this ridiculous op/ed in The LA Times today.
Neither Ms. Brooks -- nor any editors of the Times -- apparently considered any of the arguments (which are hardly outside the realm of rational thought) that are set forth here.
Does Ms. Brooks think that all the "dysfunction" in America or elsewhere in the western world is really attributable to the people who are at church every Sunday morning, rather than worshipping at the altar of George Stephanopoulos?
Neither Ms. Brooks -- nor any editors of the Times -- apparently considered any of the arguments (which are hardly outside the realm of rational thought) that are set forth here.
Does Ms. Brooks think that all the "dysfunction" in America or elsewhere in the western world is really attributable to the people who are at church every Sunday morning, rather than worshipping at the altar of George Stephanopoulos?
posted by LadybugUSA at 2:12 PM
2 Comments:
I don't have a problem with people who are attending church every Sunday morning. I don't have a problem with religion. I have a problem with people who integrate religion into secular society and politics, which the constitution unambiguously discourages (and for good reason). I have a problem with politicians who use religion as a cultural wedge to divide the electorate in order to promote an agenda they we all know has very little to do with the religious causes they are espousing. Rove and Bush are using the religious right to their own ends. I think the Miers appointment is recent eveidence of the fact that when the religious right becomse a liability the loyalty of this administration will evaporate. It is only my opinion but I believe Bush and Rove care more about political expediency than they do about "deep moral issues" facing our nation. Impressive in its political mastery, Rove found religious conservatism was the most expediate route to putting Bush in the White House.
I am truly saddened at how certain religions have staked a claim to Jesus' words and preaching to espouse intolerance and division in our society. We are a country founded on freedom, individuality and equality. These are secular values unique to our constitution and separate from whatever religious beliefs American citizens do (or don't) have (but to which they have EVERY right and encouragement to believe!!). I think the culture wars in our country are a disservice to everyone and are undermining our cohesiveness as a country and the basic principles of our governement. All this division is simply taking its toll on a weary nation. We're sick of it. Let's find some common ground and move on.
Carol, this does raise an interesting political question, however. If you look at Bill Bennett's Index of Leading Cultural indicators, the blue states in our nation lead (in the good sense) in (almost?!?) every one.
The divorce, crime, and abortion rates are all significantly lower in the blues states, while the red states lead in teen pregnancy, spousal abuse, smoking, and so on. The red states also lead in weekly church attenders.
Now, you are going to argue that church attendance is not the cause of divorce, crime, abortion, teen pregnancy, etc., and I will accept that. The question remains, however, why is there such a high degree of correlation?
Any guesses?
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