I am not a Christian. Was born a Catholic, but long since deserted that path. Today, much more spiritual than religious. And from that perspective, articles like this are perplexing to me.
Honestly, I think Christianity has been on divergent paths for quite some time. One of many, may still harbor religious aspirations, but others are much more political and economic in nature. To me, the Christian Right or Evangelical movement acts more like a PAC than a religion. Those principles that it espouses (Pro-Life being just one of many) are pushed outward with military precision. With ruthless determination to eliminate all opposing viewpoints, as if any view other than theirs is not only against God, but against some unseen set of rules that all Humans must follow. Must … or something horrific will happen.
Very cult like in my opinion.
When I think of Jesus Christ, I think in terms of a person elevating themselves spiritually during very trying times. Same for Buddha or Mohammed or any others like them. I see them as Humans and not divine. In this way, I can benefit from their teachings without HAVING to believe one set of rules or another. Without having to consider their words as commands, that must override any thoughts I might have to the contrary.
Deep down I like religions. I like churches (the actual structures) and what they represent. I guess what I am saying is that the closer any religion is to its roots, to the basic thoughts and beliefs about an individual’s relationship with God and the universe, the better it is, the simpler it is and the less likely it can be used as a tool or weapon against others.
I can’t disconnect the history of religions from some pretty wicked shit. The Crusades, The Inquisition, the centuries of enforced ignorance and persecutions. The secrets, the lies. The institutional suppression of ideas, personal freedoms, on and on. But I still like religion at its core.
I still think it can be of service. But God is a powerful concept. A proven marketing powerhouse. People will continue using it to further their own ends. This Kanye West problem you allude to, being only one of them.
Our current political situation owes much of its tenacity and staying power to the support it receives from the religious right and other religious groups. Turning political policies into religious beliefs and vice versa is dangerous territory. There’s a reason that the separation of church and state was elevated to national importance. A priority we violate at our own peril.
