Even in the early years of this countries history... There were then, just as there are now, many people who were intolerant of those who invest more heavily in mythology than they do in reason. And I'm certain that it was for the exact same reasons then as it is now.
Early American history offers plenty of examples or organizations and actions that were created just to confront criticisms aimed at religion. Georgetown University was apparently founded in part to combat religious intolerance in the area. And the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649.
There is a common misconception that these types of resolutions were in place to resolve differences between different religious groups. Though it is easy enough to see that this cannot be an accurate assessment when one recalls the objections to religion those who penned the Constitution are well known to have voiced.
What is perplexing to me is that many talk about religious intolerance in early America, yet I am guessing that those who recall this intolerance and take specific exception to it, never asked why religion was met with opposition in the first place.
My guess is that such an inquiry is avoided because cognitive dissonance prevents it... But the reality of what is at hand does not dismiss the question... It only serves to irritate religious folk who need to have some way of feeling like a persecuted victim. Thusly, they can then attempt to display some form of righteous indignation they hope will serve to put their critic on the defensive.
Alas, one thing remains... Religion does indeed have a history of trespassing... Even those who sought a place where their spirituality would not be delegated by any other spirituality or agenda knew this, and left Europe as a result. That this agenda has been perverted into exactly what it was meant to avoid is to say the least - IRONIC - Irony in its most vulgar form... What a shame.
Admittedly, that religion trespasses is not confined to Christianity or early America.
Early American history offers plenty of examples or organizations and actions that were created just to confront criticisms aimed at religion. Georgetown University was apparently founded in part to combat religious intolerance in the area. And the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649.
There is a common misconception that these types of resolutions were in place to resolve differences between different religious groups. Though it is easy enough to see that this cannot be an accurate assessment when one recalls the objections to religion those who penned the Constitution are well known to have voiced.
What is perplexing to me is that many talk about religious intolerance in early America, yet I am guessing that those who recall this intolerance and take specific exception to it, never asked why religion was met with opposition in the first place.
My guess is that such an inquiry is avoided because cognitive dissonance prevents it... But the reality of what is at hand does not dismiss the question... It only serves to irritate religious folk who need to have some way of feeling like a persecuted victim. Thusly, they can then attempt to display some form of righteous indignation they hope will serve to put their critic on the defensive.
Alas, one thing remains... Religion does indeed have a history of trespassing... Even those who sought a place where their spirituality would not be delegated by any other spirituality or agenda knew this, and left Europe as a result. That this agenda has been perverted into exactly what it was meant to avoid is to say the least - IRONIC - Irony in its most vulgar form... What a shame.
Admittedly, that religion trespasses is not confined to Christianity or early America.
No comments:
Post a Comment