Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 14 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
OpEdNews Op Eds    H4'ed 3/27/09

Rising Above Religious Supremacy

By       (Page 1 of 2 pages)   8 comments
Message Sharon Roach
Become a Fan
  (1 fan)

The dividing lines religions have caused among mankind run deep but in this 21st century we have the opportunity within our nation’s transition to begin dialogue and reconciling. The election of President Barack Obama has broken many barriers on race and politics that can serve as a catalyst for a renewed vigorous movement for religious tolerance. For clarification purposes I am not signifying that President Barack Obama himself should be the center of a renewed movement but the activity that surrounded his election which came from “people of all races, cultures, classes and most important religions uniting to effect what they thought was change in our nation”.  It is imperative that we grasp this energy and use it to fuel a strong, assertive religious tolerance movement.  

Since the dawn of civilizations mankind has been at war for religious supremacy. Our earth has witnessed the devastating crusades, genocides and enslavement of people for religious advancement. This advancement has caused the needless death of millions worldwide. In today’s society the ill-effects of religious supremacy can be seen in the bold denouncement of individuals who do not join certain religious institutions as infidels, sinners, untouchables and derogatory subjections of pagans and heathens. In ancient times religion played a vital and equal role to the governing of a nation and was often one and the same. It was advantageous to point out the enemy of the nation by their differing religious beliefs because it helped instill loyalty, defense, power and supremacy of that nation in the mind of its people. The Jihadist is motivated to kill by their religious indoctrination but their death ultimately serves the advancement of a religious faction for political power. Likewise, some of the Christian Crusades though politically motivated were religiously inspired. During World War II men were motivated to fight the enemy through mingled messages of religion, loyalty and nation combined to create duty and responsibility to God on the battlefield.    

Today, after eight years of the Christian Rights crusade under the leadership of George W. Bush, the Obama movement became a beacon of hope for all who grew weary of the theocracy that became our government. However, it is the movement of the people during this phenomenon that I would like to focus on. The banner of hope and change during the Obama campaign met with a resounding approval from cross-sections of the American people. A doorway was opened for fresh new ideas, unity and positive action but that doorway will not remain open for long as the weight of the economy and mistakes of the Obama administration threatens to shut it. Now is the time for consortiums on religious relations to become assertive in their promotions for religious tolerance while the air in the nation is still tolerant to change. This is a great moment in our nation to establish a firm foundation for progress. 

  

We have to move pass ecumenical ceremony and have serious dialogue on how we can begin to recognize and appreciate the beauty and truth in all of our religions. It is hard to think of an opposing religious contemporary as an infidel, sinner or heathen when we have began a sincere and consistent exchange of understanding. It is imperative that we recognize that one of the main ingredients of all religions is to help the individual uplift themselves. Just think of how our world can be changed when Jews begin to look at Muslims as people who are trying to uplift the humanity within their region or when Christians here in America can view their fellow Catholics, Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses as institutions which are trying to uplift a section of humanity. Regardless of how each may try they will never be the single religion on this earth, reality trumps this dream. Instead of competing to see who can gain the most people on earth they must each look at how they can help advance all of humanity.    

Next Page  1  |  2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).

Must Read 1   Well Said 1   Interesting 1  
Rate It | View Ratings

Sharon Roach Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Concerned world citizen, spiritual woman of God, author and activist.
Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

Hell is Truth Seen To Late

Yearning for Zion Ranch: Religion Gone Bad

Pimps in the Pulpit: FLDS Warren Jeffs & other Hucksters

You can be spiritual without the church

Rising Above Religious Supremacy

Anti-War and Civil Rights Movements in Jeopardy

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend