Reply #23: Tricky [View All]

We are dealing with some major socialogical and psychological issues here. Simply put the religious right does not see itself as bigots, sexist, homophobic, or any manner of intolerant. In fact they see their position simply as correct. And that is the crux of the matter.

Belief. It is an extrordinary thing. Everyone believes things. Its the nature of our mind. What our mind comes to believe defines the universe around us. It is the fulcrum on which we balance all we view.

Allow me to use some extremes. The religious right has a firm belief in their doctrine. From this they derive a firm belief in what qualifies as moral. Good vs Evil (note the caps). (now here comes the extreme) What would you say to someone imploring you to be tolerant of someone raping your sister. This is something you likely have a clearly defined sense of right or wrong about. In fact you would probably be quite comfortable referring to this action as evil. You would not be in the least interested in discussing the broader social ramifications of this action or where the aggressors needs are derived from.

This is the sort of situation we face with the religious right. They are quite certain that the things the oppose are Evil. Trying to reason with them will meet with failure. They believe they are right and any suggestion to the contrary will be seen as Evil.

Moderate and Liberal Christians have managed to embrace two ideas. On the one hand they have their belief in God and Jesus. But they also have embraced the ideas of Humanism. That is that in this termporal existance when dealing with other humans of varying beliefs we cannot impose our beliefs on them. We have to extend them the same rights we demand to believe as we see fit. You can still respect the person despite not sharing exact beliefs. You have in common your humanity.

But the religious right rejects Humanism. They base all their interaction on the other individuals professed acceptance of God and percieved similarity of beliefs in regard to that. They know they are right and therefor will not tolerate any Evil. They look to moderate and liberal Christians and not having real faith. They see Jesus' teachings as devisive. Designed to seperate those who are strong in their faith from those who turn their back's on Jesus.

The problem from the left's side is that we embrace tolerance. We defend the right of others to have their own beliefs. We even encourage alternative views. Thus our view never gets pushed forward. In fact we reject the notion of pressing our views. Thus the right with their strong arm tactics of trying to force their views on the world are effective unopposed. Their numbers will grow as much as the society can functionally allow while the left atrophies over time.