5. The 'Need' to Be Separate

[8 February 2021]

A second trait of the religious viewpoint which clashes with the cultural desire to move as one Human Society is the need to be ‘distinct’ and remain ‘separate’.

One driver of this, undoubtedly, is Fear. It is a fear that all that we knew, that previously made our culture distinctive, that made us feel secure - the clothing, the style of speech, the rituals, the traditions and family structures - that they are all slowly slipping away. It leads to an intense impulse to hold on tight to things in order to bind together a community but, in so doing, it can feel controlling to those struggling within, as well as appearing aloof to those outside.

It is interesting that this is by no means a religious reaction, there is much similarity with the Fear perhaps experienced by all groups, be they pro-gun Americans, fox hunting cultures, coal mining communities, victims of colonialist oppression and, now, even victims of globalisation. If a way of life is under threat, a narrowing of perspectives occurs. Things reach a point at which the group feels the need to ‘take a stand’, to raise their staff and issue a cry - “You shall not pass!” Conflict, for good or ill, arises.

The second driver is even more fundamental for the religious person. It is the sincere belief that their religion contains Truth, which the World ignores at its peril, and hence the conviction that these differences MUST be highlighted. So often these judgments, or expressions of disapproval, focus themselves upon the same issues of sex, gender, marriage, reproductive rights and sexuality. Tragically, so often lost along the way is a respect for the paths that others have walked and an understanding of the deep hurt (and trauma) caused by the naming as ‘sinful’ things which are so utterly central to the core of another person’s being.

Whilst we can recognise that many human ‘groups’ have found it a challenge to effectively adapt to this constantly changing culture, we must accept the reality that it is religious communities that have struggled to address the inequalities within their own structures and the trauma it can, unfortunately, cause.

I think my biggest sadness of recent times has been seeing the desire of many religious people to show their fellow humans total love and acceptance - every fibre of their being wishes this – whilst feeling their hands are tied by their religious perspective and, ultimately, by their interpretation of their Holy Scriptures. For if the Holy Scriptures are the Word of their God, then they are unchanging and beyond question. Some choose to stay ‘inside the tent’ and struggle internally with this dilemma, others feel they have no choice but to step outside the group in order to feel fully free, free to love unconditionally.

Central to both this weeks and lasts’ thoughts, and in fact every modern religious dilemma, is the simple profound question for the religious majority:

Can a respect for a Holy Scripture (and hence the ‘ultimate’ Truth as explained by God) be maintained as we move through the 21st century?

It is a ‘thought journey’ I have had to make myself and, if you are happy to read from time to time, for what it is worth, I would like to share it with you.

Bear with me! Jonathan

Apologies

1. To any religious people who do not feel I have represented faith fairly, I apologise – this is only my perspective on things.

2. To my LGBTQIA+ friends who have suffered or are suffering religious trauma, I apologise if I have oversimplified things.