Reply To: Budweiser controversy

[Siderite]

The person who called you a silent Christian is another Christian, so that one isn’t linked with those bashing religion. I am sure you’re aware of that, but the way your post reads is as if that was from a religion basher. Some of the responses here can draw a wry smile, but aren’t understanding of why people believe.

As for Christian roots, it isn’t the oldest religion practiced on this island, and people managed to convert from Paganism to Christianity without some metaphysical conflict of culture. Similarly, the beginning of secular thought in the enlightenment didn’t. In fact, countries with the most freedom and high IQ test tend to be more secular than Christian or Muslim states which enforce their religion, be it Uganda or Afghanistan. Give me a ‘secularist utopia’ over religious busy bodies controlling and damaging lives in the name of belief. I agree that other religions do get ignored to single out Christianity. Islam often does, and is more problematic than Christianity, but that doesn’t mean I will refrain from criticising Christianity’s authoritarian and controlling elements. It goes without saying that individual Christians, Muslims or whoever can freely practice their faith, but I would argue that’s the benefit of secularism. Of course it means not shoving faith on to others, which upsets theists, but non-believers shouldn’t be subjected to religion in parts of society where it has nothing to do with religion.

Of course I am not calling for churches or mosques to be removed of faith and rituals. There are incidents where there has been overreach, like a worker told to remove a cross necklace, but they are comparatively rare and most understand this is wrong and we can strive to be more understanding for the future. That is still preferable to religious authoritarians wanting their faith to control others in some way.