I have been stunned by the irreligiosity of many religions in the U.S. lately. I am not talking about the usual attacks on immorality (i.e., sexual depravation, corruption, and ungodliness) that mainstream denominations are known for.
What I am referring is to the connections that the religious right has built to the supremely immoral side of the Republican Party who give away riches to the rich, forget about the poor and the needy, and sleep content while bombing into extermination the villages of other countries in the name of civilization and Christianity.
I consider myself a very spiritual person and have served for years as a SDA minister. I still find in the Bible gems of wisdom and an essential tool for teaching my kids. Yet, I cannot stand going to church and seeing the pastor talking nonsense; a nonsense that creates a worldview that in turns support the political and social injustices that this increasingly fascist regime is happily pursuing.
It is a relief to learn that there are other people in similar situations. And it is tempting to create links and groups in order to form new religious denominations that would practice a Christianity that is closer to the humble and socially radical principles of Jesus.
Yet, the problem is that even with denominations as socially progressive as the Unitarian/Universalists, do not grow fast enough to have any significant political clout. It seems as if irrationalism in religion is more attractive and more appealing to the masses than seriously intellectual and socially conscious religions.
Thus, the fastest growing religions are the ones in bed with the Enrons and neo-conservative hawks responsible for the increasing down-spiral condition of the world. It seems that they have enough blind support of large masses for a long time.
Since the elections I have tried to stay positive, but to be honest, I am not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Please, look at this diary for a poignant similar experience.