I have conflicting feelings when it comes to religion.
Not in regards to what I believe myself, mind you. As a Secular Humanist, I do not believe in any form of deity, but rather in the humanity and untapped potential that reside within all of us.
(more in extended)
My conflict comes when I ponder how to think of and act towards fundamentalists. I make what seems to be a constant struggle not to think less of fundamentalist believers, to look past their professions to the goodness of the person underneath it all (or to the hypocritical weakness of lesser people who would use their religion as a shield).
Usually I'm successful in refraining from being judgemental...but then I'll read an article like this one...
Survey finds church-goers growing bolder
Many polled are leery of political compromises on core beliefs
CHICAGO - Church-going Americans have grown increasingly intolerant in the past four years of politicians making compromises on such hot issues as abortion and gay rights, according to a survey released Saturday.
At the same time, those polled said they were growing bolder about pushing their beliefs on others -- even at the risk of offending someone.
The trends could indicate that religion has become "more prominent in American discourse...more salient," according to Ruth Wooden, president of Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research organization which released the survey.
It could also indicate "more polarized political thinking. There do not seem to be very many voices arguing for compromise today," she said in an interview. "It could be that more religious voices feel under siege, pinned against the wall by cultural developments. They may feel more emboldened as a result."
You can read the rest of the article at this link.
I find it very difficult to respect the opinions of fundamentalists when I hear of them being so hell-bent on forcing themselves into the country's political discourse. Even though I know that fundamentalists do not speak for a majority of believers...still I can't help but wonder which side the moderates would choose if it came right down to it. Would a moderate Christian/Muslim/etc really support non-believers in a fight against those who profess to be the strongest believers in their given religions?
I ponder that question, and I get a sinking feeling at the answer I come to (that being "I doubt it"). I'm of the opinion (abortion is just one example of this) that there are some issues where a compromise simply cannot be made, and that when it is not possible to find a compromise, you should do everything in your power to fight for what you believe in. The other side no doubt feels the same way. Things are going to get messy before it's all over with...and I can't shake the feeling that my kind are vastly outnumbered.