I grew up in a religious (Catholic) family – we went to church every
Sunday, participated in all of the sacraments, and were very involved in our faith
and church. When I was in high school, I became quite religious myself – leading
retreats for other high schoolers, reading my Bible, praying, and being a leader in
our church youth group. I was always pegged as a “good little Christian girl” by my
classmates. (Which was quite annoying as a 17-year-old, but in retrospect, was
probably a good thing. Because they typecast me, I stayed out of trouble. No one was
going to ask the Good Little Christian Girl to do Naughty Things.)
As a freshman in college, a coworker and I got into a conversation about religion,
and he remarked, “Most wars are started by religion; religion does more harm than
good.”
My 18-year-old self was scandalized. Religion? Bad? He’s obviously a heathen.
This conversation was followed by four transformative years of college. I’ve come a long way since my simplistic understanding of the ways that
religion contributes both positively and negatively to our world. As I’ve become
more balanced in my own personal faith journey, I’ve been able to see that there
are, in fact, many negative effects of religion. Individuals (including the
18-year-old me) can become judgmental and divisive in the name of religion. Instead
of being a tool to create a more loving, caring world – we can use religion to
justify violence and hate.
In my opinion, the purpose of religion should be to inspire individuals to create a
better world through bettering themselves; to become kinder, gentler, more open, and
more generous individuals. Religion and spirituality should call us outward towards
others, not just inward.
I think religion makes the world a better place when this happens. And it so often
does.
Religiously-affiliated colleges and high schools more often educate about social
justice and include service in their curriculum. Religious charities feed the
hungry, care for the sick and orphaned, and advocate for the poor. I’ve met some of
the most amazing religious sisters (nuns) dedicate their lives to working for peace
and justice. They inspire me and make me proud to consider myself a part of their
religion.
Plus, Jesus was all about loving your neighbor, not getting hung up on specific
rules, and nonviolence. He was a pretty radical guy.
That’s not to say that the teachings of religions aren’t ever hurtful or harmful.
I’ve personally struggled with this; it can be so heartbreaking. I’ve seen
discrimination in this country that has angered and frustrated me. Someday, I’ll
write a post about living in a country of Muslims during 9/11 and coming back to my
own country, surprised and saddened to find resentment and unfounded beliefs about
Islam running rampant.
I am, In fact, an unlikely defendant of religion. Even as I write this, I’m torn to
be defending something that has hurt so many. But I’m writing about it, because I
think when it’s done well, religion can contribute to a better world.
But today, I want to talk about how you think religion has both helped or harmed our
cities, our countries, and our world.
Me? I don’t think you need religion or faith to be a good person, but I think that
religion has the potential to make the world a better place.
Ashley
:: Vegetarian, tree hugger, crafter, designer, coffee lover, sometimes-runner and social justice-r. ::
is here,
and you can also follow her on Twitter.
