A response from the "Dark Side" - A write-off response
Dec 24 '00 (Updated Dec 27 '00)
Preamble:
I hate writing editorials. I really do. At the very base of me, I am a critic, and I much prefer to write reviews of products and give member advice in the education area. In fact, the two or three times that I have ventured into the editorial arenas on Epinions, I managed to receive my only set of Somewhat Recommended ratings. Why? Because people didn't agree with me.
Anywhere else on Epinions, if people don't agree with the reviewer, they will usually rate based on the content of their review (as it should be). I may not like "Dora the Explorer", but a well-written review that praises the show will still garner an HR from me. However, in editorials, all bets are off. For whatever reason, people rate editorials mostly on whether or not they agree with the writer's point of view. Fair? Not necessarily. But it is fact.
As such, I have always stuck to safe topics such as pet products, educational issues and cold remedies. Can't get stung there, right? Well, today I am going to make an exception, and I am hoping that you bear with me and rate my editorial based on its content instead of its point of view. I have always kept my nose clean here on Epinions, but today I am striking back. I am fed up.
Please understand -- I am not directing this at any particular group on Epinions, nor do I mean to stereotype all Christians. However, especially around Christmas-time, certain people cross the line between their own private faith and proselytizing... This editorial is for those who have either deliberately crossed that line or for those who may not realize that they have for those like me who are not Christian. Please read this with an open mind, and I encourage comments below.
The history
Recently, a number of writers participated in a write-off posted in this section on the topic of religion. I had seen the invitation for this write-off, but I didn't want to participate. Why? Because I knew that religion is such a touchy topic that I might risk marring my reputation here on Epinions, alienate some of my regular readers, and even risk getting myself added to their WOD. So, biting my tongue, I kept my mouth shut on this topic -- which is highly unusual for me to do on any topic!
The reason why I decided to keep my mouth shut is because I am not Christian. I was raised Jewish, and still consider myself to be a practicing Jew. "But that shouldn't matter!", you might say, "We all worship the same God!" But it is more complicated than that....
My friends are all Pagan. I will not and can not get into a detailed discussion as to what their religion entails, because I would be doing them a huge disservice. I am still learning about the religion, and I don't know enough about it to give an informed discourse. I do know, however, that Paganism is a nature-based religion that believes in a Goddess and a God (think Roman gods and goddesses, and it helps to crystallize it). They are not Satan-worshippers, as many Christians would believe. Why do I know this? First of all, Satan, Hell and the concept of the "Devil" are purely Christian-invented ideas. Jews do not believe in Hell or a devil, and neither do Pagans. They do not practice "Black Magic", because, again, it all comes back to the same idea that you can't worship a deity that was created in another religion. The idea simply does not exist for them, as it does not for me.
As I have come to learn more and more about Paganism, the more I have come to appreciate the different aspects and beliefs that it espouses. In fact, I would venture to say that I have become a Judeo-Pagan at heart: although I am still monotheistic and I like to celebrate the Jewish traditions, I have "borrowed" many tennents of Paganism and have incorporated them into my belief structure. I call it the "Buffet-style" approach to religion.
So why did I choose to include this diatribe in the "Family Values" section of Epinions?
The last thing I would ever want to be is off-topic. I may be long-winded, and it may take me an age-and-a-half to get to my point, but I am rarely off-topic.
In my mind, one of the most important family values that a parent can teach their child is one of acceptance and tolerance.
After the valiant struggles of those who partook in the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's, most of us would never dream of telling our children that black people are evil or that you should pray for the souls of minorities. Yet, for some reason, religion has yet to be cured of its acceptance of of intolerance.
Unfortunately, over the past few years, I have seen an amazing amount of prejudice carried out in the name of religion. I don't want to point fingers at the members of any religion, but I have just about had it with Christians a) assuming I am Christian during the holidays, and b) informing me that I am going to hell because I don't believe that Christ is my savior and that he died for my sins.
There I said it.
Hate me if you must, but hear me out at the very least. When I have children, I will first and foremost teach them the idea of tolerance. Not just tolerance for people with different skin colors than mine, but tolerance for all sexual preferences and proclivities, and most importantly, religious tolerance and acceptance.
What you choose to do and believe in your own mind and on your own time is entirely up to you. Spread your distrust, assumptions and fanaticism towards me, and I will step right up to challenge you at every turn.
My Rant:
I am tired of being told "Merry Christmas" this time of year. A minor point, but how rude and obnoxious can one be to assume someone else's religion? If two men live together, they could either be roommates or lovers -- why assume either one? How dare you assume that everyone else is just like you? My religion existed first, and in fact, Jesus was a Jew. Why would you disrespect me, my religion and beliefs by making the unbelievable assumption that since you are a Christian, everyone must be a Christian? To me, you just seem painfully closed-minded.
Paganism is a religion, recognized by the US Government, that is older than Christianity and, indeed, provides many of the beliefs, holidays and practices that Christianity follows. Why would you naturally assume that my friends practice black magic, or that they worship the devil, just because they are Pagan? You were told that by your Church? Well, think again, do some research, and open your minds. That kind of lock-step, blind acceptance of a higher authority's teachings is what led to the extermination of the Jews in Nazi Germany.
Why is it that if I were to go up to a black person and spout every single stereotypical remark I could think of, insulting their heritage and who they were, I would be branded a racist, yet when the religious right insists that they are the only ones who will be going to heaven because they are the only ones who accepted the Truth, it is accepted and encouraged? Why can the Church -- and those who subscribe to its beliefs -- get away with intolerance and hatred of all who are not just like them? How dare you tell me that you are the only ones who have the right to get into heaven, or that there is a heaven at all! You may be wrong, I may be wrong, and most likely, we are probably all wrong! Who cares! Keep your religious beliefs to yourself, be happy that you have found Christ, and leave me and my friends to believe in what we wish.
Ok, getting back to the point
I have been truly disgusted by what I have been reading in this category under the guise of "Family Values." What kind of family values are you espousing? Intolerance, distrust and hatred of anyone who does not believe in the same things as you do. "Not me!", these people might proclaim. But it is true. Some of my friends are witches -- real witches. What was the first thought that popped in your mind? I thought so. Either you don't see it as a "real" religion (and what gives you that supreme right, by the way), or you immediately assume that their magic is evil and associated with the devil. Really? Funny, I have known my friends for years and years and years, and they are all wonderful, decent people.
Your family values can and should be shaped by your religion. However, as many a bumper sticker has said; "Hate is not a family value". If you chose to get your guidance and faith from the Church, more power to you. However, I refuse to accept the fact that religious intolerance is accepted as a family value -- but it is.
As you read through the many editorials that have been submitted in this category concerning religion, try to keep in mind that at the very base of what these people are saying is the message that they are right and anyone who does not believe in Jesus is wrong. Please try to be more open-minded and accepting than they.
Intolerance and ignorance are not and should not be considered "Family Values"
- Jen
P.S. I know that religious fanatics may NR me because of my views and the harsh stand that I have taken. Fine. Be closed-minded. I just appreciate the fact that you have proved my point. I could not have done a better job myself.
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Epinions.com ID:
BunnyJav
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Location: Minneapolos, MN
Reviews written: 34
Trusted by: 59 members
About Me:
"You're the true Lord of the Dance, no matter what those idiots at work say"
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