For awhile now I’ve been wondering about the distinction that I make between the church and the state. This is particularly relevant what with the whole mess down in ‘Bama right now. secular editorialists were pretty angry about the encroachment of religion on the state, and religious editorialists felt the opposite, a but I find the most interesting discussion to be the one over at Volokh’s blog, and it hardly mentions the giant rock at all.
It discusses the differences between Hinduism and homosexuality. Few Christians would be able to argue that a Hindu should be denied rights, despite the fact that Hinduism violates several of the ten commandments. Really, if the ten commandments are so important, why do we allow people to violate them regularly? Blasphemy, idolatry, worshipping non-Judeo-Christian gods, coveting… none of these things are criminal acts.
Nor are the majority of the laws of Leviticus applicable today to blended fabrics, dietary practice, menstruation, selling your wife and children into slavery, or sleeping with your dead brother’s wife so that she can bear an heir to his estate.
So, why do they argue against homosexuality? It’s terribly difficult to make an argument that homosexuality is inherently dangerous, unhealthy, or damaging to society. I mean, really– if you want stronger families, why not encourage gay marriage? A gay family might not be your ideal family, but at least they’re married.
The objection to homosexuality is a religious objection and has no basis, and no place, in secular law. The only response I’ve been able to coax from the right on this one is “my objection to homosexuality has nothing to do with religious doctrine, it’s God’s word!” I hate to break it to you, buddy, but the things God says to you constitute a religious doctrine, a warning sign of paranoid schizophrenia, or both.
So, the religious right today, as represented by Judge Moore, insists on some, but not all, of the commandments. It insists on some, but not all, of the laws of Leviticus. These are profoundly inconsistent religious arguments about secular matters that just come down to “this is what I believe.” Well, good for you. We’re just going to have to agree to disagree then, so quit pushing it on me.
People like that make the vast majority of the faithful look bad. Those who are truly religious can be a powerful inspiration for those around them and for the world at large. But it takes a true force of belief, and humility, and respect for others. Religion is a beautiful thing, and what Moore and his ilk push isn’t religion. It’s political maneuvering and self-aggrandizement and arrogance.
Grrr. I shake my tiny fist in rage.
Secretly Ironic 