Have We Become Religion-Intolerant?

Here in the US there is an intense debate over whether or not religion belongs on state owned property, as in city parks, schools, government buildings, etc.

It’s a difficult issue because religion was part of the foundation of our country.  I think there are really two different issues:

1. To avoid adding new religious artifacts on state owned property
2. To remove all existing religious artifacts from state owned property

While it is possible to avoid adding new religious artifacts in public places, it opens to the question of “Are we really being tolerant of all religions by implementing no religions on state owned property, or are we being intolerant to religion in general.”  And on the second issue there is an even stronger case because it arguably involves destruction of our past.

There is an even broader scope to this subject.  Since most businesses avoid incorporating religion into the workplace, as it is such a sensitive subject and no business would want to be accused of discrimination or imposing religion on their employees, by also removing it from state owned property, we have restricted it to the confines of our own houses.  We all know that the standard US business has no obligation to act in a moral manner—it’s sole function is to make money to grow.  If we keep religion completely out of sight we are going to need to substitute it with some sort of moral code of ethics that we all abide by.

Personally I like religion—all religions.  I think they all have a fair amount of truth to offer the world.  To strip religion out of our culture is to remove a certain amount of truth and moral standard.  And when you remove that, you need to replace it with something else.  Otherwise we all pay the price.  We already see how businesses take advantage of workers and customers around the world, it would be unfortunate if conditions worsen instead of improve.

Interestingly enough there is a parallel between religious displays on state owned property and smoking.  In many states it is illegal to smoke inside and within 50’ of any state owned buildings.  Now they are considering banning it on state owned property such as beaches and parks.

It’s odd that someone that enjoys seeing religious displays is as restricted from that activity as someone that has a bad smoking habit.  Is practicing religion that harmful (of course putting aside the extremists waging war on non-believers)? 

I believe it is with true tolerance that we will manifest a better future :)

Here is a recent story in my area of a religious plaque that might be removed from a high school.  The plaque has been in the school since 1963:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/16/us-prayer-banner-rhodeisland-idUSTRE81F1F420120216