PIETY IN THE SKY

I am so tired of hearing politicians brag about their religious beliefs...and even more tired of cattle-like Americans who continue to willingly follow that noise all the way to the slaughterhouse.

Who cares if our leaders are religious? Given the behaviour of religious groups I would prefer a leader with no religious ties whatsoever. A leader with a brain not influenced by groups that so proudly encourage the personally defined ethical exhaltation of their members.

Consider the Bible and how many people use the Bible to administer their hatred and judgement on others based solely on the explanation, "Because the Bible says so". I love that argument. Hate and judge because of what it says, and doesn't say, in the Bible. And even better that religionists are allowed to pick and choose the virtues they will battle. So I guess the religionists believe that although God is perfect, he made these calamitous blunders...creating different races, cultures, alternative love interests, etc. Huge mistakes. And now it's up to the religionists to dispense their interpretation of religious justice to anyone outside of the box they so define...based on the magic, and ever changing alleged wisdom, of the Bible. Do you folks really think that's the plan? That's what you take in when you're reading this book? Perhaps a dictionary might prove a wise investment.

In fact, one could argue that the demise of civilization can be blamed on the practice of religion. I think I can say this without fear of successful contradiction; All of us have heard a religious person justify an act or perhaps a statement with "Because it says so in the Bible". That's the religious coup de grâce of all arguments. The catch-all phrase that basically says "I'm doing this because God said I should". So with that understanding, how completely mad would it seem to want a person in power who cannot coherently justify his decisions? Who can not validate his actions without the reassurance and security blanket of religion, and without effectively telling the nation 'The Bible said so'. One who acts on what is best for the country and not what is best for the religious country. If I wanted that I would be going to church. Come to think of it, perhaps they should be running for church president! Church leader elections could run a campaign on that platform. Each candidate could get up and speak about "Here is what I believe about God and the Bible". Go ahead and run a campaign on that platform and in that venue all day long. People choosing to follow those particular religious beliefs and seek that particular candidate's leadership could elect to join up and soak in all of the Bible-icious teachings they can ingest. Now that would actually qualify as quintessential freedom of choice...believing what you wish, but not harming or hindering another in the process. Hallelujah!! However, when you're talking about running a country and deciding what's best for the mixed and diverse group that makes up a country, the religious influence grossly limits the sound judgement needed to make decisions that are best for ALL the country.

I personally don't believe in religion. I certainly respect everyone's right to believe what they want, worship however they want, and pray how and to whomever they want. I also believe in my right not to. If God shows up on a ballot, call me. Otherwise, run the country with your brain, not your Bible.

PEACE