Can't We All Just Get Along?

The title may be trite but the sentiment is heartfelt. Near my home is a billboard that warns against the evils of Atheism. Apparently some Christian group is worried about people's lack of faith or belief in God. I have also noticed a similar sentiment in secular-humanism publications that tend to blame society's ills on the rise of religion in general and Christianity in specific. Where does it end? In reality not all members of each group see the other as a threat.

Contrary to popular belief tolerance is practiced by those whom have strong faith in their particular set of personal beliefs. Not all Christians feel the need to rush out and evangelize to non-believers. There are many Atheists who accept those with religious beliefs as otherwise intelligent beings. The problem starts when those on the fringes of any movement look to rally their followers by finding an outside group to demonize.

Yes, I am a Christian. I have strongly held beliefs based upon my interpretation of the Bible and my own understanding of God. I would never profess to know what is right for another. The best I can do is help guide a person to seek knowledge for themselves. If they discover what they sought I am thrilled. If it is not what I thought it would be I do not take offense. Each and every person must seek the truth in their own way.

Not all Christians hold the same world view. These individuals believe that there is but one path to heaven and that path can only lead to Jesus Christ. This is the basis of Christianity I admit. I am not so cocksure that I would decry any other belief systems though. Yet some see Atheism as threatening. They see it as some kind of detour which will cause us to become lost on the road to salvation. It is treated as some kind of disease. They have taken up the sword of righteousness in preparation for holy combat.

What is the real threat in this scenario? I believe that the "detour" I mentioned is but a red herring. The fear is real I am sure. What it stems from is their own doubt. When one is confident about one's beliefs then one's foundation is unshakable. But if a person is regularly wrestling with their doubts they will see anything that confirms them as an invader; much the way white blood cells attack foreign pathogens in the body. They hate what Atheists profess because, in their heart of hearts, they see a nugget of truth in it. This shakes them to their very core.

Oftentimes Secular-Humanists are also Atheists. There are mainstream periodicals, such as The Humanist, that regularly discuss issues important to the secularist. I agree with many of the tenants of this group. People should do what they can to take care of others through compassion, reason and logic. We should care not only for each other but for those with no voice such as animals and the environment. Politics and religion both should keep to the sidelines as everyday humans try to work out their differences amongst themselves. It is all about doing the right thing.

Doing what is best is oftentimes hampered by religious zealots according to members of the Humanist mindset. Humanists want to do what is best in their worlds and communities but must contend with religious roadblocks. I have read numerous articles which usually ended with the blame squarely being placed upon the shoulders of the Christian community. In some cases it is suggested that certain problems would not even exist if it were not for meddling by members of the "far right." Science cannot prove the existence of God and therefore, whatever is done in His name, must be a lie.

I got an overall feeling from reading a year's worth of The Humanist. If that magazine is any indication then religion is not the problem. Atheists seem to be sure that once you die there is nothing whatsoever. There is no life and no existence. I truly think that the issue is frustration. Religion is a large part of many people's lives. It is reflected in every aspect of our culture. From saying "God bless you" to displaying creches during Christmas, religious imagery and symbolism is all around us. Some Atheists are just mad as hell that they should be exposed to what they are so sure is an illusion. Their level of tolerance is about that of a two-year old child.

All of the reasons I gave for each side hating the other are just semantics. The real basis for all of this intolerance is as old as time itself. Each group needs some other group to be their enemy. They need a faceless cause to fight against. This not only emboldens them but gives meaning to their very existence. If they were not fighting their perceived enemy they would probably be fighting against each other. I have no doubt that, due to varying degrees of Atheism and Christianity, there is much infighting already going on.

Not everyone within a group hold exactly the same set of beliefs. Each member may not feel the same way about the tenants of the group nor about how their goals should be achieved; or even what those goals are. Who really benefits from the polarization that goes on within these subcultures? Think about it for a moment. No really, go ahead, I will wait. The leaders do. They are the ones who created these organizations, made the rules and keep the people together under one banner. They have all done so with one simple reason: Power!

Power corrupts to be sure. What scares me though is that these mini-dictators were probably corrupt to begin with. These few could not get what they craved from ordinary citizens so they got the bright idea to anoint themselves and gather their followers. They did so under the guise of righteousness and the mandate of fighting those who they deemed to be threats. I may be getting off the track here somewhat but I suggest that this is not limited to extreme Humanist or Christian organizations. Arguments could be made from Scientology to Falun Gong. There will always be those in power who care little for the cause but only for themselves.

Getting back to the subject at hand I hope that secularists and religious people can work together for the common good. It may surprise them to learn that what both groups want is very similar in nature. It is only the means to achieve these goals that may differ. We should cross the aisle and shake hands with our neighbor. It is imperative we put aside our old assumptions about each other and openly and peacefully discuss our mutual concerns. We are more powerful united as one force for change than divided and working at cross-purposes. We are more alike than different no matter what propaganda you may have heard as of late.

Belief or non-belief in a deity should not automatically exclude someone from any group or from any mission to do good works. Causing pain and violence are real threats. Having thoughts that differ from another is not. We must learn to understand the difference. Not every thought translates into an action. Not every action translates into a negative outcome. Getting along is a good mantra for all of us. Let us tear down the proverbial fence, talk to one another and walk the path of goodness and humanity together!