WHY SINGLE OUT CHRISTIANITY?
I’m not a fan of organized religion, and I am not a fan of Christianity in particular. I’ve been very open with my criticism of the belief system, and have shared my opinions with my Facebook, Twitter, and in the forums of many other websites. One of the responses that I usually get from someone defending Christianity, or looking for more parity in my critique of organized religions, is that I should spend more time critiquing all religions rather than Christianity.
I am a secular humanist, and as such I don’t believe in the supernatural under any circumstances. This applies to deities, witches, mermaids, fairies, and whatever other supernatural beings humanity has imagined, so it’s not as if I don’t recognize the need to critique all supernatural beliefs, but I do think Christianity is in a class all by itself and I will explain why.
The two largest religions in the world are Christianity (estimated 2.1 billion followers) and Islam (estimated 1.5 billion followers). Both religions have spread their influence around the world, but there is a distinction to be made between the two. While it is true that Islam is a patriarchal religion, and of major concern, Christianity is a religion that is intertwined with imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchy. When a belief system is as glued to those various systems of domination as Christianity certainly is it becomes not only difficult, but dangerous to not put it in its own category. There is much to be said about the way Islam reinforces and affirms systems of domination, but it is a faith that exists outside of white supremacy.
So, the reason that I place Christianity in a category by itself is not because I want to unfairly spotlight one faith over another, but rather that Christianity is a unique religion in that it is so embedded in various systems of oppression. I believe it would be remiss of me, and any other critics of religion to deny that Christianity is a faith aided and informed by imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchy. Not simply a belief system, but one that seeks to extend its authority around the world. Not simply a belief system, but one that is ruled by white men. Not simply a belief system, but one that supports a system of capitalist exploitation. Not simply a belief system, but one that is male dominated and is rooted in the oppression of women. I believe that all persons should be able to worship as they please and believe in whatever mythical belief that they choose, but those persons also have to realize that a belief system is not off limits merely because it has been around a long time, or has more power and influence than other religions.
Christianity is not just “any ole” belief system. Unlike other religions, Christianity is melded with imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchy, and I do not think we can overlook that fact.
Posted on January 10, 2011, in Free Thought. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu – white, supremacist and patriarchal? Er, no – but he is male I suppose
Got Link here VIA @ileducprof on Twitter. I appreciate your post, though wonder why you would be an intellect who claims to be an anti-intellect.
Personally, I can relate to why you would single out Christianity in particular in relation to what should be a valid criticism of religion in general, esp. the wars that go on between people based upon ~at least on the surface~ the two great religions in the world today. I respect the good wisdom that is to be found in all of the great religions.
As you typed, “Christianity is a religion that is intertwined with imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchy.”
I myself believe in Creator. The concept of the Creator cannot even be fully fathomed by the mortal mind, intellectually. There are some matters in life that we leave up to one’s faith as a matter of free will. These days it is more of a shame how killings are justified in the name of religion.
~Namaste, Che Peta
Great post!!! You seem like a serious atheist. I’m eagerly hoping that they do an English version of “Perche non possiamo essere cristiani” (Why we can’t be Christians) by Piergiorgio Odifreddi. It’s where he dissects the Bible, word by word. We have the Italian version. Anyway, thanks:-)
Terry
A misperception of Christianity is that it’s the “white man’s religion.”. While this is false, it’s completely understandable.
The Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek. Abraham’s skin wasn’t white. The writers of the Bible were not white. Even the translators of the King James were not white.
I agree though, throughout history, Christianity has been used to oppress, pimp, and start wars. It has also been warped into a capitalist system, that no one can deny.
Still, I don’t understand why you supposedly single out Christianity. Nor do I care.
@SoTrippy