Time to Think: RELIGIOUS PREJUDICE:
By Dr. D. Paul Reilly -
Nassau, Bahamas:

As most of my regular readers will be aware of, one of my pet peeves is prejudice of any kind. Most will also be familiar with the fact, that although I am indeed a very strong proponent of living a truly spiritual life, I’m at the same time not at all keen on organized religion. Now, when one puts the two together, that is Religion and Prejudice, it does become a really disgusting duo.

What gave me the incentive to write this particular article, was reading several advertisements for staff in the local newspapers in The Bahamas, which believe it or not, actually listed as one of the qualifications required, that the applicant for the job MUST be a Christian. This My Friend, is pure and simple blatant ‘Religious Prejudice’ and would indeed not be tolerated in most civilized societies.

That’s right, one would not be allowed to put an advertisement in the papers in The U.S., Canada, or Great Britain stating that the applicant MUST be a Christian, it would not be allowed by law, as it is indeed deeply prejudicial. In fact, I am led to believe, that it’s actually against the Bahamian Constitution to discriminate against a person because of their religion, and yet the newspapers allowed this deeply offensive to many, and indeed blatantly prejudicial advertisement to be published.

Now, for those narrow-minded so-called Christians who feel that they should be allowed to advertise for, and only employ so-called Christians; I wonder how they’d feel if they read an advertisement in the local paper in The Bahamas looking for staff, stating that the applicants MUST be ‘Muslim’ or ‘Buddhist’ or ‘Hindu’? I believe we all know the answer to that question, they’d be up in arms stating that the advertisement was prejudicial…and of course, they’d be absolutely correct.

Gordon W. Allport said "Individuals having no religious affiliation show on the average less prejudice than do church members". How sad, but alas how absolutely true that statement is. On the subject of prejudice Knute Rockne certainly seemed to sum up my feelings when he said "Most men, when they think they’re thinking, are merely rearranging their prejudices". Now, he certainly hit the nail on the head!

One of the people whom I really admire is the late, great Mohandas Gandhi, who was indeed an excellent example for all the world to behold, of a truly spiritual human being. On the subject of religion Gandhi said "I consider myself a Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, and Confucian" How very well put there by Gandhi; but I guess that his words of wisdom, and indeed wonderful TRUTH,would just sail right over the heads of so many of those so-called Christians, who daily practice ‘Religious Prejudice’. Lord oh lord, the things some people do in the so-called name of God….it never does cease to amaze me.

I honestly believe, that Sigmund Freud got it right when he so wisely said "When a man is freed of religion, he has a better chance to live a normal and wholesome life". To which I will just add a loud AMEN! Finally, Frederick The Great who lived from 1712 to 1786 said "ALL religions must be tolerated....for....every man must get to heaven his own way". Yes indeed, he must.

THINK ABOUT IT!

E-mail: dpr@humanRI.com

30 May 2007