Dangerous Rhetoric

Aren’t we all children of the same creator?

Some of the most dangerous words in the New Testament are, “No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” Followers of Jesus were told to go into all parts of the world and spread the message.

While these words are attributed to Jesus, one must consider that the ancient scrolls were translated by scholars centuries after they were first created. And remember, too, that these scholars were working for a patron, King James, who had an agenda.

My parents, both ministers, and I had plenty of conversations about this when I was growing up.

I wanted to know what happens to the people who don’t get the message. Does the creator of everyone just allow some of his creations to fall through the holes in the clouds?

I didn’t get a good reception when I pointed out that the people of Greece believed as firmly in Zeus as my parents did in the Almighty. And they didn’t appreciate my take that religions are manmade constructs that are more about power than they are about believing in God.

Religion can be a force for good. It can also be dangerous. I see the damage that is being done by state leaders as they attempt to turn Oklahoma into a religious caliphate, a move that makes some people outsiders in their own homeland.

My parents also preached that God gave us free will. Our state superintendent is trying to make our public schools anti-free-will zones.

Both the U.S. and Oklahoma Constitutions guarantee a person’s right to make their own decisions about religion. That means, if you believe it is your job to spread the word, you may do so, but you don’t have the right to involve the government in your proselytizing.

Every religion has something to offer those who believe. And we all have the right to believe. That should be enough. Too many wars have been waged over religion, both culture wars and actual death and destruction.

Remember that the New Testament also entreated us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Good advice! Now, let’s get on with the business of being good neighbors and making Oklahoma a fine place to raise families and run businesses. What the governor and his minions are doing now just isn’t working.