Four Dangerous Titles: Priest, Minister, Pastor, Reverend

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart

 

It is an undeniable fact that the greatest danger to the American people is domestic terrorism. With this irrefutable truth comes an additional fact, Christian leaders have been complicit in the death and destruction of millions of men and women throughout history. In America, religious leaders promote anger, hatred, and instigate violence against those who disagree with their twisted beliefs. They are wealthy and pay no taxes, and giving up these privileges is unthinkable.

The first Europeans to land on the shore of the new nation were members of religious institutions. No one was allowed to challenge the leaders of these groups, fearing alienation and retaliation. The term “God” was used continuously, and threats of “eternal damnation” were used as weapons to secure obedience and servitude.

Between 1050 and 1300 military assaults, originating from Christian-dominated countries, were responsible for the deaths of Christians and Muslims alike, estimated to be somewhere between one and seven million. The only purpose was to rid the near east of “infidels,” predominately Muslims.

The cowardly attacks on 9/11 were conducted by religious extremists, claiming to be Muslims. Those identifying themselves as “Christian Americans,” sought revenge “in the name of God.”

Three of America’s worst presidents, Jimmie Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush, openly admitted that they believed that the only true religion was Christianity, in violation of the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans, including myself.

Evangelical leaders supported Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, although he is a confirmed sexual predator, liar, criminal, and a man who supports racism, bigotry, and replacing democracy with a fascist regime.

Religious leaders prey on the weak-minded, and those who are desperate to find meaning in their unfulfilled lives.

There are two issues included in our nation’s list of political topics which affect the results of our elections which should never have become issues. If the Christian Religious Right did not exist, and if it was not in control of the women and men who call themselves “Republicans,” abortion and same-sex marriage would have remained personal decisions.

Doctors and nurses have been murdered because the believe a woman has a right to make difficult choices about her physical and mental health. A one-inch fetus has more value for pro-lifers than their mothers, sisters, and wives.

Hate crimes have increased in America since 2017. Members of the LGBTQ community continue to be harassed and murdered for a single reason: they identify themselves as something other than heterosexual.

Finally, I am a member of what I can only call “the fastest growing religion in America.” I am one of about 75 million Americans who refuse to belong to any organized religion and are either agnostics or atheists. I believe that it is not necessary for me to have another man or a woman tell me how to live a life of spirituality and how to have compassion for all mankind.

Op-ed by James Turnage

Find my nine novels here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Turnage/author/B00LOCJ2Z2?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true