Religious Extremism Throughout History, not Religions are the Greatest Evil in the History of the World

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart

I have no doubt that most religious leaders, and their supporters, are genuine. They believe in their faith and their only goal is to share their beliefs in love, compassion, and understanding for all people.

I was raised in the Catholic Church. For the most part, the priests and nuns I encountered were dedicated to their work, and lived according to their vows.

This story is concerned with the destruction caused by extremists who distort the teachings of the creators of their chosen faith.

THE THREE MAJOR RELIGIONS HAVE FAR MORE SIMILARITIES THAN DIFFERENCES

Anyone who reads the Tora, the Koran, or the Bible from first page to last, will be somewhat surprised. The principles, guidelines for living a more spiritual life, and other basic concepts are extremely similar with only minor differences.

Sadly, ambitious men continue to corrupt these treasured volumes and either rewrite them, or choose only the parts which support their vile, angry, and destructive views of the world and the people who do not share their distorted beliefs.

Throughout history most deaths and destruction were the result of religious extremism.

The Crusades were waged in an effort to destroy “the Infidels.” The Spanish Inquisition was focused on “cleansing radical Protestants from the only true faith.”

The cowardly attacks on 9/11 were inspired by Muslim leaders who choose to hate America simply because most of our nation’s people do not share the beliefs of a few men who adopted an extremist view of the Religion of Islam.

It may interest you to know that the fastest growing “religion” in America is “none,” and the second fastest is the Religion of Islam.”

THE FIRST AMENDMENT SHOULD BE TREASURED BY ALL MANKIND

Freedom of religion and freedom from religion are guaranteed by the First Amendment. I respect and admire anyone who is a true believer, and lives their lives according to the lessons taught within their sacred writings.

My reasons for rejecting all organized religion are based on the fact that I am expected to believe and trust the men and women standing behind a pulpit, telling me how to live my life. I am fully aware of what is right and what is wrong. I am accountable for my actions, but only to myself and those I love.

WHAT ANGERS ME ARE THE PRETENDERS

I am outraged when I watch or read about men or women who pretend to be religious for personal gain. Some you know, and some you will know.

A true and respected religious leader will never preach anger, hatred, or incite violent action. Religious leaders remain humble; never claiming superiority over others.

In America, some of the worst fake Christians are professional politicians. It is clear that many of them have never read the New Testament of the Bible because they bastardize the teachings of Jesus Christ constantly.

Although I am not religious by definition, I find the words and lessons taught by both Jesus Christ and Mohammad inspiring and perfect guides for living a more spiritual life.

What I despise are the Evangelical leaders who comprise the Christian Religious Right. Not only are they interfering illegally in our government’s proceedings to secure power and money, they support the most immoral man in the entire world: Donald Trump.

The pastor of a church Trump claims as his own revealed that the orange buffoon has never entered the house of worship once in his life. This is religious hypocrisy.

RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND RIGHT-WING POLITICIANS LIE

Contrary to certain religious leaders and fake Republican politicians, America was not founded by Christians or their beliefs in religious freedom. Although religious freedom is a part of America’s creation, freedom from religion was of equal importance. Less than a handful of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were Christians: most were Deists.

The First Amendment prevents the establishment of religion, but guarantees the right of every citizen to worship as they please, along with the right to reject all religion. This is America at its finest.

This was intended to separate church and state. However, in 2024 the CRR and the once GOP are interlocked, not because Republicans are devout Christians, but because they are desperate for votes in the coming election.

Finally, I adamantly support your right to practice the religion of your choice. If you choose none, I support that as well. However, I hope you will reject religious extremism. This never was and never will be the purpose of any legitimate religion.

May your God bless you.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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