Calling the Country Back to God

Religion alone is neither a solution to a socioeconomic problem nor a proper answer to persistent injustice. Religion can just as readily be a diversion from reality.

Questions: “What God are you talking about?” and “Which is the right religion?” and “What function does religion serve?”

Religion is that facility by which a social group sanctifies its norms and values. With few exceptions, the existing traditions are heavily tainted by paternalism, misogyny and xenophobia. Merely calling upon God or religion to quell social unrest might just fuel the fire, scarcely what could be regarded as redemption.

A far better invocation would be call all particular religions to a global revelation: Find a common unity and cleanse your sanctuaries of enmity and hate, prejudice and pseudo-righteousness, so that you might find each other and preserve the planet.

I’m sure this letter will be rebuked by many Herald readers and pastors with conservative Christian values. However, love of religion and God has not proven effective enough throughout centuries of division, hate and killing in the name of your personal god. Nor should a biblical book be the order of laws for all. A choice to receive a spiritual identity – God – should not be governed by religion nor political majority.

Editor’s Note: The Herald allows readers to speak with their own voices. We edit letters lightly and only for spelling, grammar, clarity and conformance to community standards (no bad words, please).

We also welcome responsible replies and alternative points of view. Send your thoughts to 113 N. Market St., Martinsburg 16662 or news@mcheraldonline.com.

Herald subscriber Dan Markel identifies himself as a born-again Christian. He writes from Lancaster, Pa.