Is Religion Different?

If we can't be racist, homophobic or discriminate against gender or age, should we be able to criticise religion? Let's take religious leaders as our example.

If religion were a person, would we treat them any differently than if it were, as some people say, a theory or an idea? If Jesus, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Krishna, Moses or any one of the important religious figures from history were stood before us, I wonder whether we would treat them any differently than just reading about them or if we would act differently in their presence?

I think we forget that as humans we all have thoughts and feelings we can’t escape. We all experience emotions, we are all tempted to do things we shouldn’t and we all enjoy things we can later regret. But there’s a difference between thoughts and actions and if we think something we shouldn’t, it’s different from saying it and it’s a long way away from encouraging others to think the same.

All of the major prophets, leaders and figures in religion have faced tough decisions in their lives and had to stand up to opposition from others. But how often have they let their tongue go loose and said what was probably on their mind? How many times did those people tell others what they really thought of them or storm off in a mood?

What’s important in life is not just how we think but also how we act. If our political leaders spoke to each other without their coded language, or with the language we hear on our streets and in our playgrounds, what would the world become?

Should we restrict what we are allowed to say and encourage or should we allow freedom of speech. Read the latest article (religiousintolerance.suite101.com/article.cfm/religion_and_freedom_of_speech) and comment on whether religion should be treated differently in our society. I’m waiting to hear your views. Email me at religiousintolerance@suit101.com