… do we not bleed? Spiritual freedom is today’s topic and I’m feeling angry.
Shylock’s quote from The Merchant of Venice is oft quoted as speaking to the humanity of Jewish people. I mean, context is a thing here, but I want to explore a few things today that is strongly linked to this.
Brigid’s Path
I speak about helping women find their spiritual path and recover from strict, rigid, patriarchal, religious rules. Usually, I help them find the path that’s right for them. I help them find the spiritual freedom that has eluded them so far. That doesn’t mean abandoning the religion of their youth. Not always.
It can mean deconstructing and re-learning the core truths of that religion, in a way that strips the whole process of the patriarchal bullshit.
It can mean walking away and never engaging with that religion again.
It’s about what’s right for the person I’m working with.
Why am I talking about this?
Bondi Beach
The shootings on Bondi Beach, the murders on Bondi Beach, have the global Jewish community reeling. It’s very soon after the Manchester murders. It’s definitely a sign of rising anti-Semitism across the globe.
But as the article from the Irish Times points out – it’s no better for Muslims right now. Islamophobia is rising as well. (Yes, there are countries – plural – that has Islam as the majority religion, whereas there is only one – singular – where Judaism is the majority religion).
People are often shocked when I won’t decry one religion or the other. I don’t know why – again, I work with (mostly) women to help them find the spiritual freedom they crave!
I will speak to religions I know about – mainly the Irish flavour of Roman Catholicism, and sometimes Christianity more generally. But the faith at the heart of that religion? They all generally come down to the same issues.
- Treat people right
- Be decent to each other and the land and the animals
- Don’t be an asshole
Ok, the technical definition of the above changes according to times and seasons and places, but that doesn’t mean they are wrong, as such.
Spiritual Freedom
I believe, deeply, that we all have the right to spiritual freedom. And by that – I mean, the right to practice our spirituality as long as it doesn’t impact on other people in a serious way.
Because someone told me earlier that lighting a candle in public impacts on other people. Seriously?
90% of my spiritual practice involves lighting candles and you want me to agree it’s wrong?? Go to hell.
Gathering in public doesn’t not, inherently, impinge on your life. Otherwise, people would have limits on how many teenagers are allowed in one place at one time…
Hang on…
It’s not about the religion
It’s about people seeing differences and being uncomfortable.
- they dress differently
- they speak a different language(s)
- attending religious ceremonies on a different day!
- eating weird food
I hope it’s obvious where I’m going with this.
It’s not about the religion.
Really, it’s about excuses. Deep down – it’s about not wanting to have to learn.
It’s about discomfort and it being easy to just write people off.
I’m just not here for it, people.
Human Rights
According to the Hague, the 18th Human Right is:
18. Freedom of thought and religion
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
You see? This is basic shit.
Either we stand for all or we stand for none. In the end, I’m the wrong person to come to, expecting to see me decrying an entire population.
I live in the liminal too often.
I’ve said it before, I will say it again:
This is not about fucking religion.
Control? Sure. Fearmongering? Absolutely. “Othering” folk to make sure that fearmongering keeps strong? Definitely.
So, don’t let them fucking win. Remember – the power is with the people. Vote. Protest. Write. Phone.
Do whatever the hell means you have to remind your friends, neighbours, politicians that these people are just that: people.
Think about it: if people can refer to one group as vermin, who will they come from next?
If there’s a religious group that’s a legitimate target, what happens when they’re all gone?
What are you willing to put up with?
I pretty much agree with your comments!
I really like your summary of the breakdown of religious teachings.
If you don’t mind, I will put those 3 sayings in my Book Of Shadows to remind me.
Cary
Sure, fire ahead!