While reading Deuteronomy 12-26, I was shocked with the amount of violence written into rule. Someone of the same faith is referred to as a "neighbor", and throughout the pages the reader is told to open their hand to them, to willingly help a neighbor with whatever they need. Anyone of other faith however is subjected to death - through hanging or being stoned. A common phrase following many acts of violence commanded to the reader was "so you shall purge the evil from your midst". God is commanding his people to pursue justice, however he commands unjust actions against everyone that is different. Not being religious, I always thought that religion was meant to make the world a more peaceful and accepting place - to give people guidelines on how to respect others and live a kind life. My mother told me I didn't need religion because she was raising me in a situation where I was given clear guidelines, and I knew I had my family behind me supporting me in everything I do. Reading Deuteronomy actually confused me, because it is so violent and un-accepting. Whenever I turn on the news there is always another story about one religious group, "extremists", killing or torturing another religious group. I never understood how any group practicing 'under God' could justify un-acceptance and hatred of others, even others practicing a similar form of their religion. However, this reading has opened my eyes. It is very dangerous to have the most popular book in the world commanding people to kill others that do not follow their Lord - or else they themselves will be damned. In the Bible, God makes sure to stress that he is above all else. For the people who take this book very seriously, it could easily overtake their day-to-day compassion for others. I now see how it is possible that by following God's rule perfectly, people can feel as if they are among a higher cause, participating in something larger than life, working towards a greater purpose.
Does anyone else see how this reading shows that religion can easily be taken to an extreme that is detrimental to human life and progress?
--Torrey Coe
I definitely agree with your post and appreciate that it addresses an issue that is extremely relevant today. How do we reconcile the moral teachings of religion and the apparent violent nature of God, described in the same texts. Since God is almighty and has power over the people on earth, there becomes a gray area between faith and fear, and morality and obedience. Devout followers of the bible and of God could glean the teachings and actions pictured in the bible and take them literally, which is frightening and potentially dangerous. Especially in the past reading, there is evidence of God acting violently. If humans aspire to live in God's image, they may act in ways that hinder equality and process (as you said). The idea of survival of the fittest (or most faithful) is also present. Therefore, religious belief becomes competitive. People are eager to please God as they are concerned with their personal reward system with God and not the well being of other earthly beings. We often think that religion teaches morality, love thy neighbor, but there is also much suggestion that faith can cause people to be selfish and inward looking. Taken for its literal worth, the Bible could have the opposite intent of modern religion, teaching immorality as opposed to morality it apparently strives for.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned in class, I think the extreme actions that we see people committing today in the name of God is heavily based in the theme of commitment. After reading the bible, I have found moments where I can understand how an extremist might find affirmation for their actions that might be against civil law. It's possible that these people find themselves being guided by God to do bad things to people who don't share the same beliefs or follow a different religion. By doing these acts that can be considered crimes, they are trying to show their devotion and loyalty to God. To them, this may be another one of God's tests for his followers. That leads us to ask why God may want to test people with acts that could result in punishment from the law. I guess one answer to this might be because if the person can preform such a violent and unthinkable task, knowing the possible consequences, then they truly must be devoted to God and the religion. Are there other reasons we can think of?
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