there’s certainly a reason to study religions as a part of almost every culture and it’s history. and there are certainly people who are very good, loving, caring people who are also religious. this isn’t an attack on those people or any particular person at all.
but the evidence is pretty solid: a lot of people have done horrible, terrible things in the name of the same religions and god(s) that also tell them to love one another and that killing is wrong. and more people have rejected, denied, and actively worked to oppress groups of people in the name of their religions.
there is a place for spirituality and faith. but when your faith tells me or the people i love that our existence is wrong, we are less than, our thoughts are disgusting, and we should hate our bodies – i’m sorry, but there’s no place for you or your twisted faith.
what really gets me: think of how much time i could have spent actually growing and learning if i didn’t have to overcome the internalized ideas (from primarily Christian culture) that teach girls to accept objectification, hate and cover their bodies for the purpose of “modesty,” and repress their sexuality. think of how much time you could have saved too.
i know that not every person of faith believes those things, but some do and they influence our society with the support of their fellow followers. the effect it’s had has hurt (or killed) so many people. it is wrong.
as someone who believes in equality and education, i don’t see how i could ever also stand for religion.
“Have faith in yourself. Shouldn’t that be enough?” -my dad
