Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

MineralMan

(147,334 posts)
Wed Dec 5, 2018, 03:15 PM Dec 2018

Repression is often part of religion.

Religious people often complain about being repressed by others. Sometimes they're correct and they are being repressed. But, religions are repressive in their own right. Let's take Islam for example. One can find all sorts of inclusive statements in the Quran, just as in the Bible or any other scripture. But, try to book a trip to Mecca if you're not a Muslim. Or just go there on your own and make your own Hajj without getting permission. You'll learn about oppression PDQ.

Or, maybe, if you take your freedom of expression seriously, you might want to travel to Saudi Arabia and do a little proselytizing for your own religion. After all, you mean well, right? Again, you'll learn about direct religious repression right away.

Most religions are repressive in some ways. So are most philosophies of government. Why, here in the United States, being a Communist was illegal not that long ago. Even now, you'll get some serious blowback if you claim to be one. Or, try being a open Wiccan in some small town in the South.

Repression is everywhere. If you decry it, begin decrying it right here at home. You won't have to look far to find some. Get some practice here before trying to stop repression in China.

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Repression is often part of religion. (Original Post) MineralMan Dec 2018 OP
West Memphis Three Act_of_Reparation Dec 2018 #1
Or the witch-dunkings of history. MineralMan Dec 2018 #2

Act_of_Reparation

(9,116 posts)
1. West Memphis Three
Wed Dec 5, 2018, 03:49 PM
Dec 2018

Damien Echols was railroaded by Christian cops and prosecutors and sentenced to die for a crime anyone with half a fucking brain could see he didn't commit. He spent 18 years in prison before someone finally got around to unfucking his sentence.

But yeah. Atheists in Boston were mean to a Trumpist or something.

MineralMan

(147,334 posts)
2. Or the witch-dunkings of history.
Wed Dec 5, 2018, 03:55 PM
Dec 2018

Or the antisemitic violence that is still going one. Or the murder of Jain men for wearing their turbans. Or, or, or...

Trying to solve repression in some distant country makes little sense when it goes on right next door. Political and religious repression and persecutions is an "everywhere" thing.

Act where you live. That's always my advice.

For example, I believe there is considerable religious animosity toward Muslims in suburban Chicago. That seems like a worthy place to start for someone living in that area. What an idea, eh?

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Religion»Repression is often part ...