Blog Against Theocracy, Easter 2008

You know, I'm having a hard time writing this post. I am an active member of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) which is, for all intents and purposes, a Christian denomination. Yet I was raised in the Unitarian Universalist tradition by atheist parents. So spiritually speaking, I'm a little confused about how to define my beliefs. Quakers put it kindly when they say I am a "seeker."

From time to time the Blogosphere seems to erupt into heated debate over religion. Frequently it gets framed as a debate between "believers" vs. "non-believers", and it is often quite painful. I was discussing all of this with my spousal unit this weekend. While he believes wholeheartedly in religious (or a-religious) tolerance, he also sees why atheists feel so threatened by expressions of belief. Even if religious fundamentalists -- those who wish to impose theocracy -- are a relatively small minority, they are feeling remarkably empowered in these times. And sometimes even well-meaning people operate under the assumption that we all "speak the same language" (religiously speaking.)

It seems that the religious beliefs of our presidential candidates are being put under the microscope as never before. I mean, we knew that John Kennedy was Roman Catholic, Richard Nixon was a Quaker (huh?), and Jimmy Carter was Southern Baptist. But that is where it ended. Perhaps the reason for that was the general assumption that everyone was some Christian denomination, so perhaps it is a good thing, in a way, that it is being discussed on a deeper level. But for some, it takes on the tone of the Spanish Inquisition.

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition. And seriously now, nobody should want the Spanish Inquisition. The founding fathers, flawed humans that they were, were also absolutely clear on the subjects of religious tolerance and separation of church and state.

As I contemplated what I would write today, I thought I would turn to my favorite author, the brilliant British satirist Terry Pratchett, who actually has a lot to say about about religion. He is the creator of (among others) Om of Omnia, Blind Io, Offler the Crocodile God, and Annoya -- goddess of things that get stuck in drawers. His book Small Gods is a small masterpiece.

So I leave you with a few Pratchett quotes, and a link to one lengthy passage.

In Thud! the dwarf Bashfull Bashfullsson explains that the dwarf creator, Tak, “wrote the World and the Laws, and then He left us. He does not require that we think of Him, only that we think”.

From Small Gods: "The trouble with being a god is that you've got no one to pray to."

"Gods don't like people not doing much work. People who aren't busy all the time might start to think."

From Sourcery: "I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?"
Death thought about it.
"CATS," he said eventually. "CATS ARE NICE."

Go in peace.
Coexist.
Namaste.