The Weaponization of Religion

Season One, Episode 7: In this podcast, we talk about some juicy stuff!! Seriously, as a society we've normalized demonizing anyone and everyone who doesn't believe, think, and feel like we do. While this is a slight generalization, it contains so much truth. 

Religion has a way of controlling the people who follow that particular religion. Traditions are held up as divine inspiration. Personal convictions of pastors, teachers, and spiritual leaders are placed on the heads of those who follow them. And most anyone can admit that if you have ten people read the same Bible verse, there's a good chance you may get ten different interpretations of the verses read.

The problem isn't so much in do we have a difference of interpretation of who God is, what he desires from us, or how we "get saved, stay saved, or become holy", but rather how we feel about those who don't follow our strict understanding of faith and religion. And to make matters worse, we mix faith with politics and that amplifies into justified hate speech, condemnation, fear mongering, or boycotting people, companies, political parties, and anything or anyone else who doesn't live up to our expectations of what a "Christian" (or any other religious faith) should be. We definitely hit a few nerves in this episode. But the intent isn't to condemn those who do these things, but rather to help listeners see the hypocrisy of the actions anyone who feels qualified or holy enough to throw stones at anyone else. We don't have to agree on areas of faith or religion. But to give grace to others to authentically believe and walk out their truths without condemnation is the most freeing trait one can embody. Grab a coffee or a stiff drink cause you might need it for this one! Are you read? Let's Go!