Liberals or leftists, we might just end up being secular bigots.
Photo: nyki_m
In the West, are we living in a state of “moral blindness”?
Reading Gilad Atzmon’s recent article on Counter Punch makes me think it’s possible.
Atzmon tackles the idea of two distinct ideologies competing for our beliefs: “liberal” vs. “leftist.”
The first praises individual liberty, while the latter believes in a social science that delineates ‘progressives’ from ‘reactionaries.’
What’s the problem with either of these distinctions? Well, according to Atzmon:
For some reason ‘we’ (the Westerners) tend to believe that ‘our’ technological superiority together with our beloved ‘enlightenment’ equips us with a ‘rational secularist anthropocentric, absolutist ethical system’ of the very highest moral stand.
He continues that westerners tend to think of “secularism is the answer for the world’s ailments,” but in reality, “this very division led also to the rise of some blunt forms of fundamental-secularism that matured into crude anti-religious worldviews that are no different from bigotry.”
In more common language, I take Atzmon’s commentary to imply that our “progressive” western worldview leads us to believe that ‘modern/evolved-is-right,’ and many religious traditions are just ‘backward.’
I take Atzmon’s commentary to imply that our “progressive” western worldview leads us to believe that ‘modern/evolved-is-right.’
Many of us travelers tend to think ourselves open-minded and progressive, yet still look down on people and areas that in our eyes, are not just.
Examples that come to mind include the continued debate around banning burqas in parts of Europe, being appalled over yoga being questioned by Muslim clerics, and however strongly we debate either side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
These situations seem to be inequality-in-action to our eyes. But for the religious cultures they are a part of, our reactions and discussions may just be showing our beliefs of “supremacy” over their way of life.
Do you think that leftists and liberals are after justice-for-all, or simply think they are better than deeply religious people? Share your thoughts below.
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11 Comments... join the discussion!
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This is an interesting point. And I think in some cases, it is probably correct. I do believe that many of us in the West do tend to look down on more traditional/religious cultures. I’m not sure that’s because they’re religious or simply because they don’t have what we have. But I would agree that there is often a sense of condescension. That being said, I see much more condescension originating from “religious” Westerners who look down on those who, they believe, are of a “lesser faith”.
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Both sides can be equally as condescending.
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Very thought provoking. In answer to your question, in my simplistic view, I believe a “true liberal” is tolerant and open minded and does not have a need for moral guidance from a religion nor do they want to change others’ beliefs. A leftist on the other hand wants to influence religion along his or her political beliefs. This is how it has been from the beginning of time. Change will happen.
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I wouldn’t say that I look down on religion, what I would say is that I am severely frightened of fundamentalism coming from any source. When people blindly throw their support behind an idea, be it religious or secular, scary things happen. Ultimately I believe that monotheistic religions can be nothing but divisive and I think this is counteractive to peace. However, on an individual level when I come into contact with religious people and their ceremonies, celebrations and rituals, I am respectful, reverent and curious.
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Why look to other cultures and countries when asking this question? Instead, examples abound in the United States daily, where leftists sportingly insult and disrespect Christians, Catholic and Protestant alike, in daily conversation and the media.
Tabatha is right: “When people blindly throw their support behind an idea, be it religious or secular, scary things happen.” I’d just amend that to say “..an idea or a person” and leave it at that.
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I agree with TWE’s comment: “I believe a “true liberal” is tolerant and open minded…nor do they want to change others’ beliefs.” –although in being extremely inclusive, I’d leave out the “and does not have a need for moral guidance from a religion.” While I personally resonate with that–I don’t think it necessarily makes someone a “true liberal” or not.
I think the best we can hope for is an environment in which freedom is at a maximum. And “freedom of religion” is necessary–but “freedom of religion to dominate” does not ultimately promote freedom; it stifles it.
To answer the original question more pointedly: I believe the form of “liberalism” on the rise (in the United States at least) is one that pines for a European-style government, that believes itself smarter than everyone else, and takes every opportunity to urinate upon Judeo-Christian religions. (Although the other religions are considered quaint and wise.)
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Flying Spaghetti Monster is watching you.
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Religion is looked down in modern times as a natural effect of progress. It is correlated heavily with social failure and decay, and is and has always been a significant force behind global violence. When it was practically the only large and developed social institution, for example in the middle ages, it had some positive impacts on culture, for example preserving educational systems and keeping records. But at this point in history religion is woefully incapable of offering enough positive social contribution to balance out its damaging influence. It is an intellectual crutch, a justification for intolerance and xenophobia, and generally an outdated and yes, backward worldview. It is not enough that many people have positive personal experiences with religion; if it were not for religion, these good people would have something else to believe in. It is in no way irreplaceable and certainly not necessary. The overall effect is overwhelmingly negative and it deserves zero respect – It is an act of kindness and understanding in itself to not actively oppose it.
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I don’t look down on religious people, I realize that some people need religion, others do not, or alternately find spiritual concepts more fulfilling. I happened to be raised strict Roman Catholic and have let all that go. Having had seen my poor elderly mother turn to the point of fanaticism and superstition instead of finding peace in the religion, helped me to let go of it all the more. The trouble is, when religion uses fear to keep people in line, they can go over the edge. Now, it’s even worse with the extreme right wing conservative party using the religious element of the population to their benefit by feeding their anger and fear.
If religion helps someone find peace instead of fear, more power to them.
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i don’t think it’s religion that is being looked down at, but rigid social customs cloaked as religious and cultural behavior. If we isolate the behavior from the religious and cultural binds, you realize what remains is superstition and or a violation of rights. That definitely needs to be looked down upon. Of course I am generalizing, but I hope I made my point. Also I am not taking fundamentalists in consideration here. I consider them to be a whole different issue.
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