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August 25, 2006
Rank and File
by Nova Stubbs, insurgent49

The Business of Religion

     The anti-Muslim sentiment in America is getting worse. In 2002, 33% of Americans said they had contempt for Islamic culture. At that point in time, the emotional wounds from 9/11 were ripe, as angst and sadness filled the streets. People searched frantically to point their fingers in blame, and ultimately, although not justified, Muslims became the target for many.

     Today, polls show that these unfavorable feelings towards Muslims have risen to 45%. This increase is truly scary, as hopes for a more tolerant world are getting further and further away from our grasp.

     I have a friend, that without hesitation will state, “Christianity is a stupid religion.” He says the same about Islam and all other religions, for that matter.

     The first time he said, “Islam is a stupid religion,” it lit my fuse. I warned him that his statement only furthered intolerance, especially during this time of global tension. He did not back down, however, and reiterated that he thought all religions were stupid, partially based on the disturbing abuse of power by religious institutions. I could not disagree with him on that note. Both historically as well as today, religions have a great deal of power and they use it as they see fit.

     Institutionalized religion is a vehicle that runs on greed, and exploits people in order to gain power. It is like any other capitalist business whose goal is to increase profits by expanding. The organized religion equation goes something like this: more patrons equal more profit equals more power. The fact that we, collectively, have yet to recognize this unfortunate truth illustrates ignorance.

     Scholar Edward O. Wilson noted that “every major religion today is a winner in the Darwinian struggle waged among cultures, and none ever flourished by tolerating its rivals." In other words, institutionalized religion must have power (i.e., persuasion over the people) in order to survive.

     The seeds of religion, however, are not necessarily bad, as they have often inclined people toward faith and goodness. The people of churches and mosques help individuals toward their spiritual and faithful nature. They grant them a gift, help them mourn in times of loss, provide them with feelings of community. In other words, these institutions allow people to feel connected with both their fellow neighbors as well as a supreme power.

     Unfortunately, the function of these institutions goes far beyond this primary focus; as they invariably delve into a realm of the us versus them mentality.

     The business of religion is complex and is not confined to faith. Anchorage’s Jerry Prevo is a perfect example of crossing the lines between faith/spiritual development and political issues. Pastor Prevo is not alone in his corruption; mixing politics with faith is as old as religion itself. The truth is that religion has caused much more division and social disharmony on the global scale than it has unity.

     According to Sam Harris’ The Atheist Manifesto, Western nations that are predominantly Atheist (i.e. godless) have lower crime rates and less social ills than nations that are religious. This fact illustrates communal division as opposed to unity. 

     Furthermore, the majority of American Atheists/Agnostics, who make up 10% of the populace, are anti-war, as they generally cast their ballot in favor of liberal and progressive ideas and leadership. Strange that such immoral beings are opposed to violence and bloodshed.

     I am not saying we should give up faith and spiritual development. What I am saying is that it is due time to recognize the manipulation and power of the Church, not simply here in the U.S, but in every religious culture all over the world.

     The business of religion must be stopped in order to create a more tolerant and unified world.






      Nova Stubbs is a freelance writer and activist, and is co-founder of Insurgent49. Nova resides in an undisclosed location in downtown Anchorage and may be contacted at nova@insurgent49.com.
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in-sur-gent (in sur'jent), n. 1. a member of a group which revolts against the policies of its leadership.