Many (or dare I say “most”) children who are raised in a religious and/or political culture tend to retain those beliefs into their adult life. This is why the bible says to teach them when they are young because the young ones do not know to ask questions. They swallow whatever you feed them because they trust you. This can obviously be either a positive or a negative thing depending on circumstances. I think that all of that young programming has the potential of turning into fear of what they do not know. And it is that fear that can keep people from exploring other opinions.
When I really started getting serious about college and started taking classes like anthropology and gender psychology, I remember feeling a little worried. I had a hunger for knowledge and I was working hard toward my goal, but I was honestly afraid that the knowledge I gained would negatively affect my faith. I remember praying that God would help me and strengthen me so that I would not lose my faith. My faith has always been such an important part of me that the thought of losing it was frightening. I could have walked away from learning in response to that fear, but my prayers brought me a level of trust in God, so I continued. And I am very glad that I did. It is absolutely true that facts, theories and concepts challenged my long held beliefs and some of those beliefs changed over time as I gained more knowledge. My spiritual life has undergone changes as well. I still value my relationship with the Holy Spirit but I believe that I have been given a brain so that I might use it as well. Now that I have faced issues head on, considered all of the angles and come to my own conclusions I am finally at peace in my spiritual life. I no longer blindly follow the teachings of the church. My faith is truly my own at this point. The choice I made to educate myself in spite of my fear turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I have been freed from carrying the overbearing load of fear and shame that I used to walk in daily as a result of those old beliefs. I am sure that it will sound ironic and even blasphemous to some, but I believe that the Holy Spirit guided my steps to bring me to this very place in my life.
I have shared that story because I think that both religion and politics play on fear cultivated in the culture of our youth. And at this point I would like to consider a political issue. The biggest complaint alleged by those who are opposed to Bernie Sanders as an American president is that he is a socialist. And then they are quick to say that socialism is just a step away from communism. To me that sounds like a response to fear. They are afraid of something that “could” happen with no proof that it will.
Personally, I have not made a decision with regard to the presidential race at this time. And the good news is that there is still plenty of time for me to openly explore the candidates and issues. So far everything I hear and read about Bernie Sanders leads me to believe that he is a compassionate, honest and committed person. He seems like the kind of person I would like to have as a friend. I like most of what he has to say (there is not a candidate out there who I agree with on all of the issues) and I am curious to imagine what might happen with our country if we had a chance to be led by someone with his character.
Again, I do not know enough yet to make an informed decision. But I can’t help but wonder if running away from Bernie is just an act of fear much like my fear of losing my religion. We are so worried about the “American Way”. But the American Way is whatever we make it. And sometimes the way in which we do things needs to change. Holding on to doing something a certain way just because our founding fathers did it that way does not necessarily mean that it is best for us to continue along that path. Putting up mental walls to other points of view accomplishes nothing but preventing our own growth. And to speak candidly, we are hurting one another. We need a lot less thinking about what is good for me and a lot more thinking about what is good for others as well. In fact most religious teachings support that very notion. At the end of the day I want to be the kind of person who errs on the side of treating others with love and compassion. Not because of any religion but because I know in my spirit that is the way it should be.
I know what some of you are thinking – communist. It certainly would not be the first time I’ve been accused of that on-line by those who supposedly love me. But I can’t help but wonder…do you think those same people would be calling Jesus a communist in this day and age?
