I’m an atheist. But all this, it makes me understand why many oppressed people turn to religion. There’s so much injustice in this world that we feel (and, to a certain extent, are, at least as individuals) powerless to stop. We want there to be some sort of final reckoning for the bad guys.
But no, we’re alone. If we want justice in this world, then humanity will have to collectively choose justice.
I’m fortunate that my parents, who were raised going to church, turned away from religion specifically because of the incredible injustice they witnessed. They knew there was no magical spirit coming to save us, they raised their kids to fight for real change here on earth. I have felt such despair and seen the appeal of religion, I think it can be helpful for people so long as it doesn’t allow them to become complacent about what needs to be done here now.
I’m an atheist. But all this, it makes me understand why many oppressed people turn to religion. There’s so much injustice in this world that we feel (and, to a certain extent, are, at least as individuals) powerless to stop. We want there to be some sort of final reckoning for the bad guys.
But no, we’re alone. If we want justice in this world, then humanity will have to collectively choose justice.
I’m fortunate that my parents, who were raised going to church, turned away from religion specifically because of the incredible injustice they witnessed. They knew there was no magical spirit coming to save us, they raised their kids to fight for real change here on earth. I have felt such despair and seen the appeal of religion, I think it can be helpful for people so long as it doesn’t allow them to become complacent about what needs to be done here now.