In America, religion works in much the same way. At times throughout our journey, religion has been a keeper of tradition, steadily applying the brakes. In the same instance, reformers have used religion as the engine for change. For some people, in a world of uncertainty, religion is the constant. It is the stable concept to cling to while the rest of the world is spinning in chaotic motion all around them. Religion brings them comfort. People are reluctant to let go of what they know. They hold steadfast to that part of their culture and heritage.
On the other hand, religion is malleable and always evolving, sometimes into something unrecognizable. It constantly morphs as new generations are born, and the needs, and requirements of society change. Religion is the instrument used in motivating the people who create change.
America is made up of diverse people, who still share a common bond. That bond is religion. It is not that everyone agrees on the same belief structure. It is that Americans share the history of religion. Our nation has been shaped by religion, and for this, we are a national community. Religion is comprised of a community of people who share a faith. Faith is not tangible, it is a feeling. Faith has given people hope when there is only a sliver of light. Our society is a blend of such a diversity of faiths, each held by the people with extreme intensity. It is this collage of passions that has marked our culture when societal issues are interpreted differently, from different perspectives.
On the issue of slavery, religion was both a keeper of tradition, and a force of change. Widely in the south, slave masters used examples of slavery in the Bible, and passages in Genesis about Canaan, and “the curse of Ham”, to justify slavery (Maley).
Some slaves who had gained the knowledge of stories in the Bible, saw themselves like the Israelites in Exodus. They found some consolation in salvation, believing that, though life on earth was unbearable, that in Heaven they would have freedom (Maley).
Abolitionists like Harriet Beecher Stowe, appealed to readers, using lessons of Christian morality as in, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, to tug on the heartstrings of people, therefore, encouraging the abolition of slavery . The Quakers, believing that anyone could hold the light, favored and promoted equality. They were an instrumental force in the abolition of slavery (Goldfield 360-1).
Though slavery had been abolished, rights were still not equal for African Americans. America still had a long way to go, as far a civil rights were concerned. During the Civil Rights Movement, faith leaders were the instigators and agitators pushing for change. Men of God, like, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., used their credibility, and their opportunity as clergymen, to be the voice for progression. Many people were swayed and inspired by them, perceiving that they were sent on a mission by God. Churches themselves were influential in moving civil rights forward. Churches were a great source for congregations to come together, organize, and rally support.(American Progress) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke, “Was not Jesus an extremist for love: ‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and bless you, and persecute you.’”(King 6) Though he made his intentions clear through messages of Christianly love, many other “men of God”, hit the brakes on the Civil Rights Movement. They used their pulpits, and status to hold back the tides of change. (King1-10)
It appears that America still battles civil rights, and the acceptance of change. Today in American society, the issue on both sides of religion is homosexuality, and same- sex marriage. On one side of the issue, the Mormon church has interfered with amendments of equal rights as in California’s Prop.8. More than half of the funding for the campaign to oppose the civil rights of same sex partners was donated by the Church of Latter Day Saints. (McKinley) All their money went to good use, their campaign was successful, and they kept loving couples from legally tying the knot.
Thank goodness religion has a voice of change from such groups as the Unitarian Universalists, who believe in equal rights for all. They were the first major religious group to open offices dedicated only to the support of the equal rights of LGBT individuals. They have made huge strides forward, promoting the change of laws within states, for LGBT rights, with success!(Religioustolerance.org)
Though many religions do stand firmly on the issue, the congregations within them, have made up their minds to personally deviate from the rigidity of the church’s stance. As seen in a poll, over 50% of Catholics now support same-sex marriage,(http://www.pewforum.org), while the church clearly condemns it. As recently seen, by the election of Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, in 2004, even some churches who have been formally traditional, are now allowing openly gay clergy. (Karslake)
Issues coming to the forefront create discussion. Dialogue can only ever be beneficial. When people are forced to look at the train heading straight towards them, they cannot ignore the controversial issues at hand. There will always be those who cling to the safety net of tradition, and fear their loss of identity, or the unknown. Eventually, time moves on, and things change. Progress is inevitable. Sometimes that progress may take longer than it should for those who are oppressed. Change always faces obstacles. The world is constantly changing, some people are just more hesitant to change with it. Sometimes, it is important to stand firmly in our past, to preserve, and remember a piece of who we were. While collectively, our history is our bond, individually, our history is what makes us special.
The truth is, that the people become the force of change or the keepers of tradition. They simply use religion to enhance the strength of the “two trains”, when “the church” stands behind the cause. There will always be someone who uses religion and their religious text to promote their personal, and political agenda. It has been those within religion, using religion persuasively, who have changed perceptions, broken through barriers, and helped society reach it’s destination.
Works Cited
For the Bible Tells Me So. Dir. Karslake, written by Helen R. Mendoza. 5 Oct. 2007. DVD.
Goldfield. The American Journey. 5th ed. vol.5, Upper Saddle River. New Jersey: Pearson, 2009.
360-361. Print.
King, Martin Luther. Martin Luther King’s Letter From Birmingham Jail.16 Apr. 1963. 1-10, Print.
“Majority Still Continues to Support Civil Unions.” Pew Research Center. pewforum.com.9 Oct.
2009.Web. 9 Dec. 2012.
Maley, Melissa. GTCC. Greensboro, Spring 2012. Lecture.
McKinley, AL. “Mormons Tipped the Scale in Ban on Gay Marriage”. New York Times. com. New
York Times, 14 Nov. 2008. Web. 9 Dec. 2012.
Religioustolerance.org. B.A Robinson, Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. 21 Nov. 2012
Web. 8 Dec. 2012.
“The Role of Religion in the Civil Rights Movement.” Center for American Progress. 9 June 2004.
Web. 9 Dec. 2012.
