The Privilege of Faith

[dawn_felagund]

Comments

[angelica_ramses]

Dawn, I'm quite shocked at what you're all writing. Argentina has a supposedly Catholic majority but mostly the attitude is "whatever", if you want to go to church you do, or don't, nobody would imagine praying before the opening of any kind of public assembly and the separation of church and state is taken for granted. People of all religious (or not religious) backgrounds look up to the priests who live in shanty towns and risk their neck because they work against drug dealers and a rabbi has just been elected as head legislator for the Buenos Aires city council by an ample majority (he goes everywhere with the little thing on his head -don't know the word for it- so there's no confusion). Probably the provinces are a little more conservative but religion is very seldom an issue. We have a *lot* of problems here (*big* lot) but religious bigotry is not one of them and I find it very upsetting and frightening to think that in a country that is usually seen as far more advanced, people I care for feel so mistreated

[dawn_felagund]

We have a *lot* of problems here (*big* lot) but religious bigotry is not one of them and I find it very upsetting and frightening to think that in a country that is usually seen as far more advanced, people I care for feel so mistreated.Things are ... complicated here. Nominally, we have freedom of religion. That is guaranteed by the Establishment Clause of the Constitution that forbids the government from favoring one religion over the other. However, that freedom is constantly under attack from those who, despite the Establishment Clause, believe that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation (even though some of the founders weren't even Christian) or those who would change the country into a Christian nation

[naltariel]

I worry that I will lose the regard of people I care about when they find out what I believe,

I have to hide my belief if I want to keep my friendships, familial tie, livelihood (if I am working for someone), or maybe even my freedom. Having no religion is illegal here. (I am an agnostic, leaning on atheist) I still think I am going to be single forever because of my belief.

When you experience that kind of isolation, come talk to me about persecution.

In the past, atheists were imprisoned, tortured, & killed like the ones you saw in concentration camps.

[naltariel]

What I mean with come talk to me about persecution is to the Christians, not you. So sorry if it sounds offensive to anyone.

[dawn_felagund]

I got the meaning as you intended, so no worries. :) But even if you were talking to me? You would be correct. I'm not, at this point, persecuted for my beliefs. I am, at most, uncomfortable and some doors are closed to me. While this isn't a good thing, your situation is so much worse, and I am deeply sorry that someone as kind and caring as you faces that reality every day. :(

[naltariel]

Oh well, I try not to think about it. Combined with the books and genre I write (M/M romance), I am a freak here (though I have local friends who share my interest in the genre. We seldom meet though.)

I channel my angst by torturing my characters. LOL.

Anyway, I am submitting a short story to a publisher. Wish me luck!

[dawn_felagund]

That's fabulous--the short story submission, of course. :) Good luck! *fingers tightly crossed*

[naltariel]

Thank you, Dawn! I'll let you know how it goes. :)