Ridicule Religion Rationally
Religions are nothing but sets of ideas, and as such should be
susceptible to discussion, criticism and even ridicule and satire. All
the more so since candidates (both Republican and Democrat) often drag
their faith into the public arena and boast about it, pander to
religious blocs (and especially the evangelicals) for votes and cash,
confer with religious leaders and (mostly where Republicans are
concerned) base policy on precepts originating in religious texts (think
reproductive rights, opposition to same-sex marriage, and right-to-die
legislation).
In view of this, journalists should have long ago
declared open season on religion. Interviewers should be hounding
faith-flaunting candidates with hard-hitting questions, as they would on
any other subject of import. They should disregard faith-based
assertions and demand justification on evidentiary grounds. Politicians
should be made uncomfortable for ignoring the worldview and concerns of
rationalists.
No comments:
Post a Comment