Thoughts on the Religious Right

So last class session we were discussing The Religious Right, and here's what I think. (and yes, of course, you're entitled to your opinion, whatever it may be)

The so-called "Religious Right" is a load of crap.

Here are some of its big issues:

- the opposition to the teaching of evolution

- the promotion of the teaching of creationism/intelligent design (basically, we have a Creator)

- the opposition to sex education

- support for the war in Iraq

- support for Israel

Believe it or not, 15% of the American electorate says that they're aligned with this Christian Right, a religious group that grew out of the belief that Americans "don't take the time to explore faith."

Quick blurbs about each point:

1. Evolution is based on factual evidence as well as millions of years on this planet. Darwin is actually NOT an idiot. I guess I have grown up with the idea, and wasn't raised with religion, but I think NOT believing in evolution is just foolish when the facts are staring at you in the face, no matter how much you follow your faith. It's just plain science.

2. Intelligent design. This follows what I said about evolution. Science, people, science. How is it even remotely possible to prove that we have a single creator (God Almighty? pffffft, sure.) when everybody has to watch that horrible "The Miracle of Life" video in high school biology? We know exactly where and how babies come to be, and no, the stork doesn't drop them from the sky.

3. Sex education is probably one of the more important things being currently done in middle and high schools, especially considering the high rate of teen pregnancy. Preaching abstinence at horny, hormone-crazed teenagers isn't going to prevent them from experimenting. Granted, I didn't do much experimenting in high school, but many others do, and just saying "that's bad, don't do it" without any rhyme or reason is not going to prevent it. Awareness and handing out condoms just might.

4. Isn't the war in Iraq one of the primary reasons why we've got such a massive budget deficit and the economy totally sucks?

...enough said.

5. Israel gets enough publicity as it is, so in my opinion, the Christian Right is just trying to piggyback onto that attention.

There's a fine line between ridiculous notions to make money and religion.

It's crazy schemes like the Christian Right that make me glad I was raised with an open mind.