The Unncessary Life of Religion

The cultural wars of modern times are expanding. The intersection of religion with sex, science and politics has impeded America’s ability to function efficiently. Arguments on capital hill about abortion and stem cell research, for example, have triggered major fissures between the Republicans and the Democrats. Religion’s role in science, for example, has washed away the middle ground that used to exist among the two major political parties. Politicians, should not be concerned with the opinions of religious groups and yet small religious congregations have established meaningful ties with the White House. Religion should not directly impact legislation, but rather should exist on the periphery of certain societal fields such as politics and science. Religion can guide one’s conscience and impulses, but that is all.
In Chapter Three of “Authentic Fakes” Chidester refers to the mapping of the human genome. This achievement should take away from religions credibility in influencing a school’s science curriculum, but the accomplishment was actually marketed in a manner that would appease religious sectors. Why do scientists and politicians still cater to the power of the church? In the 21st century religion should not be a threat to other aspects of life. Americans should understand that DNA’s code is not “God’s language” (Chidester, 64). How can our country be so technologically advanced and yet more than half of our population does not understand what the mapping of the human genome reveals about our species or that evolution must be taught in a science class with no note in the text book suggesting that there are other (more likely) theories on how homo sapiens evolved? On an intellectual level our country must catch up with our technological capabilities. We cannot allow religion to chip away at our culture.