Religious Immunity

Religion is the ultimate loaded topic in American culture. We scrutinize and judge people’s dress, speech, who they associate with, personal appearance, and opinions on practically any topic—regularly, though often not in an outward fashion. Religion is immune to a war of words, even by some of the most brazen and unrestrained personalities who are at each other’s throats.

Kids on a playground can tease each other about innate qualities that are completely out of one’s control like a big nose, crooked teeth, or being a girl, but religious affiliation involves at least some element of choice yet it is a tacit taboo. How have we managed to instill a widespread respect for religiosity and still struggle with misogyny and racism?

We all have a sex and race(s), but not all of us identify with a religion. At first, I thought maybe people do not dare speak ill of things related to religion because they fear what is unfamiliar or what they do not understand, but those same feelings can also create a drive to criticize what may feel threatening.

Many religions are ancient and steeped in tradition; perhaps since they have existed for a long time they are harder to question. However, sex and race have presumably existed for just as long, if not longer, and we are still struggling with those differences.

Why is religion so sacred?