Although the last several years have brought a resurgence of enthusiasm and public expression among those of the Christian faith, there seems to be an even greater (dare I say louder and more aggressive?) presence in just the last year or so.  But interestingly, with that presence has also come a complaint among some that this faith in particular is being persecuted and has become the object of prejudice.

I used to laugh every time I heard that; now I just close my eyes and sigh.  With the number of Christians in the US at about 240 million (about 70%) and representatives of all other religious groups significantly lower,

http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/

it is hard to wrap my head around the idea that a vast majority of the religious population in this country is experiencing, as a whole, any kind of institutional or widespread bias.

As a non-Christian, I see things that Christians take for granted as demonstrating and perpetuating gross inequality in this country.  Monotheism has inserted itself in every aspect of our lives, whether we believe and accept it or not.  I hear about “God” every day;  the idea of “God” is thrust in my face, it is forced on me, like the unwanted sexual violation of an attacker.  I see it:

• when I turn on the TV to political news
• every time I go through the change in my purse
• when I attend a sporting event
• driving through the streets of every city in my state
• if I seek care at the local hospitals
• when I shop in stores months before major holidays
• and much more…

In a country that was founded on the belief that we all share the freedom to worship and speak as we desire the majority has, without doubt or consequence, treated those in the minority with a combination of pity, condescension, threats and sometimes, death for being non-believers.  The examples are everywhere, from the witnesses that accost pedestrians on the street and insist on sharing the “truth” in our homes to the blatant threats and assault on those on the non-religious or who uphold a different faith.

During my exclusively pagan years, there were times we had to be walked to our cars after circle because locals were threatening anyone who was pagan with death. The oppression and fear was very real; Christianity and its followers are responsible for the murder of individuals who don’t believe and follow a different path and the berating of and arrogance toward both individuals and groups who do not share their ideas and beliefs.

I have been bullied because I don’t believe in the Christian God, treated (over and over again) like an unknowing child, and shunned by people who do believe. My experience is not unique. While not all Christians behave in this way and there are some truly beautiful people who are practicing Christians, the institution itself and its scripture preserve the Christian’s understanding and belief that theirs is the only true way.

Returning to a society that allows everyone to express his/her spiritual beliefs in their own way would create a space for tolerance, dialogue, and a more peaceful culture.  I’m not expecting that anytime soon.