Saturday, January 7, 2012

Christian Stereotypes

Stereotypes are often viewed as being false, even denigrating, characterizations that very few if any members of a particular group fit. This impression is basically accurate to the definition. For the most part I agree with Christian Piatt's post "Top Christian Stereotypes of 2011" However, it should be noted that his piece is also misleading. Even though they are stereotypes and should not be used to apply to all Christians they should by no means be dismissed so lightly. Unfortunately, there are sizable numbers of Christians who easily fit the stereotypes he lists. Even though they are not a majority they do have an impact on society. The implication that they represent fringe elements is also dangerously false.

"The Gay Basher" is an excellent example. Not long ago in my home state of Maine the gay bashers managed to overturn a major civil rights accomplishment. Through fear and misinformation various religious based groups repealed marriage equality. The Catholic Church, which is as mainstream as you can get, played a lead role in this anti-civil rights campaign. The Bishop of Portland provided both social/political leadership and a considerable amount of funding. So even though it is unfair to characterize all individual Christians as gay bashers far more are complicit in this than are not. Very few Catholics, whether they personally support equality or not, publicly spoke against their church's role in opposing marriage equality.

Piatt does ridicule those who fit the stereotypes but never accepts any responsibility for enabling those individuals in the first place. He shifts virtually all negative aspects to Republicans and Conservatives. Though those two groups are the most blatant there are Democrats and Liberals who either perpetuate the behaviors being stereotyped or fail to oppose them in any way. Why do liberal Catholics meekly accept all the horrible things their Church is responsible for. They could push back or leave the church. Either would be better then tacitly becoming accomplices to such unethical and immoral behavior. Please remember that I am using Catholics as an example rather than singling them out. There are plenty of other religious groups that fit the stereotypes.

Until Christians do more to end the behaviors that lead to the stereotypes I will continue to find it difficult to sympathize with them. That is not to say I will not continue to oppose discrimination no matter who it is aimed at. Personally, I find it repulsive to harass or discriminate against anyone. Bishop Malone is a complete bastard but I'll defend to my last breath his right to speak his mind and participate in civil society. I may find it distasteful, especially since I think Malone should be investigated for violating among other things the tax code, but I will defend his rights the same way I would defend anyone else.

2 comments:

  1. Unless all Atheists are responcible for Atheists who fit the Sterotypes of Atheists as belligerant, ignorant bafoons who try to hypocriticall y impose their own beleifs onto others whilst condemnign all Religion for the same, I find this post Hypocritical.

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  2. ? Anon did you actually read the post? Before commenting how about you actually take the time to read it instead of acting like a whiny ass. I specifically stated that the stereotypes do not apply to all that they are in fact only applicable to a subset of theists. The point was to not make excuses, which is what you seem to be doing, for those who do epitomize them.

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