Religion in Progressive Spaces

CHRISTIANS AND PROGRESSIVES ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.

Again:

CHRISTIANS AND PROGRESSIVES ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.

Again:

CHRISTIANS AND PROGRESSIVES ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.

One more time:

CHRISTIANS AND PROGRESSIVES ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.

Every time the subject of religion comes up in a progressive space, there are always those "progressives" who are so dismissive of religions and the religious to the point of being downright hateful. It isn't unusual for the terms "fairy tales" and "sky fairies" to be tossed around. The ire is usually directed to Christians and Christians, but it can also be directed towards Islam (especially to Muslim women who are often seen by Feminists(tm) as not knowing any better). Those who follow pagan religions are usually either given a pass or are completely ignored.

Before I continue, I think it's important to state that:

IN THE U.S., CHRISTIANS HAVE RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGE.

Again:

IN THE U.S., CHRISTIANS HAVE RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGE.

One more time:

IN THE U.S., CHRISTIANS HAVE RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGE.

I just want to be clear that I fully acknowledge my religious privilege. In the U.S., ideals, attitudes, services, and beliefs are almost always geared towards my religious preferences. I will never be in a position where I will be oppressed because my value system, my beliefs, and the way I worship are seen as wrong and immoral. I can look almost anywhere for affirmation of the existence of my God. I will never be persecuted because of my belief in Jesus Christ.

However...

I find it frustrating and oftentimes infuriating when people completely and utterly disrespect my Christianity and my beliefs because of some preconceived notions of what they believe Christianity to be.

I'm not the type of person to ignore Christianity's troubling history (The Crusades, missionaries, forced conversion, child molestation by the clergy, etc., etc., the list goes on). I'm also not going to ignore the wrongs commited in the name of "Christianity" today (homophobia, Islamophia, bigotry, hatred, etc., etc., the list goes on). It pains me when so-called "Christians" use His name to justify their hatred. But that is not my Christianity.

My Christianity says that Jesus Christ loves all His children. He never turned anyone away - no matter their beliefs, their origins, their lifestyles, or their status and wealth. His heart is open to all. And THAT is the Jesus Christ I worship.

My goal in writing this post isn't to convert any non-believers. It's a pela for mutual respect. Many people have very legitimate reasons for being so emphatically against Christianity or against any type of religion. What should be understood, however, is that a person's beliefs (whether they are founded by spirituality, humanism, or any other type of belief system) is a fundamental part of who they are, and they should be respected as such.

I am not against criticizing Christianity or the belief in a deity. I believe that that one of the reasons God gave us free will is so that we can follow our own paths, and so that we can stop and ask questions when we are confused. I believe that for many Christians, honest criticism strengthens our faith and builds up our trust in The Lord. But just as a Christian will never convert anyone saying "Follow Christ or go to hell", a non-believer will never disprove to a Christian by calling God an "imaginary sky fairy." It's not going to happen, so just let it go.