As an atheist interested in debate I have often accused religious folk of suffering cognitive dissonance on many issues. I stupidly thought I might be immune to such dissonance. However now I find myself in a battle for my own mind with no obvious end in sight.
I remember being taught as a young JW that the following passage in Mark "The stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken." related to the signs of the times and the destruction of world religions. I am no fan of religion and part of me almost looked forward to a scenario where religion would be 'fall'. Finally a JW prophecy I could look forward to ;o)
However, in the current climate of the world, it does now seem we are seeing a backlash against Islam and other religions (to a lesser degree). For example many Muslims and Jewish people are being ostracised and made to feel strangers in their own countries like the UK, France and the US - partly because of the religion they are practising (or at least assumed to be practising).
As the intolerance of others grows in many countries, I now fear the lengths civil liberties may suffer. I fear the blurred distinctions between race and religion will spiral out of control. I fear the far right rumblings across the political landscape. I fear the ultra international isolationists are gaining ground. Most of all I fear the seemingly growing popular hatred of religious people and the effects on those people.
Generally I believe the world be a better place without religion however the way things are going, I fear for the future. I find myself wanting to support the very thing I have been biased against.
Confused!
