Sarah Avery
Jul 20, 2017 · 1 min read

I agree with much, but not all, of what you say. The part I agree with is that Christianity is privileged above other religions in American culture, though Constitutionally it shouldn’t be, and that despite this unearned privilege, some Christians cultivate a persecution complex and act out inappropriately. Some of them coordinate that inappropriate acting out, to the detriment of the nation, and to the detriment of the standing of their own faith in the eyes of others. Speaking out when that happens is perfectly appropriate, and does not constitute an act of hate.

Expressing a preference to get factual information from non-religious sources is not hateful.

That said, as a person of a misunderstood minority religion, I have observed that actual hating on religion does sometimes happen, and it can be problematic. Having a constitutional right to free speech makes it legal to say hateful things, short of threats, but that doesn’t mean it’s always socially appropriate or productive to do so. And too often, people in more privileged positions hate on the religions of others with impunity, then claim victimhood when those others object.

The commenter who first raised the issue of hating on religion, did not claim victimhood or privilege. His comment does not express any specific religious identity, or non-religious identity. He proposes that we draw the lines of civility in a particular place. I would draw the lines of civility in one different place, and you in another, taking into account different elements of the wider social context. Reasonable people can disagree about that.

)

    Sarah Avery

    Written by

    Mythopoeic Fantasy Award-winning author, prepper, teacher, escaped academic.