Freedom Gene; America does it.

Despite the binding moral and metaphysical truths espoused by the conservatives as truths to live by, the American gene of freedom has gotten them as much as everyone. One of the values immigrants cherish most is the freedom this land evokes, cajoles and activates in them, there is nothing like it anywhere on Earth. America brings freedom from the clutches of one’s own beliefs.

The following opinion is part of my weekly write up for Texas Faith Forum, at the end of my piece; the Dallas Morning News link presents opinions on the forum. The question was, “Why shouldn’t people of faith worry about maintaining theological continuity and integrity, if indeed religion proclaims binding moral and metaphysical truths that are necessary to live by?”

Link - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2010/12/freedom-gene-america-does-it.html

# # #

Freedom Gene, America does it!

People of faith, particularly “conservatives,” continue to worry about maintaining theological continuity and integrity, but they really don’t have a choice and cannot “control” perceived “deviants” by frightening them with excommunication or persecution. America is the land of the free and it does bring freedom to one from the clutches of one’s own beliefs, however religious associations in America are tempered with free choice.

The men and women who came to America in the face of religious persecution in Europe formed their own communities and found the freedom to practice what they believed was their inalienable right. As more diverse communities grew, they developed an acceptance of the other out of a sheer need to co-exist and a desire to reject the idea of persecution they had endured.  Although fanaticism was a part of the growth in persecuting Jews, Catholics, Mormons and Wicca, the idea of co-existence was also growing stronger.

 One of the values immigrants cherish most is the freedom this land evokes, cajoles and activates in them, there is nothing like it anywhere on Earth. Immigrants are not what you think to be; Mexicans, Indians, Chinese, Asians, Arabs or Africans but every one of us including you and me.  Indeed the Native Americans have fiercely guarded and demonstrated their freedom as well.

Despite the binding moral and metaphysical truths espoused by the conservatives as truths to live by, the American gene of freedom has gotten them as much as everyone. They are worried about the dilution of their faith, but have gradually moved on from the familiar to unfamiliar, an inch at a time establishing new equilibriums. They have reluctantly accepted pre-marital sexual relations; resisted abortion and have remained silent about men and women living together without the wedding vows,  and now they are battling with the homosexuality issues and one day they will cross that threshold and accept new equilibriums.

The first living and practicing women Rabbis, Pastors or Imams in the Abrahamic traditions particularly, and priests in other traditions in general are here in the United States, an unthinkable thing some fifty years ago. Our sense of morality is continuously enlarging and embracing diversity of thought as the legitimate other.

Freedom of religion is the binding value of America and the American gene of freedom thrives and permeates in every one’s DNA, and we will remain loyal to freedom over dogma.

Read the other opinions at Dallas Morning News Link: 

http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/12/texas-faith-why-not-worry-abou.html

  

Mike Ghouse runs the Foundation for Pluralism championing the idea of co-existence through respecting and accepting the otherness of other and has dedicated his life to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam through the World Muslim Congress.

Mike is available to speak on Pluralism, Islam, Civil Societies, Peace & Justice Saturday, December 04, 2010at your school, work place, seminars or place of worship. He is a regular commentator on the TV, Radio and Print media offering pluralistic solutions to the issues of the day. He is a speaker, thinker, writer and a peace activist. Mike’s book “ Back to the basics” is coming soon.

Mike's work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/