Religion and Politics
As the International Liberation Reference Person for Jews, I work hard to create a big “tent” for all Jews—religious and practicing Jews; secular, humanist, and atheist Jews; affiliated and unaffiliated Jews. I want all to be welcome in RC Jewish liberation work.
Religions have played a vicious, oppressive role throughout history. They have enacted racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, and more. Texts in our “holy books” have been used to perpetrate oppression. As a Jew, I know only too well the anti-Semitic parts of the New Testament that are used to justify anti-Semitic violence. We must face the oppressor distress in religious practices, texts, and doctrines and fight fully against it.
But religions have also provided humans with some of the most uplifting, pro-human, pro-survival visions and practices, to guide our way. Religious practices have, over and over again, helped oppressed peoples stay alive, connected, and able to maintain hope. Jews survived two thousand years of hatred in no small part due to the role religious practices played in helping them survive and flourish.
Harvey Jackins and I worked together to craft the early RC Jewish liberation draft policies. He wanted us to be very clear in our policy statements that it was not Christianity per se that was the oppressor of Jews or the sole perpetrator of anti-Semitism. It was when Christianity became aligned with the state and the ruling class (which has happened throughout history) that religion became a vehicle for the enacting and spreading of oppression.
When my non-RC Jewish buddies speak about Christian dominance, I remember Harvey’s words—that it is not Christianity per se but how in this current period in the United States, Christian evangelicals are allied with the state. They have an open door to the White House. As a result of this alliance, we are seeing a rise in oppressive policies and practices. I am sure that Jesus (who launched an early Jewish liberation movement) would be turning in his grave [very upset].
I want RCers who claim to be atheists, not practicing, and non-believers to have a full and welcome place in RC. I also want RCers who root their activism, their liberation work, and their life activities in a religious context to know they are fully welcomed.
Let’s get clearer about the vicious role religion plays when fully aligned with the state. Let’s also cheer on those religious-practicing folks who find places in their religions that powerfully support and enhance their liberation work.
Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for USA political issues
(Present Time 202, January 2021)