November 21, 2010:

Ponderings of a Pilgrim PASTOR

“Religion: Toxic or Tonic?”

Is religion good for our nation or bad? These days people line up on opposite sides of that question. Passionate atheists like Christopher Hitchens argue that “religion poisons everything,” while advocates for religion (conservative religion, that is) like Glenn Beck see faith in God as the answer to everything that ails America. Which is right? The evidence is mixed.

A recent study by David E. Campbell at Notre Dame and Robert D. Putnam at Harvard entitled “American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us,” points out that religious people tend to be less tolerant of free speech. They also tend to be less tolerant of other forms of diversity. No surprise there as we hear some religious leaders railing against equal rights for gay and lesbian folk as well as religious minorities.

On the other hand (and, thank God, there is another hand!), religious people are more likely to be better neighbors than secular folk. Religious people are more likely to get involved in community services such as donating blood, feeding the hungry, and volunteering for civic causes. Which religious faith doesn’t seem to matter. Even those who only attend worship once-in-a-while are more involved.

Why is this? The authors aren’t sure but think it may have something to do with the fact that when we gather in groups (think worship), we become more aware of and concerned for others. We tend to think of other people as friends, not strangers. We also hear appeals from religious leaders to get involved in helping others.

So does religion help or harm our civic life? A little of both. Religion may mean less tolerance but more neighborliness. For religious communities this has to be both challenging and comforting. For myself, I like to believe that Pilgrim Church is a good example of how to get the balance right.

Love,
Pastor Dave