Brian’s Reflection: Friday, October 9, 2009

Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.

- Napoleon Bonaparte, hapless ruler.


Whoa! Heavy! But I think that Napoleon is correct. I can see in my mind’s eye the contemptuous twist of the lip! Religion has most often been on the side of Power. Pope Pius XII, whose death date is today in 1958, supported hideous anti-Christian policies of Hitler; he is a good example of a religious leader (dubious designation!) who seems to have abandoned Christ for the institution of the Church – the “poor” (the powerless) for the “rich” (the powerful). I would love to see where Dante would have put Pius XII in the rings of Hell!

If we go by Jesus, Religion was meant to “side” with the poor, the oppressed, the deprived, on all levels. Perhaps “pure Christianity” does. But the Institution is so easily co-opted! There is a simple “local” example of this in my church. I have always believed that “God” was against War. War is not justifiable in any way by the Gospel message, and attempts to make War justifiable theologically are, to me, utter apostasy. And yet we constantly have people praying for our “soldiers” – often hideously described as “heroes” - and their protection, at the Prayers. This, from people, often Christian, who have chosen a military path. I certainly don’t want anyone to be killed. Yet seldom does anyone pray for the Peacemakers! No one prays for the conversion to Love for those who espouse War. No one prays for our “enemies” – a direct affront to Jesus’ direction.

For me, it is a corollary that any authentic Religion must champion the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, the lied-about, and those who oppose War.

When “Religion” supports the “rich”, i.e., a metaphor for those who disregard those who are deprived of God’s blessings and even collude in or instigate it, then “religion” must be prepared to suffer the inevitable consequences. Like being relegated to Irrelevance.

Or maybe even “murder” – metaphorically, being dismissed as irrelevant or contemptuously hypocritical or undermining of the safety of our World.

Brian+