In another piece I alluded to what I called a toxic fundamental doctrine common to many religions. That, owing to the religion’s absolute perfection on matters of truth and morality, it is not only encouraged but it is a duty for its adherents to ‘save’ the rest of the world and convert it to the correct faith so that universal peace and justice will prevail. The doctrine contains no limitations on the methods used to convert the heathens. Indeed, while the vast majority of the faithful no longer practice such savagery, the doctrine specifically provides for execution of those unable to make the transition.
In thinking about these matters I have concluded that my focus has been drawn to a very real and very important issue. The word “toxic” in the above introduction needs to be examined and objectively justified.
Toxic means essentially poisonous, and poisonous means harmful or unpleasant.
Taking the view of a person of faith, I have to admit that there is nothing harmful in promoting truth and goodness. Since there is no uncertainty in my beliefs, it is clear that my duty is to enlighten those who have not yet seen the light. To persuade them to embrace the ideas that will provide comfort and glory in the correct perception of reality. It would be wrong indeed to abandon these unfortunates to their misguided and erroneous convictions.
It is regrettable that there will be some who will remain unconvinced. While some will claim that they should be allowed their mistaken views and left to their fate, I must face the fact that they could corrupt the minds of others who could be saved. It is unavoidable that my duty includes preventing them from doing so.
I am unable to relish the act of depriving another of their life against their will, but I can be sustained in the knowledge that murder, theft, and dishonesty, while deplorable, can be forgiven. The one crime that God will not tolerate, and will never forgive, is unbelief. Carrying out the Lord’s work is not a choice, it is obligatory. I cannot avoid it and remain in grace.
I must not be discouraged by the scale of the task. As a Christian I must convert or kill more than 4 billion people. As a Muslim or a member of any other religion, it is much, much more daunting.
I will now withdraw from the view of a person of faith and continue as a person of no faith.
The faithful are justified in denying toxicity in their doctrine, which is perceived as purifying. The difficulty comes when there is more than one correct faith. With more than one religion present in the world, an entirely different perspective emerges.
The doctrine now clearly becomes a recipe for division and hatred. For persecution and oppression. All manner of atrocities become commonplace, at every level of intensity from child indoctrination and propaganda to full scale warfare. This is the very essence of harmful and unpleasant. This is toxic.
What is the cure, you ask? I am sure there are many, much smarter than I am, who when presented with this problem could develop effective solutions. My own humble idea may be impossible to implement but I will put it out there anyway.
I think the key is to let go of the ridiculously arrogant idea that you are in possession of perfect knowledge. It is not excessively humble to declare that while you may hold certain beliefs to be true and precious, it is possible, perhaps extremely improbable, but still possible that you could be mistaken.
I believe with this adjustment in thinking, it would be much more difficult to do harm, and would not compromise the ability to do good.