On Global Village last night we had an in-depth discussion with Irish Muslims and how Islamaphobia affects them every day. From the extreme where they are called names associated to terrorism by strangers or simply being the butt end of jokes which stem from ignorance and religious intolerance. The guests collectively wanted to be accepted for who they are and wanted the freedom to practice their culture and religion in their home. The texts flooding in were a testimony of the anti-Islamic sentiments which exist in Ireland today.
A listener objected to the removal of the nativity scene in a hospice in Dublin as an effort to be inclusive and not to offend other religions. Interestingly the majority of migrants would never expect the host culture to shed any part of their heritage or identity to accommodate the new cultures. The removal of the nativity scene in the hospice was a mistake which provoked unnecessary anxiety for Irish people who genuinely felt that their culture was being eroded to accommodate diversity. Ireland is the home of so many cultures and religions and we must allow these to co-exist in harmony. The integration process is a two way street as new cultures must learn about the host culture and the host culture must learn about the new cultures and accept these as equals.
This is not going to be easy as religion has for centuries created division, intolerance and even war. I sincerely believe that we can achieve an inclusive society if we absorb the positive messages conveyed in religion which are acceptance, tolerance and love. We need to create a space where people of different faiths can come together to confront their differences and arrive to a common ground – our humanity.
I have experienced many religions as my family is comprised of Buddhists, Catholics and Jehovah’s Witnesses. I also lived in a Muslim country for 5 years. At the age of 15 I became a baptised Jehovah’s Witness but at 17 I left the faith because it did not accept my sexuality. This impacted on me hugely as not only was I ashamed of who I was for many years but it created a permanent rift between my mother and I… is it right when a religion has the power to practically destroy a person’s life and the world they live in?
I am curious of the relationship between religion and integration. Does religion promote integration? Does it encourage tolerance and respect to those outside your faith? How does your religion view people who live a life that does not conform to the rules? How are you supposed to behave towards these “sinners”? Does your religion promote the idea that as a believer you are better than others? I am not anti-religion as I myself am deeply spiritual but in my experience much of the prejudices which exist today have been created by religious teachings or at least by their leaders. We need to explore this further as it could potentially hold enourmous learning for us in our efforts to create a better world.
Great questions Dil and an interesting dilemma. Christianity teaches and preaches equality and Love, but i question whether the authority of the church actually practises what it preaches. Religious diversity is not something the irish population have had to embrace until now. The influx of immigrants and the turmoil of the catholic church in Ireland no doubt is hopefully making people reflect on what important messages we can all gain from the fundamental teachings in all religions.
As regards your question does religion promote integration? That’s a tough one to answer. I actually think it is ignorance of religion that stops religion enhancing integration, however i do think the real question is does the authority of the church encourage integration? Have the Catholic church deliberately wanted people to remain ignorant and only gain guidance from them? Is religion just a way of controlling the population as many sociologists think? I believe that tolerance of religions comes from understanding religion and that can only come through education. So Religious studies should be embraced as an academic subject in all schools with young students being exposed to the basic teachings of all world faiths. It will also help the students to have an understanding of Catholicism and maybe then they will not see other faiths as a threat and embrace them more. Then integration may occur as these students will then become adults who will influence the future of society.