Religious Dogma

There are many faiths, each with its own beliefs.
Unfortunately, many faiths reach a point where they become stagnant.
The come to believe that they are right, and others are wrong.
They resist change.
And they try to suppress those who believe differently.
The set of beliefs a religion holds to be above challenge is dogma.

Suppression of Alternate Beliefs

Reaction to Isolation

Humans are mostly social animals.
We cannot bear being set apart from the groups with which we identify.
When set apart, we get lonely, afraid.
We begin to think we are less worthy, or unworthy, of being a part of the group.

Some will come to believe that the group MUST be right,
and will come to believe the same as a group.

Some will NOT believe,
but will try to force the alternative thoughts from their minds.

Some will NOT believe,
but will pretend to go along, so as not to be left out.

Some will NOT believe,
and will stand up for themselves,
preaching their "heresies" as they are ignored, or denounced, or attacked.

Freedom to Think for Ourselves

It is my belief that we should be free to think for ourselves.
When my beliefs are dictated by another, I lose that freedom.
I should NEVER have to fear that I don't belong merely because I believe something differently.
I should NEVER have to fear being rejected merely because I think for myself.

Dogma All Around Us

People don't only take a religious attitude in spiritual matters.
They take it in all sorts of other matters as well.
Whether it's "You must be pro-life and pro-family to be a TRUE Republican"
or "You cannot be a REAL programmer and believe BASIC is usable."
Our community has them too.
Have you ever heard "Real gay men don't like...?"
or "real Lesbians are...?"
We can have our beliefs
Others can have theirs
We can even express our reasons for believing as we do.
But must we demand that others "toe the party line" in order to be included?
Or can we allow ourselves to grow and change?
Without fear.