Learning to live in a divided society
That those fault lines continually shift to reflect that the number of people on either side of the divide is constantly changing does not in any way diminish the passionate — or blinkered if you prefer — arguments made on either side of the debate.
Inevitably cliched and inaccurate accusations are trotted out, just as they are in every other argument in this sphere. Before long more we can expect the same weary protagonists to face each other over abortion and school patronage, religious education in schools and even opening prayers in our parliament and council chambers.
Just this week independent senator Katherine Zappone, speaking in the Seanad, objected to the continuation of the recitation of the traditional prayer at the commencement of business, arguing that it should be replaced by one that reflected the pluralism represented by the membership of the House.
Deputy Seanad leader Ivana Bacik said she would continue her attempts to have the prayer dropped. How Ireland has changed.
These are just skirmishes along a road to what seems an inevitable conclusion and the only thing in doubt now is how divided this society might become during that journey.
Most of the media are usually described as godless and religion-hating pawns manipulated by the great antichrist of secularism. Nearly every cleric is under a cloud because of the Catholic church’s amoral behaviour on self-preservation and child abuse. These accusations are equally bizarre and inaccurate but that won’t stop someone somewhere trotting out either of them in any instalment of what seems a never-ending, self-perpetuating circle of mutual contempt.
As religion is relegated in the list of priorities in more and more people’s lives maybe we should learn the lesson offered by an increasingly polarised and frightening America.
Fundamental Christians have become so intolerant, so zealous and confrontational — frighteningly the term fascist is almost appropriate — that they may soon cross a line that would obviate the very principles that made America a great shining light in an intolerant world.
Their with-us-or-against-us forcefulness has made it all but impossible for the Republican party to find a credible election challenger to President Obama. This, in turn, will deepen polarisation and stiffen the resolve of marginalised zealots. This is not how strong, united and effective societies are built or sustained.
Surely neither side of the religious/secular debate in Ireland wants that for a society with more than enough problems already?
Surely we can find a way to accept that some of us will want to be Catholics in act and deed, still more by declaration rather than practice, while more of us will want nothing at all to do with organised religion, Christian or otherwise.
No one position will prevail but all must be accommodated. The sooner we are proactive about this inevitability the sooner we can confront the huge issues that face us and our children in the best possible way; believer and dissenter alike.