All deserve respect
Lisa K. Freeman
If Graham Templeton had cared to research a little further for his stereotypical article against religion [“Religion never changes,” November 5], he would have found that the Roman Catholic Church is the second largest provider of antiretroviral (ARV) medication to persons in southern Africa, after the state, supporting 12,000 people not only with medication, but also with home care and support (vital to the care of families, and to ensuring medication is taken properly and regularly). He may have also found that, although one misguided archbishop spread misinformation, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference has reaffirmed its support for ARVs numerous times, discrediting Chimoio’s remarks.
Though it is typical of our time to blame religion, especially “fundamentalists” for all evils in society, it is not valid. Of course there are individual religious people who propagate outdated, sometimes incorrect ideas. But there are many more religious people who act out of love and respect for their fellow human beings, and try to hold those few accountable. This is the same as in any large group of people, be it those of a specific school, country, profession, or persuasion. Did we discount all of science and all scientists after the racial remarks of James D. Watson? You cannot generalize and stereotype all religions based on a handful of people. Furthermore, you cannot negate other factors that would lead to their behaviour.
Perhaps closest to Templeton’s AIDS example is that of South Africa’s recent position that the link between HIV and AIDS is not proven, and that garlic and lemon are as effective a treatment as ARVs. We do not discount all South Africans for this belief, even though it was their president who stated it, and not a lower level individual (as Chimioi is). The problem here is with education and the dissemination of knowledge and understanding. It will not help the people of South Africa for us to write snarky remarks of them; rather it would help for us to provide information and support in using it.
Furthermore, though it is accepted to degrade religions and the religious, it is not right. If one were to write such an ill-researched, slanderous paper on homosexuals, blacks, or women, it is doubtful it would ever be printed. Why make religion a target for intolerance and misunderstanding? Is it not better to open a dialogue, and allow respectful, educated debate over the merits of religion and faith? Perhaps Templeton should quit sneering at the Interfaith Centre, and think about how he determines who is deserving of respect.