## An Open Letter to Religious Fundamentalists

Posted March 15, 1997

(No specific event prompted this mini-essay, but I thought it would be nice to "pre-hearse" it. :)

I have always associated religion with images of peace, love, brotherhood, and eyestrain from trying to read a hymnbook in the dim light of a stained glass window. For this reason, I am saddened to see people who view their faith not as an open hand with which to welcome people in, but as a closed fist with which to scare them away; to beat down the spirits of those who do not meet their standards.

I am an agnostic, which differs from an atheist in that, while an atheist is as certain there is no god as a religious person is certain that there is, an agnostic is certain only of the fact that he cannot be certain of anything. I am quite sure, however, that any truly loving god would wish for his followers to use his name and his words for the benefit of all well-intentioned people, not as a way to dominate or shun those who differ from the "norm" through no fault of their own.

Are not smugness and vanity mortal sins? And if a person belittles strangers in the name of religion, is he not himself a sinner, by claiming the Word as his own and using it to promote ill feelings between his brethren? As a zoophile, I am a sinner in the eyes of many different gods. But my sin came to me through natural channels, from birth and self-discovery; I did not build it one hatred at a time, urged by narrow minds and cold shoulders.

> "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."
> "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you, for my sake."

> -- Matthew 5:10-11

From one sinner to another, I ask your forgiveness, though I will be no less happy with my life for not receiving it. And if you cannot find it in your heart to forgive me for that which is not my doing, and accept me as a brother despite my differences, then I fear your journey of faith lies yet unfinished. Perhaps, many years ago, the distorted, colored panes of that stained glass window caught your eyes one moment too long, and you did not hear the priest's words, as he spoke of looking beyond what you see at first glance and gazing deeper to find what lies within.

I am a zoophile. I am content.

visits since 8/9/97

Essays -- Updated Saturday, March 15, 1997 -- E-mail Actaeon