The Thin Line in Don Quixote and Religious Belief

Part 1

Throughout my life, the subjects of religion and politics have consistently been a source of contention, not only within my personal circle but across the broader societal landscape. These topics are frequent catalysts for wars, bigotry, and various forms of discrimination; each stemming from religion and politics. These two roots feed interchangeably from each other, and the true sources of hatred and feud become blurred.

Religion has been an unwelcome yet pervasive presence in my life, akin to an overbearing relative who arrives uninvited and refuses to leave. Despite not granting it entry, religion has significantly shaped my worldview. However, rather than embracing faith, my experiences with religion have steered me towards secularism—a space where self-reliance, personal ethics, and reason prevail. In this secular refuge, I trust in my capabilities and moral compass, not in my parents’ phantoms.

I have often felt alienated and rejected because of religious doctrines, both by individuals claiming kinship and by larger communities I’ve never personally encountered. Such is the divisive power of religion, creating a sense of community within an echo chamber where all parrot each other and no-one dares ask questions. Communities where creating outsiders and “others” seems to be the norm. Religion can turn neighbor against neighbor over something as innocuous as a flag representing diversity, focusing on trivial differences rather than shared human qualities.