How religion perpetuates bigotry

One of my biggest fights has been against bigotry. I realised this when I was growing up in Nigeria as a Yoruba boy with an Hausa grandmother. I saw Nigerians tear each other apart simply based on where they were born. I believe this is still one of the reasons Africa lags behind till now.

When I came to reside in the UK, I experienced a different kind with racism. I blatantly experienced disgusting looks to being passed over for jobs I could do with my eyes shut and had to work under many unqualified individuals for years who I know the only reason they had the job was the colour of their skin. I have witnessed and continue to observe the devastation effect of bigotry worldwide and was appalled to see the treatment of the First African American president. I live in England and hence come across racism almost daily. I have learnt to live with it and rise above the pettiness but I  have decided to fight against it with every platform I have been given.

During the course of my research, I came across a very disturbing fact; Religion which is at the heart of human civilisation has been the main instrument that has perpetuated this evil of bigotry.

Christianity: A religion that widely preaches love and tolerance has at the heart of its story the fact that God favoured some over others. This truly happened in the Old Testament and the main story being races sacked so the Jews could occupy the promised land. I do not fully understand why but something clear is that God protects his chosen and goes the extra mile for them. The Jews were chosen because they were the first to respond to the true God.. Jesus.came to level the playing field but many Christians have not stopped worshipping at Jewish shrine till this day. An average Jew will get away with murder literally as many in the fold still regard them with awe. This would not have been a problem but it introduces double standards which has gone to support many forms of bigotry for generations.

Islam: A religion that mostly preaches peace  mirrors many of what Christianity does. The bottom line is that the Saudis get away with so much and  are revered because of their geographic connection to the revered Prophet. 

Hinduism. I’m not an expert but this gives rise to castes which divides men up depending on where they are born.

God is love and everything he does is motivated by that. When humans lived in darkness there was the desperate need to establish light and to ensure that lineage of Jesus was not disrupted. Many have interpreted this to mean God is partial and have been using it to lift one over another. Unfortunately this means that bigotry will be with us till the end of time because  many will continue to find religious justification for their actions. When I put this against what just happened in America; where a man many will not desire as an uncle was voted as president largely based on the religious card. Then I fully understood. Come lord Jesus come!