Religious hierarchy is the biggest impediment to a more equitable America

In his critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right, Karl Marx emphatically claims, “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of a spiritless world.” Going further, Marx remarks religion is nothing but an opiate that provides an illusory sense of happiness, which impedes their ability to realize that real happiness lies not in an abstract illusion but rather in their concrete material relations. Almost 200 years after this insightful expose, religion today, more than any other factor, continues to play the most integral role in how a large majority of our country sees both itself and others’ position within the intricate global web.

But why is it that billions still fetter their minds around belief systems whose theological validity has repeatedly been shown to stand in staunch contradiction with proven scientific facts and established historical events? More baffling might be the question of why religiosity has actually intensified in many places, rather than attenuate, in the face of these apparent empirical inconsistencies. But the most pressing question above all is what motivates many to zealously support religious institutions whose political agenda runs directly against their own interests. The answer to these startling realities undoubtedly lies among the dynamic multitude of economic forces that comprise our modern capitalist society and how the greater public perceives the way these forces impact their daily lives. Particularly important is the influential role that religious leaders play in justifying the continuation of such a disaster prone economic system.

Revived orthodox conservative movements on the Right, in the form of the Tea Party and an ideologically charged Republican party, rose out of the destruction wreaked by the 2008 financial crisis. At the core of these radical movements, however, has been an entrenched return to traditionalist Christian values reminiscent of the Puritanical witch-hunts of early colonial America. Brandishing a simplistic panacea for the ills of the country, these vitriolic factions continue to lash out against those whom they identify as laying outside their religious-ideological beliefs. Whether it is a strong resentment towards poor Mexican migrant workers for taking their jobs, hateful attitude towards gay people as inherently different than heterosexuals, or the comical belief that their black President is secretly a Communist/Socialist, these fringe groups have irrevocably altered the political terrain of our country.

But the most intriguing aspect of this orthodox revival might be the paradoxical re-embracement of the prevailing capitalist order by those exact same individuals whose lives it completely torn asunder through speculative gambling on Wall Street. The sight of figures like the Koch brothers being heartily welcomed by these groups’ as symbolizing the epitome of honorable success has been puzzling. It is as obvious that these billionaires are simply looking to exploit the fervent megaphone of the Tea Party to further their own business interests as it is troubling to think the group can’t detect such deceit. Incessant chants for lower taxes, cuts in social spending, and annulment of the healthcare initiative are antithetical to the peoples’ very interests. Here, religion's powerful ideological magnet pulls more forcefully than anywhere else, because instead of realizing that the same individuals in whom they have imbued their trust are the ones indirectly responsible for their current malaise, the justification that we receive is an absurd invocation of some divine being’s “grand plan.” Behind these misguided conclusions are always the same corrupt religious leaders who possess a vested interest in protecting the status quo, all the while profiting immensely from the pittances of their followers.

This corrupt business model thrives perfectly in the poor enclaves of the American South where magnificent evangelical mega-churches run by opulent pastors constantly proselytize the virtues of liberty espoused by the political Right. Citizens of states such as Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, where some communities are stunningly similar to squalid caricatures of third-world nations, never fail to overwhelming vote in favor of candidates who devoutly support socially regressive policies. It seems counter-intuitive to think that a region, where the official poverty rate is a record high 17 percent, would consistently elect national representatives in relentless pursuit of economic initiatives detrimental to their constituents’ livelihoods.

The policy discussions dominating the electoral scene in these states revolve around issues like denying equal marriage benefits to same-sex couples, shutting down minor social programs like Planned Parenthood, and preventing a socialized model of national healthcare from restricting their freedoms (not that Obamacare satisfies such a model). Who are the main agents behind the support of this trivial and distracting political discourse? They are, in fact, the same leaders who every Sunday pontificate on equality and the necessity of building a more fair and just society. Yet, their explanations of why these end goals are not being effectively pursued ultimately circle back to the aforementioned talking points, rather than highlighting the grossly inequitable policies that form the bedrock of our current economic system.

But this isn’t to say that the religious establishment is the only minority block supporting a status quo pernicious to the interests of the majority, or even that they are always in favor of such a system. It is undeniable that the Church (particularly the Catholic Church) provides millions of poor Americans with critical material and spiritual support in times of need. Yet, the apathy of the main leaders within these enormously influential centers of social life towards the most pressing issues facing our country today is inexcusable. The reason for the shortcoming is not due to a lack of understanding, but rather the unwillingness to stand against the unfair policies from which they ultimately derive their exorbitant wealth and influence. For instance, the absurd law that renders a church tax-exempt has permitted many agents within the Evangelical base to amass tremendous material wealth, which has permitted them to create almost mini fiefdoms within their respective locales.

To rail against these obviously biased policies would essentially require religious leaders to engage in activities opposed to their best interests. But if history has anything to tell us about such a prospect, it’s that this will never happen without a mass consensus among the rank and file. Sadly, the likelihood of this collective conscious organically forming seems quite bleak given the strength of the framework in place to counteract it. Aided by powerful media conglomerates with similar interests, religious leaders shield their congregations from narratives that explore the foundational aspects of society’s problems.

In spite of these challenges, the religious domain still has the potential to motivate large sectors of the American population to demand real political and economic changes from the state. But for this to occur, there needs to be a sustained effort that works to highlight the subterfuge of the religious hierarchy while simultaneously providing a substantive vision for positive change. More importantly, this has to occur without encroaching upon the individual’s religious beliefs. The goal should not be to insult the doctrines making up their core values, but rather to demonstrate the possibility of a fairer and more just world where all individuals derive benefit—not simply a selected few.

Sarallah is a sophomore majoring in math and political science. He is an Opinions Staff Writer for the Newsletter.