Aamir Hussain (Georgetown) on Religious Divides

Unfortunately, recent tensions over social issues and scandals like Michelle Bachmann’s assertion that Huma Abedin, a US Department of State employee, had “ties to the Muslim Brotherhood” illustrate that religion can often cause conflict. On the other hand, examples such as an interfaith youth campaign sponsored by the White House and the persistent engagement of religious groups in community service highlight religion’s potential as a bridge of cooperation. Why do these two opposing narratives seem to coexist in America today? I believe it is because we largely ignore the influence of religion on various other aspects of diversity and identity.

Although we say the Millennial Generation is the most diverse in American history, but what do we actually mean by diversity? At Georgetown University, much of our diversity education revolves around awareness of the “D7+,” various aspects of identity that influence our sense of self. Officially, the D7 are age, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and ability/health status. The “+” signifies that it is impossible to provide an exhaustive list, and that some people may be strongly influenced by other, miscellaneous aspects of their own identity. (For example, I personally identify very strongly with my American citizenship).

However, the most important idea is that none of our identities exist in isolation. Many of the so-called “religiously-based” conflicts in our nation can be understood as a failure to understand these intersections of identity. For example, the ongoing question of same-sex marriage incorporates many people’s personal views of both religion and sexual orientation. For some, same-sex marriage is perfectly compatible with their beliefs, while for others, homosexuality is considered a major sin. Often, these different points of view exist within the same faith tradition! In this situation, a civil dialogue (NOT a debate) between these two viewpoints that honestly incorporates each side’s underlying religious beliefs would be a healthy way to begin understanding the intersection of religion/spirituality and sexual orientation.

Also, the ongoing trend of Islamophobia represents a divergent set of ideas: the notion of Islam as inherently incompatible with American (or even Christian) values is completely at odds with the personal experiences of many American Muslims. I can speak from my own experience when I say that my American identity has actually been strengthened by my Muslim faith. I am constantly reminded of America’s diversity when I listen to Chapter 30, Verse 22 from the Qur'an which states, “And among [God’s] signs is […] the diversity of [mankind’s] languages and colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.” In terms of Christians, the Qur'an also enjoins Muslims to find “common terms with the People of the Book (i.e. Jews and Christians) that we worship only one God” (Qur'an 3:64). Maybe if I made my personal views about America, Christianity, and Islam known to Mrs. Bachmann, she would be less likely to openly question my patriotism.

These conflicts in our society, therefore, are not exclusively about religion, but instead about how each side interprets religious views. If we, as Americans, want to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining an “enlightened and free society,” we must first become honest about our own viewpoints. Many of us are prevented from truly understanding others on a deeper level because we are afraid of bringing up the “taboo” subject of religion. However, this is dangerous because it leaves us prone to make judgments based on misinformation, fear, and stereotypes. Instead, we should bring religious conversation into the mainstream so we can be forthright about how our views on a wide range of subjects are influenced by our religion/spirituality. Granted, it will be very difficult to break with our established tradition of political correctness. However, I believe that as the most diverse generation in American history, it is our responsibility as Millennials to begin this trend of open and honest dialogue about the intersections of our identities.