You are here

Share Share Share Share Share Share Share
Jewesses with Attitude

Comparative Religion Isn't Just for Academics




It worries me how little people in this country seem to know about religion. I'm no expert, but I think it is important to understand at least some basic things about other people's religious beliefs, especially when dealing with politics. The recent Park51 fiasco exemplifies the visceral reactions people have in relation to religion, and this survey shows how those reactions are very often based on little knowledge or facts. Consequently, often instead of having educated discussion, people simply devolve into having shouting matches--and nothing ends up getting fixed.

A recent opinion piece in The Washington Post makes a really good point about this, and suggests at least a partial solution: the author argues that all political candidates should be forced and expected to talk about their respective religious beliefs, and how their beliefs will affect them as political leaders. In an age when people know very little about each other's religions, including their own political leaders (you've all probably heard about Obama the Muslim), the American people should try to change that and not leave their knowledge of their political leader's religious views up to chance--it's too much of a risk. Asking candidates about their political views may not change the fact that Americans are not particularly educated about religion, but I believe that doing so could prevent Americans from buying into unfounded religious claims about their political leaders. Moreover, it has the potential to encourage dialogue predicated on the idea of increasing our knowledge about religion rather than the assumption that we all know everything, which, the survey shows, is definitely untrue.

We live in a multicultural world full of different religions--it's time to openly talk about religions, their differences and their nuances, rather than ignoring them, so that people can actually become knowledgeable. Religion has a huge effect on people's lives, and I believe that just as part of being an educated citizen is having an understanding of the demographics of our country and the ideals it was founded on, so too should be having at least a basic understanding of religion and the role it plays in this country and its people's lives. Doing so has the potential to make us all more tolerant and understanding citizens.

How to cite this page

Lamdany, Dina. "Comparative Religion Isn't Just for Academics." 7 October 2010. Jewish Women's Archive. (Viewed on December 9, 2016) <>.


Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women.

donate now


What is the best Jewish feminist tv show currently on tv?

Sign Up for JWA eNews



3 hr
4 hr
4 hr