If religion preaches peace and prosperity, then why is the idea of a world without religion often thought to be the more peaceful when compared to our current state of affairs? Often religious lessons are taken out of context and the overzealous end up becoming the greatest sinners of all. Traditions and interpretations mutate overtime leaving a broken telephone effect of a misunderstood story.
The division of church and state is very important to us here in North America, and while we do see some bias towards religious ideals from our leaders and the national holidays we observe, we are still free to practice any religion and its rules at our own discretion. Those living in countries that are heavily influenced by the ideas of their archbishop, usually do not have such liberties.
One of the most controversial debates in state-religion control is the prolife debate. Since 2006 in Nicaragua there has been a zero tolerance policy towards abortions. If caught, those engaged in the process face serious jail time of 10-30 years depending on the circumstances. As a result to this law, women facing maternal death, or women carrying a baby conceived from rape are forced to carry the baby to term. No matter your opinion on abortion, these women are unnecessarily suffering.
Nicaragua is the sixth country to fully ban abortion. Religion is here to provide hope, comfort and understanding for those who seek it. The Buddhist philosophy taught by the Dali Lama says to keep your own beliefs close while keeping an open mind and always showing respect to the beliefs of those around you. We need to continue to promote the separation of state and religion globally; we all deserve to live side by side anywhere in this world as equals and without fear or oppression.
