The War on Religion and The Duchy of Grand Fenwick

I’ve finally figured out the strategy of the religious right. They are taking lessons from Peter Sellers. In his movie The Mouse that Roared the Duchy of Grand Fenwick declares war on the United States under the assumption that losing the war would lead to them receiving foreign aide from the US to rebuild such as in Europe and Japan after World War II. I’m reminded of this movie by an article in The New York Times on the benefits religion receives from various exceptions. After commening on some of the benefits received, they note the claims of a “war on religion.”

In recent years, many politicians and commentators have cited what they consider a nationwide “war on religion” that exposes religious organizations to hostility and discrimination. But such organizations — from mainline Presbyterian and Methodist churches to mosques to synagogues to Hindu temples — enjoy an abundance of exemptions from regulations and taxes. And the number is multiplying rapidly.

The exemptions and other special breaks given to religious organizations give them an unfair advantage over non-religious organizations which may be competing with them as religious organizations are expanding far beyond religion;

As a result of these special breaks, religious organizations of all faiths stand in a position that American businesses — and the thousands of nonprofit groups without that “religious” label — can only envy. And the new breaks come at a time when many religious organizations are expanding into activities — from day care centers to funeral homes, from ice cream parlors to fitness clubs, from bookstores to broadcasters — that compete with these same businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Just like the Duchy of Grand Fenwick, religious organizations may see an advantage in claiming to be at war, but they are actually benefiting greatly from aide from the United States government.

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