Religion itself is neither inherently oppressive nor inherently liberatory—it is a social vessel that can be wielded in profoundly different ways. When religion is organized around conservative, authoritarian, and exclusionary principles, it becomes a tool of oppression. When organized around progressive, liberatory, and inclusive principles, it can become a force for communal care, solidarity, and justice.

Conservative Religion: Why It’s Harmful

What is it?
Conservative religion typically emphasizes:

• rigid dogma and literalist interpretations
• strict hierarchies (male over female, clergy over laity, believers over nonbelievers)
• enforcement of social conformity
• fear-based morality (threats of damnation, shame, or ostracism)
• nationalist or ethnocentric identity

Examples across traditions:

• Christianity: Fundamentalist evangelicals pushing anti-LGBTQ+, anti-women policies, blending church and state to enforce biblical law.
• Islam: Wahhabism or Taliban-style governance imposing harsh gender and moral codes, violently punishing dissent.
• Judaism: Ultra-Orthodox communities enforcing strict gender segregation and denying civil rights to secular or Reform Jews in Israel.
• Hinduism: Hindutva nationalism in India, weaponizing Hindu identity to persecute Muslims and Dalits (untouchables).
• Buddhism: Nationalist movements in Myanmar (Burma) fueling genocide against Rohingya Muslims.
• Other indigenous or tribal religions: When manipulated by local elites to maintain caste or clan dominance.

Why is it bad?

• It polices bodies and identities (queer people, women, religious minorities).
• It justifies state violence or exclusion in the name of “divine will.”
• It silences questioning and punishes free thought.
• It merges with capitalism or ethno-nationalism to consolidate power.
• It fosters fear, guilt, and submission instead of love and mutual aid.

Progressive Religion: Why It’s Good

What is it?
Progressive religion typically emphasizes:

• metaphorical, evolving interpretations of sacred texts
• equality across gender, race, sexuality
• focus on ethics of love, justice, and solidarity over doctrinal purity
• protecting the marginalized, resisting oppressive powers
• ecological stewardship, seeing humanity as part of a broader interdependent web

Examples across traditions:

• Christianity: Liberation theology in Latin America siding with the poor against dictators; Black churches fighting white supremacy; queer-affirming congregations.
• Islam: Feminist Muslim scholars reclaiming the Quran for gender justice; Sufi orders focusing on spiritual love over rigid law.
• Judaism: Reconstructionist and Reform movements advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial justice, and Palestinian solidarity.
• Hinduism: Dalit (untouchables) theologians and activists dismantling caste hierarchies using Hindu teachings of oneness.
• Buddhism: Engaged Buddhism, as in Thích Nhất Hạnh’s anti-war activism and mindfulness rooted in compassion for all beings.
• Pagan & indigenous revival movements: Rebuilding community-based spiritualities centered on environmental and social reciprocity.

Why is it good?

• It builds communities of care, mutual aid, and solidarity.
• It champions the dignity of all people and actively undoes systems of domination.
• It reinterprets ancient wisdom to meet today’s struggles against patriarchy, racism, capitalism, and colonialism.
• It honors pluralism and protects religious freedom for everyone.
• It channels spirituality into concrete acts of justice and restoration.

The dividing line is not religion vs. irreligion. It is reactionary vs. liberatory religion. Conservative religion props up the old hierarchies, while progressive religion tears them down and replaces them with mutual uplift. If we wish to heal our societies, we must oppose the former and nurture the latter—until justice rolls down like waters, and inclusive spiritual communities flourish everywhere.