This Is What Oppression Is:

op·pres·sion
   /əˈprɛʃən [uh-presh-uhn]
–noun

1. the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.
2. an act or instance of oppressing.
3. the state of being oppressed.
4. the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.


Origin:
1300–50; ME oppressioun
a pressing down, equiv. to oppress ( us ) ( see oppress) + -iōn- -ion

—Synonyms
tyranny, despotism, persecution, hardship, suffering.

—Antonyms
kindness, justice.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.


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Ever wonder why some people believe their spiritual or religious belief is the only way to God and try to force it on us? It is simply because they believe in what they believe so much. So just discredit other religions or spiritual paths, and scream "religious persecution!" louder than anyone when it's happening to you? The truth about self-righteousness, is that not many people realize it is really vanity in action. Some religious people are so anti-blasphemy -- but do they realize that their beliefs are blasphemous to someone else? Do you know how to treat other people with love and dignity - even those who believe differently than you do? Do you even care to? Some of you saviors may believe you are born to save others.


Do you think that love is forcing change on others, or accepting others for what they are and letting them grow at the pace that they are comfortable with?

When we love, we don’t force our religion on others.


When we love, we don’t give people ultimatums. When we love, we don't force our beliefs and opinions on other people. When we love, we honor and respect the sanctity of another person's belief system. When we love, we simply love. So the next time you think of punishing and inflicting suffering on other people for not believing in what you do - before you think, "there has to be serious consequences" - think about love. Will love do that? Are you doing that?

Especially when you're preaching about living in a peaceful new world, should you think twice before attempting to justify acts of oppression with so-called noble intentions. No one should have to live in fear of having their own belief system, or feel forced into a religion. Is that even what your religion teaches? - that people have no free will or choice? That the true religion would be marked by forced coercion? That God is bloodthirsty and can't wait to kill anyone who does not agree? Is this the same happy God of love and peace that you're preaching to me and to everyone else about?

You twist beautiful principles of love into something ugly, and you use a message of peace to spread misery and hatred.

Don't tell me that you're doing this out of fear for my welfare and happiness.