I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

I've always loved Elton John. I think he is probably the greatest singer-songwriter of our time. But Elton has a bit of a quirky streak. And now he's done it again.

In a recent interview, Elton John states that we should ban religion completely. He says that, "It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate." And that, "Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays."

I can imagine that for a homosexual, it must be difficult hearing some people of religion speaking against homosexuality. But just because one has an opinion about something does not mean they are "promoting hatred and spite". Religious conservatives are not donning hoods and burning crosses in the front yards of homosexuals. They are not lynching people. There are no scarlet letters being forced upon people.

Elton John implies that religion is not tolerant. But by suggesting that religion be banned, he is not being tolerant either. Tolerance is recognizing and respecting the rights, beliefs, or practices of others. And that means that Elton John needs to be tolerant too.

What really bothers me is his statement that religion is not compassionate. People of religion run some of the greatest hospitals in the country. They run homeless shelters. They feed the hungry. They send people all over the world to help bring food, healthcare, and education to people who are suffering.

But I guess that Elton John wants to just throw out the baby with the bathwater. Because in banning religion, we would lose so many of the compassionate organizations and people that he thinks do not exist. By golly, without religion, there would have been no Mother Theresa, and I don't think even Elton John can argue her compassion.

I don't know what's up with Elton these days. But I am really disappointed.