Religion has always shaped our collective identity, guiding how we see ourselves and how we treat others. But what happens when it’s used as a weapon, when belief systems meant to unify become tools of division, control, and fear?
In this episode of Behind Beliefs, Behaviors & the Brain, I sat down with Jay Bohanon, diversity and inclusion educator and host of The Religiously Literate Podcast, for a heartfelt conversation about the weaponization of religion and how curiosity, compassion, and connection can help us find our way back to understanding.
The Curiosity That Fuels Connection
Jay’s story began with questions. Raised in a Missionary Baptist church in Kansas, he was taught that faith would make him “feel different.” When that didn’t happen, his curiosity pushed him to seek answers in books and conversations. That curiosity led him on a journey through multiple faith traditions—Judaism, Islam, the Bahá’í Faith, and Buddhism—revealing the similarities that connect us all.
As Jay shared, “Many religions are a lot more alike than they are different.”
When we’re willing to ask questions instead of guarding answers, we open space for connection and grace.
Understanding the Weaponization of Religion
We explored how organized religion often begins with a transformative message, one rooted in compassion or reform, but over time can be twisted by those seeking power. Texts and teachings get reinterpreted through fear, politics, or personal agenda, creating systems that oppress rather than uplift.
This isn’t unique to one faith. From ancient times to modern institutions, humans have used religion to justify control. But awareness and understanding can help us disentangle faith from manipulation and return to the heart of spirituality: love, service, and community.
Culture and Belief: Intertwined but Not Identical
One of Jay’s most powerful insights was that religion and culture often blur together. “Show me where religion and culture split,” one of his professors once said. Culture shapes how we interpret sacred texts, and sometimes what’s presented as “God’s will” is actually cultural bias.
Recognizing that distinction allows us to see others more clearly, and to realize that difference doesn’t mean danger.
Friendship, Grace, and Humanity
When asked how we begin dismantling the weaponization of religion, Jay’s answer was simple and profound: through friendship.
He shared, “If we saw everyone as our friend, we would treat them differently. We would give grace.”
It’s easy to label someone who disagrees with us as “other.” But when we lead with friendship and empathy, even across difference, understanding becomes possible. Connection requires seeing the human being before the belief system.
Identity, Values, and Evolution
Our conversation also explored how identity, and even faith, can evolve. People often resist change because they fear losing their sense of self. Yet as Jay reminded us, “Identity is so fluid; it changes throughout our lives.”
When we allow ourselves and others to evolve, we make room for deeper compassion. Growth doesn’t mean abandoning our roots; it means expanding our understanding of what’s possible.
Why This Conversation Matters
Religion, culture, and identity are inseparable from how we communicate and lead. In workplaces, families, and communities, understanding the impact of belief systems is essential to creating trust and psychological safety.
The antidote to division isn’t more argument, it’s empathy, education, and connection. When we shift from judgment to curiosity, we create the conditions for peace.
About the Guest
Jay (he/they) is a diversity, equity, and inclusion professional with over ten years of social justice advocacy. They help workplaces become more equitable through workshops, keynotes, and programs on LGBTQ+ inclusion, psychological safety, belonging, and allyship. Jay has created award-winning programs, educated employees at multiple organizations, and cohosts the podcast Religiously Literate.
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Website: https://www.jaybohanon.com
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