In a world that tends to be self-serving, a dilemma arises when our rights clash with someone’s else’s. We seek out like-minded groups of people in order to form collations that will promote our perceived rights. We stand on our walls ready to defend these rights at all cost. We yell with fervor that I am in the majority, therefore I am right. Our nation needs to find ways to live together even when we do not agree. If we deal with each other in love then we have a common ground for dialogue.
My Christian background many times comes in direct conflict with the perceived rights of others. As a Christian I believe homosexuality is wrong. I find that many Americans support my opinion. I also know in the last five years the homophobic perception is changing. Social change is even happening within some Christian denominations. I have to ask myself where do others peoples rights end and mine begin? Is my opinion any less right?
As a Christian I must go back to the Bible and find answers to questions like these. In Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) it instructs us to "37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b]." This tells me that I am to love everyone. It should not matter about race, sexual preference or an opinion that I do not agree with. This concept is hard for many people because they look at someone’s actions as defining them. I might not like what someone does, what a Christian would call sin, but I must love that person.
As long as our society promotes the idea of selfishness we will continue you to struggle with the human rights Vs majority rules question. The God that I serve gives people a choice. Right and wrong is defined but it is up to individual to follow or not to follow. I am commanded to live my life a certain way while inviting others experience Gods plan and purpose for their life. In the movie "The American President" the president was giving a speech and said, " Democracy is defending someone’s right to say what you would spend a lifetime speaking out against." If I am living what I believe then whether I am in the majority or not I should be mindful of everyone’s opinion.
7 comments:
pass
I get what you are saying but do you feel like they should not have a job in the public eye
Pass. The changing times are conflicting with Christianity. Issues of today may be challenging to beliefs but not to faith itself. The answer should always be "Love thy neighbor."
Pass. I too as a Christian do not believe in homosexuality, but it is very hard to balance that belief with love and respect for fellow man. Where do we draw the line?
Passed
As a christian I believe that it is wrong too But its like you said Love thy neighbor
Pass. Very well written. I agree with your points. People should keep in mind your statement: "I might not like what someone does, what a Christian would call sin, but I must love that person."
Pass. As a Christian can you then not like your fellow man or woman because of their sexsual preference? Then one would say this is being judgemental and does not the book say "Judge not thy neighbor."
Great thoughts, Glen, and well articulated. Hopefully your essays will be equally pleasurable to read.
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