Dear Reader,
I have a friend that I have known for 20 years. We have had sporadic contact over the years, but recently reconnected through email. Based on knowing him and the email forwards that he sends, it is obvious that he is very liberal in his worldview. I don't respond to these emails and the one he sent yesterday is no exception.
However, if you know me, you have probably heard me say that I rarely get offended or embarrassed and I believe it to be true. But the email that my friend sent me yesterday, I must admit, came very close to offending me. It was a list of things that "to be a republican you must believe" and each was a broad stroke generalization of the worst characterizations of conservatives. (I realize that not all republicans are conservatives and not all conservatives are republicans. However, of the parties, republicans are more likely to be conservative.)
The first one is: "Jesus loves you and shares your hatred of homosexuals and Hillary Clinton." Now, Dear Reader, you and every other intelligent human being knows that this is just not true and you may ask why I am bothering to even write about it. The answer is, surprisingly, "I don't know!". In actuality, it really doesn't matter. I know very few of you read my blog and most won't even get this far. But, it's my blog and I'll write if I want to. [That would make a great song] In fact at the risk of losing all 3 of you, I intend to write several entries on what I believe conservatism is.
In the meantime, let me address the first statement from that email: "Jesus loves you and shares your hatred of homosexuals and Hillary Clinton." As a devout, practicing Christian, I assure you that this is not even close to the truth. Now, I know I am not speaking for all Christians nor would I be so bold as to suggest that I am. However, based on the Christians that I know and interact with my statements below will not be radical or uncommon.
The fact is that Jesus loves *all* people - even the ones who are by choice separated from Him and those who are in direct opposition to Him. Christians are called to be like Him and while we aren't perfect, we strive to follow Him - not just in words, but in how we live our lives. I can honestly tell you that I don't hate Hillary. I disagree with her political positions and I believe her to be insincere and untruthful, but I don't hate her. As for homosexuals, I don't hate them either. I don't approve of their lifestyle, but that is between them and God and I don't hate them. I don't believe that they should be discriminated against, but I don't believe that they should have special rights or privileges because they are gay either. I don't have to accept and promote their lifestyle and I don't.
Well, Dear Reader, I have rambled long enough for now. If you are actually reading this, drop me a line and let me know...
Until next time, Be Well. |
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