Why is it so hard for Christians to be tolerant? Is that not what Jesus commanded us to do? Love one another. Just look at our past. The Crusades, England, Ireland. Jesus spoke a doctrine of love and compassion for those who didn't believe as we do. You win people by showing that you genuinely Care for them as people, not by forcing your beliefs on them.
I think this part of Christ's message was well understood by our forefathers. They did not set up a country that was designed to be a Christian state. They laid the ground work based on Christian values, yes. But in the establishment clause they specifically stated there was to be no forced religion on the people. The people are FREE to choose what and if they want to believe.
What has gotten so many Christians up in arms is the fact that many secularist see displays of God and Bible verses on buildings and money and that up sets them. The exact same way it upsets Christians that those people want it removed. The hardest part about living in a free society is where do we draw the line of inflicting beliefs. Should the minority always win or the majority. Someone's feelings have to be hurt. But who decides?
This is where tolerance comes in. And by tolerance, I mean LOVE. Why can't we as Christians be the bigger person? Why are we so quick to judge, when Christ has said "he who is without sin may cast the first stone". I know for sure that I can't even look at the stone much lest pick it up to think about throwing it. If Christians want this nation to return to a more God centered one we need to start at home. Literally!!
Once we can open our eyes to see just how oppressive we are, only then can we change. If we greeted those we disagree with with open arms and minds instead of harsh words we can start the change we want. Having the willingness to sit down and have an open discussion with someone who is the exact opposite of you is a great start. Find out where they are coming from and why they hold their beliefs so dear. What you find may shock you.
All of this was sparked by an e-mail I received that spoke of the Christian values of our forefathers and places in our nation's capital that verses are displayed. At the end of this message was a call to fwd it on to those who I thought would appreciate it and agreed with it's message. And I did until the end. The last sentence said We need to return to a God fearing nation and those who don't agree should "sit down and shut up". And that I don't agree with and from the way I've learned Jesus' heart neither does he.
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About Me
- Jed
- Durham, North Caroilna
- My name is Jed Busbee. I am a chef here in Durham and this blog is a place for me to showcase what I love to do. I am for hire for private parties, caterings and anything that your culinary palate would desire. If you are interested, please contact me via email. jkbusbee@gmail.com. (Some of the photography is courtesy of Melanie Busbee Photo. See her work at melaniebusbeephoto.com)
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3 comments:
yeah I disagree with that shut up aprt too. I loved the reminder of the beginnings of the country. hard to find complete affermation on those things.
I agree with you Jed, especially the part about having a conversation with someone completely opposite and trying to find out where they are coming from, but at the same time I somewhat agree with what the last part of the email said. SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP!
I am starting to think that christians (believers) whatever you want to call them may feel like they have already done the open mind open heart thing, maybe they feel like they have been TOLERANT long enough and it hasnt made any difference. A person can only be so tlerant before people puch the envelope so far. People still want God out of schools, out of court rooms, off our money, etc. Maybe its time for christians to take a stand and not give in to the liberal non-believers or "secularists" as you called them.
I am not saying that anyone should push religion or God on anyone. I am just saying that for someone to say "sit down and shut up" maybe they are feeling fed up with the BS that believers have to put up with these days. It seems like christians cant do anything without pissing someone off. It probably wont be long before churches cant even have signs on their from lawn. It all goes back to "give an inch and they will take a mile". How tolerant must we be?
People are too sensitive these days everyone gets offended by something, and if we continue to play the open heart open mind idea, if we continue to be tolerant and just give up, then you dont need to know where to draw the line because there will never even be a line drawn.
I am very open minded and I do my best to understand everyones view. But its no fun when they dont do their part to understand mine!!!!
It all comes back to the separation of church and state. If something is paid for by state or federal money, or represents the state or federation, then it shouldn't have anything to do with God or church or religion. Period. End of discussion. As long as public schools are public funded, then: No religion. If you want your child to pray in school, then pay for him to go to a Christian private school. I have no problem with whatever sign, phrase, or verse you want to place on your own property. That is your business whether I agree with it or not. However, what my tax dollars pay for is my business.
One of our biggest problems with Muslim countries is how they allow their religion to control their politics. This is why Christians have to put up with supposed BS, Sam. Democracies cannot work without tolerance and tolerance has to be taught. It is not a natural human trait. That is why it is so hard to "spread" democracy.
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