How to deal with the bigotry?

[Gaura Priya]

In my study of Christianity, I am absolutely appalled by the amount of ignorant bigots, fundamentalists, and one-true-churchers out there, claiming the name 'Christian' and 'Jesus Christ' as their own.

It slightly sickens me. How can one be so vehemently homophobic, gynophobic, xenophobic, bibliolatrist, and yet claim to be a loving follower of Christ? It smacks of hypocrisy for me, in my most humble opinion.

How do you manage? How is it possible? How can we live knowing that another Christian brother or sister is preaching hate in another quarter of the world?

As ye all believe, help ye my unbelief! :shout

 

[Union jack]

In a few words: Competition for supremacy.

 

[SageTree]

Stay strong, my Friend.

You too are the face of the Tradition.

Let it shine.

 

[Revoltingest]

SageTree, I will sin. I'm going to post in this DIR which is not my own.
I have a useful technique for dealing with bigots, particularly those who see me as one of their own, eg, old white guys who ain't liberal.
Calmly, rationally & with friendship I explain why I believe their bigotry to be misplaced.
I'm comfortable doing this, so I'm more inclined to respond when I hear it. And it works on occasion.

 

[SageTree]

Probably a pretty safe DIR to add your two sense in, Brother.
Thanks. You words seem to fit just fine.

 

[Revoltingest]

Probably a pretty safe DIR to add your two sense in, Brother.
Thanks. You words seem to fit just fine.

Thanx. Quagmire said I need to send him the $20 fine though.

 

[Gaura Priya]

SageTree, I will sin. I'm going to post in this DIR which is not my own.
I have a useful technique for dealing with bigots, particularly those who see me as one of their own, eg, old white guys who ain't liberal.
Calmly, rationally & with friendship I explain why I believe their bigotry to be misplaced.
I'm comfortable doing this, so I'm more inclined to respond when I hear it. And it works on occasion.

Thanks, hun, for the suggestion. I am not as eloquent with intelligent debate or with clarification of points or arguments in a heated discussion. However, it gets to me sometimes that whenever I see conservative Christians step onto a pedestal and proclaim their exclusiveness to the world, it makes me dislike even the label 'Christian' for my own self sometimes.

I know I shouldn't let it get to me... but sometimes. :no:

 

[Gaura Priya]

In a few words: Competition for supremacy.

Could you elaborate a little more?

 

[Gaura Priya]

Stay strong, my Friend.

You too are the face of the Tradition.

Let it shine.

Thanks hun! I really appreciate your words, as I do always.

"May Yahweh bless you and keep you.
May Yahweh let his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
May Yahweh show you his face and bring you peace."

-- Numbers 6:24 (New Jerusalem Bible, NJB)


God bless, hun!
​

 

[Union jack]

Could you elaborate a little more?

The 'plucking out' of that which offends me
reveals a competition for supremacy
within myself.

I realize the tendencies I dislike and desire to remove, and conflicting arguments arise suggesting a marriage between Heaven & Hell in the interest of communication versus isolation.

I find that my tongue deceives my intent so rather than pluck it out I'll communicate on the internet where I can explore further into the mannerisms that threaten to upset my serenity.

What spirit is it within me that competes for supremacy? Do I allow it's activity for the amusement afforded? Is the alternative really everlasting dejection? Is it selfish to restrict outlets in the effort to refine my surroundings?...These thoughts accompany my investigation into puzzle of existence.