Over the weekend, I took it on myself to go visit some much-neglected blogs because I never seem to have time to do it. In the process, I stumbled across this video.
Now, I am going to say that I completely understand where this guy is coming from. I also have a deep abhorrence of religious practices when they are used in an attempt to make others feel inferior and to hide one's own weaknesses. Or to give people the space to do things that wouldn't be sanctioned by God. That goes against every single thing we were taught by Jesus's example.
But, that's not really what this post is about. What it is about, on the other hand, is the fact that it's interesting to see what's going on about it.
See, since that video went up on 10 January, over 11 million people has watched it. And since I saw it last (on Sunday) comments have been closed, mainly due to negative opinion, I'm sure.
There have also been many videos put up to criticize what the above man said. The most logical one I watched is this:
Great. We all have our opinions. And if you have a different opinion from mine about Vid no. 1, go ahead and say it. Because everyone has the right to his or her opinion. The way I see it, I can write a poem in similar style to both about how Vid no. 2's guy is wrong (but is that true for everything he said?). I can attack his opinions by seeing the worst in every single thing he says.
Or. I can write this:
To whom it may concern,
I thank God to know
That people leap up ready to show
Their most devout loyalty to His teachings.
But, maybe it's time to think a while.
Although I agree
That the smallest hypocrisy
Has no place in my faith,
I happen to believe
That giving it a little time
Before creating our rhymes,
Would be worth more.
If not, every smallest thing,
Will be criticized,
And instead of becoming sensitized,
We will be dulled to the lessons of others.
So, before you post, please remember,
That the person you're attacking
Is the person you should be backing
Because his heart is in the same place as yours.
The right place.
So judging and failing to accept a different opinion,
Will make you a minion
Of the very thing that you despise most.
Thoughts?
11 comments:
wow, how did I miss this?
It is such an example of how emotions and fears can muddle discussions. Accepting someone for who they are and what they believe in is so quickly replaced with ignorance and judgement.
As much as I enjoy my faith, the church can sometimes make me rather upset. The church is not my faith, just other people in the community who happen to live near me.
It's so sad that people always jump on the judging bandwagon first opportunity they get. :-/
I feel exactly the same. Truth be told, I am getting very frustrated with my church, because I feel like I'm the only one who's grasping that there's a mile wide difference between religion and faith. :-/
All too often I hear my fellow Christian brothers and sisters promote their organization rather than simply spreading the gospel or being a witness by their lifestyle.
Faith is not an intellectual exercise but a heartfelt love for mercy, compassion, gentleness, goodness, uprightness and so on and so on while all the time recognising ones own faults and need of those very same manifestations of God's love.
Both these videos were produced by very young men, we'll see what their attitude will be after they have passed the age of 49 (the jubilee year of their lives). Personally, I think the kid in video 1 will fare better.
Love for God isn't a religion, it's acceptance of the atonement for what we have done by His very own Son, Jesus.
"Stop murmuring among yourselves. No man can come to me unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the prophets; "And they shall all be taught by God." Everyone who has listened to the Father and learned from him comes to me." John6 verses 43 to 45
All the same, whatever their dispute may be, I would like to pass on to you Misha God's personal blessing, in the name of Jesus.
I was born into a Catholic family so my views are much different than other people. I believe in God and my Savior Jesus but I don't like all the churches stances on certain subjects.
Thanks so much. May God bless you too, Geoff. :-)
I think every church disagrees with other churches on certain subject. But that doesn't mean that we should go arguing with the members every chance we get.
:-)
So true. The sad thing is that such methods usually serve to alienate people more than approaching them through love.
jesus has, unfortunately, become rather meaningless today. what i mean is, so many people have such divergent views of what jesus means. some justify wealth. some believe jesus accounted for original sin. but jesus was extremely secular. and i find that so fascinating.
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