I find myself reading the video and article posts of friends on facebook every day. I am genuinely intrigued as to how to approach each of them. I find myself drawn to the practicality and reason that many Atheists present, however I still connect with the meditation of a Buddhist, the prayer of a Yogi, the integration of animals and nature of a Pagan, and the heritage and profound symbolism of Hope, Compassion, Faith and Love of Christ.
My hope in the future is that the conversations between all people of all beliefs (whether political, religious, spiritual, sexual preference, race, language, etc.) are able to be peaceful. Truly be Unified in Diversity. To be kind to one another, though we may disagree.
I think what we disagree on mostly is our form of expression. Even within the church people argue about what style of worship is best. Old people want less praise and worship. Young people want less hymns. It is so wonderful that the church I attend offers a Unified Service in which both styles are present.
People judge others based on their expressions and behaviours all the time. SOME conservative people don't like how "expressive" or "theatrical" (those are the nicest ways it's said, I am aware) SOME liberal people are. SOME liberal people don't like how "snooty" or "rigid" (again... the nicest ways it's said) SOME conservative people are. I capitalize SOME, because it is important to realize it IS NOT ALL.
Whichever group you find yourself in or out of, we could probably agree on this:
No one likes to feel stupid. No one likes to be the outcast.
Just as one looks into her/his closet and sees an array of colors and picked a blue shirt, I have picked Christianity. I debate with myself on how much of a choice I had, because part of me so naturally identifies with it, but I acknowledge my free will as well. And just because I choose to express my spirituality in this manner, does not mean I am unreasonable. I am quite capable of having reasonable conversations. I have studied history, philosophy, evolutionary biology, psychology, literature and linguistics. No, I'm not an expert on any of these, but I can hold a reasonable conversation.
There are times when I get upset because the impression I get from some Atheists is that because I am a woman of Faith... I am stupid and unreasonable. This makes me sad, just as it makes me sad to see Christians treat Atheists as Immoral or people of a different colors, languages, ages, "different" as if being different (as they certainly are) is a bad thing thus making them incapable/unworthy of communication.
I can't help but think to myself/pray to God, "Why can't we all get along?" as I used to do as a child when I saw or experienced other hurtful experiences. This post, is an expression or offering along those lines. Why CAN'T we just get along?
I offer this as peaceful bridge.
Below are some links to videos friends have posted that I wanted to stockpile. Probably add more later.
On Religion
On Gay Marriage
2 comments:
I really appreciate that you've pointed out you've made your own decision, and that you acknowledge your free will. I think that was an extremely fine point to make.
Here is Pastor Rick Warren's talk on Ted:
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/rick_warren_on_a_life_of_purpose.html
Ted.com is an outstanding resource. Some other favorite Ted talks of mine you can search for on the site come from Dan Dannett of course, Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, if you are interested!
I should probably post this on your East Texas Eater blog but I'm super excited - I am going to dig up part of my backyard and start a garden! I'll probably post pictures on the CrackBook during project development - ha!
Thank you. I appreciate you pointing me to those talks. Ted talks are awesome. Those talks should probably be a vital part of any one life (who has the internet) for consideration. You know, like washing your hands before supper. :)
I didn't follow the beginning of Warren's piece, but agree with a couple of points. I do believe in stewardship if given the luxury, but I think most people really don't care. It's also partially not their fault because most people are brainwashed/desensitized and so segregated from the suffering of the world.
I will definitely check out those other dudes. Thank you Ally for always engaging in thoughtful conversation with me! And for your friendship :)
I'm excited about your garden too, and we should definitely phone date it up! <3
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