Alright. So, as many of you saw, I "liked" an article I read on a blog recently. However, I read this blog-post a couple months ago. The reason I "liked" it today is because I just finished writing an OpEd (for my writing class) in response to it. I found it thought provoking and true enough to choose it for my topic. So, for those of you who are interested, I'm posting my OpEd here. I hope all of you who have or will read this, and the article my thoughts sprung from, will get the same message from it that I did. Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I address a mainly LDS audience here, but it applies to all Christian's, and even those who aren't but believe in treating everyone around them with respect. I don't mean to offend anyone with anything I say. Thanks.
Title: I’m always nice. Except to you, and you, and you…
I recently read an editorial entitled: “I'm Christian, unless you're gay." (Pearce). Simply the title of this article tells readers that someone has noticed un-kind behavior, even from those who are otherwise caring, when it comes to how people act towards homosexuals. The article stressed that everyone should treat everyone with respect and care. “They’re people too!” it seemed to shout, and they need to feel loved and accepted just as much as everyone else. The author made an accusation of hypocrisy and a plea for change. I’m here to say that, though his words were some-what harsh, all Christians (specifically us as Latter Day Saints) really should re-evaluate how we treat others, and if our actions reflect who we profess to be. There are always people whom many around us don’t agree with or accept. When we encounter these people, our initial response can be anywhere from ignoring to acting repulsed by them; when what we should do is follow the example of He whom the name “Christian” is taken from and care for them as we would anyone else – even if they’re gay.
A little while back, I learned the opinion of an area-authority on this issue, and I believe it to represent how we should all feel about it. In my area’s last stake conference, the presiding member of the bishopric held a question and answer period for the last part of the meeting. Someone brought up, rather humbly and timidly, how they had recently found out someone close to them was homosexual. His voice shook as he asked the speaker if he had any advice on how to help this friend. The speaker responded that the best thing to do, and in some cases all we can do when faced with this situation, is to pray. To pray for aid in helping them, to pray for them, and mostly importantly – to pray for the Lord to open our hearts and help us love them.
We have been given a perfect example of applying this concept; our example is Christ. He spent most of His time on earth with those termed “sinners”, “publicans”*, and other people who were not accepted by many others around Him. He helped them, forgave them, and loved them. Just one of the examples Christ gave us in this matter is found in Luke 7: 37-50. This passage tells about a time when a woman, known as a sinner by all in her area, approached Christ in penitence and sadness. A nearby Pharisee questioned His acceptance of her presence, knowing she was a sinner. Christ responded: “Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee… her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much… and he said to the woman, thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace.” (Luke 7:40, 47, 50). While those around Him disapproved of this woman, Christ, fully aware of her circumstances, cared for her and treated her well. This is a prime example of how we should act when we encounter people who are “different” and isolated by many in society, especially when we think our refusal to accept them is justified.
In addition to using Christ’s actions as a guide to how we should treat others, we can use those “golden rules” which we have heard again and again. I bet you can guess what these rules are: “love they neighbor as thyself” and “treat everyone as you want to be treated;” they imply that we show as much respect for everyone else as we would give ourselves in any given situation. Doing this promotes a feeling of empathy, a Christ-like trait, to others and their circumstances. When we allow this to happen, it makes treating others with love an easier task, because we’re thinking of how we would want to be treated given the same circumstances.
Ultimately, caring about and showing respect for those around us is the best way to deal with all kinds of social pressures. I say “pressures” because there does seem to be a drive, especially in our sometimes closed culture, to isolate those who are different from the group. It is almost as if you won’t be accepted if you choose to accept those who aren’t accepted by the general group. How’s that for a confusing assumption? But if you think about it, it’s true. Haven’t you ever had an experience where you felt it was wrong to isolate someone because of their differences, but felt as if you would be ‘kicked out of the club’ if you chose to befriend them? Not only is there a negative attitude toward those who are (quote on quote) “different” from the group, but the same negative attitude exists even for those in the group who choose to associate with them. It can be very hard at times, but if we choose to care about everyone, we will more easily overcome the pressures around us and make our actions parallel our beliefs.
Let us not fall into the trap of “I’m Christian, Unless You’re Gay”; but rather exemplify the attributes of true disciples of Christ regardless of our disagreements with others. Let us follow the golden rules of “Love thy neighbor as thyself”, and “treat others as you want to be treated”, as well as follow Christ, always - regardless of the circumstances.
References
Pearce, Dan. I'm Christian, unless you're gay. Single Dad Laughing (Blog): Pearce, Fall 2011. Web. (http://www.danoah.com/2011/11/im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html)
*Scriptures: Topical Guide- Sinner. lds.org. Web. 26 January 2012.
(http://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/sinner?lang=eng&query=sinner)
Scriptures: Topical Guide- Publican. lds.org. Web. 26 January 2012.
(http://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/publican?lang=eng&query=publican)
Bible: King Jame's Version-St. Luke. Scripture. (Luke 7:37-50)
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