I need help. Really. I’ve tried for years to get my head around one very particular thing. And, at 40+ years, I still don’t get it. How is it possible to profess a strong belief in God, Jesus, and/or religion, and in the same breath spew hate? I don’t get it.
By “hate,” I mean, “any and every form.” For example, today, I listened (patiently, I might add — for those who know I struggle with this) to a friend badmouth another woman (whom she hardly knows) because the woman is “standoffish” while her husband is “so nice.” My friend sized this woman up immediately. She’s disappointed because she and others had heard such great things about this couple. Both of these people attend the same church (es). My response? “I never had that impression when I met her. She’s an introvert. Her husband is an extrovert.” To my friend’s credit, she listened to what I had to say, but I don’t know that it will make a difference.
I think my problem is that I have higher expectations of people who profess to be “religious.” And, when those same people say mean, insensitive things (hateful things), I’m at a loss. It’s a complete contradiction in my mind. I don’t expect perfection. I do expect that they, more than the common heathen (me), will think before they speak or act. So, I’m frustrated and disappointed every time it happens.
For those who don’t know, at the wise, old age of thirteen, I chose to become Catholic. Atheists raised me: Two bleeding-heart, do-gooder liberals, whom I admire and respect more than anyone. (Check out, “My life in black and white: A book of experiences,” for more details.) They raised my brother and me to make our own decisions, and to take responsibility for those decisions. When I decided to become Catholic, they supported my choice. And, a few short years later, when I decided I could no longer be Catholic, they supported that choice. What happened? Contradictions. I don’t especially like them. If one professes a love for God, Jesus, etc., then it’s impossible, in my mind, to believe that one race is better than another, or one person is more worthy than another. I simply don’t get it. Maybe you do. If so, please explain it to me.
Peace,
KDM
Posted on January 25, 2012
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