Why Must they Hate?
Dec 23
RealClearPolitics - Articles - Free the Saddleback One
Note: This post is addressing the issue from a political perspective, not a spiritual perspective. The answer to the question evokes a near rhetorical response when examined from a Christian perspective.
First it was the mobs who made crude variations on photos of Sarah Palin and called her horrible names that did not reflect who she was as a person. They gave ear to baseless accusations and sought out every possible method of shaming her. They sent armies of investigators to Alaska to "dig up dirt", but they never found any. Now they are lambasting what most would consider a moderate evangelical, Pastor Rick Warren. They are calling him a "hater" and a "bigot" because he stands with the Bible on many social issues. The question is, "Why? Why such bitter, angry, and even violence against people who have not acted in a manner which would instigate such hate?"
The ultimate irony seems to be that those who cry for "tolerance" and "open-mindedness" have blatantly failed to extend those graces themselves. To my knowledge, Rick Warren has never said a nasty thing about gays or endorsed any type of violence or oppression. Many gays themselves see gay marriage as unnecessary. Again, to my knowledge, Sarah Palin has never even stood in front of an abortion clinic to protest abortion, yet they hate her for her son. The attitude and even actions which the left in California has taken towards the Mormon Church is again, revealing.
The message of the left is clear: "If you don't agree with me and promote views which are different than mine, you are a bigot. If you hold fast to the views of your faith, you are intolerant. If you believe in the Bible, you are narrow-minded and ignorant." This does not seem like tolerance to me. This seems like cultural manipulation with free advertisement thanks to the far-left media.
Christians do not need to be ashamed of their views on social issues. Republicans should not shy away from Christians or social issues. Those conservative social values are still held by the majority of Americans. If Proposition 8 passed in California, I dare say it would pass in any state. It is time for Americans, not just Republicans, to stand up to mainstream media and the far left and request the same "tolerance" which they have been chided for lacking.
Note: This post is addressing the issue from a political perspective, not a spiritual perspective. The answer to the question evokes a near rhetorical response when examined from a Christian perspective.
First it was the mobs who made crude variations on photos of Sarah Palin and called her horrible names that did not reflect who she was as a person. They gave ear to baseless accusations and sought out every possible method of shaming her. They sent armies of investigators to Alaska to "dig up dirt", but they never found any. Now they are lambasting what most would consider a moderate evangelical, Pastor Rick Warren. They are calling him a "hater" and a "bigot" because he stands with the Bible on many social issues. The question is, "Why? Why such bitter, angry, and even violence against people who have not acted in a manner which would instigate such hate?"
The ultimate irony seems to be that those who cry for "tolerance" and "open-mindedness" have blatantly failed to extend those graces themselves. To my knowledge, Rick Warren has never said a nasty thing about gays or endorsed any type of violence or oppression. Many gays themselves see gay marriage as unnecessary. Again, to my knowledge, Sarah Palin has never even stood in front of an abortion clinic to protest abortion, yet they hate her for her son. The attitude and even actions which the left in California has taken towards the Mormon Church is again, revealing.
The message of the left is clear: "If you don't agree with me and promote views which are different than mine, you are a bigot. If you hold fast to the views of your faith, you are intolerant. If you believe in the Bible, you are narrow-minded and ignorant." This does not seem like tolerance to me. This seems like cultural manipulation with free advertisement thanks to the far-left media.
Christians do not need to be ashamed of their views on social issues. Republicans should not shy away from Christians or social issues. Those conservative social values are still held by the majority of Americans. If Proposition 8 passed in California, I dare say it would pass in any state. It is time for Americans, not just Republicans, to stand up to mainstream media and the far left and request the same "tolerance" which they have been chided for lacking.
Popularity: 3% [?]
In college we sang “This World” by Caedmon’s Call, and we talked about how “tolerance” in the United States, doesn’t mean what the dictionary says it should mean.