I heard a comment recently that I have been thinking about a lot. Someone mentioned at conference last April a similar theme was mentioned a few different times. That theme was that we have become too tolerant of sin and too tolerant of the philosophies of the world and life.
I substituted a government class two different times this week. It was the same class and both times. Part of the assignment of the day was to talk about current events. All of the students in this class are seniors in High School. They are bright students with many ideas and they are for all intense purposes our future!! As we talked about some of the issues facing our country, I couldn't help but wonder if some of the issues we were talking about would have not even been something that would be discussed out loud when I was that age, let alone in school. The two main topics I am referring to are abortion and same sex marriage. I was absolutely shocked at the number of students that supported abortion. We live in a very conservative, upper middle class area. About 1/3 of the class voice their opinion in support. Some of the kids I knew had been raised to believe differently. One student argued that it was important for a man and a women to "get together" (his words) "so that they could draw closer together. It didn't matter if they were married or not!! And, if the horrible outcome was pregnancy, why should they be punished for their actions for the rest of their life." The discussion got rather heated and I found it interesting because those who agreed with him agreed LOUDLY as they voiced their opinions. My blood was boiling!! Teachers are told to be careful to be one sided. Then patiently I noticed a young lady, raising her hand while the banter was going back and forth. I quieted the class and called on her. She very eloquently spoke on her views opposing abortion and same sex marriage. Her tone was clam, gentle and very intelligent. A calm came on the classroom as she spoke. This one young women was choosing not to be tolerant of sin while being tolerant of others...if that makes sense. At this point others voiced their support agreeing with this young women. They had been given some safety ground to speak. I think example is HUGE!!! I would love to hear from you on ways to be less tolerant of sin and showing forth an example during these times. Tell me what you think....
4 comments:
Thought-provokin post, Margie. It was great to read and ponder.
Okay, regarding your question this is my humble opinion: I don't think I've seen too many upper middle class people that are true conservatives. They or their children are the ones with access to mass distributed information through technology. Coming from a conservative and affluent background does not guarantee shelter from the world, rather the opposite. There are very powerful forces out there that are quietly shaping our children's hearts and minds. These are days when evil is called good and good is called evil. I think the scriptures warned us about that. I know we’ve been taught that we should be intolerant of sin. That is a noble position, as long as it doesn't mean we are intolerant of the sinner or intolerant of those who are tolerant of the sin. That’s how I try to be an example. I associate with a diverse group of people and I’ve been told so many times how much they appreciate that I live by my principles without ever making them feel that I think I’m holier. I think that when we are working from a position of good will and respect people tend to be more open to our message. Then we are more effective that way.
It's a struggle to be a bridge-builder and peacemaker when others adopt views that are so diametrically opposed to scripture.
I do think discussion is healthy, and am glad that the young woman in your class was able to speak up and provide a counterpoint to both the subjects, and to the loudness that makes it hard to hear the Holy Spirit.
It is interesting that only then would others speak up in defense of the same principles. I wonder how many in the class were wondering if anyone else shared their views, that they were unable to be the first to express. And how many that left the class knowing they are not alone in their peer groups, in standing for righteousness.
This YW knows how to apply the YW theme to "Stand for Truth and Righteous" would we be so brave?
Margie, come and grab your creative blogger award from my blog when you get a moment.
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