I was struck again today by how much my opinions about things, especially social issues, do not fit into the norm of my social (aka, Christian) sphere. Although my personal morals may be classified as “conservative” (like, I’m not having sex or doing drugs or stealing iPods), I have always had trouble pushing these morals on others, or holding them up to my standards of behavior. I cannot wholeheartedly support banning gay marriage. I cannot believe that some books should be censored. I cannot be upset at “provocative” art. I cannot understand why I am allowed to choose the leaders of my country, but not purchase a glass of wine. I want things as unregulated as possible (as far as it does not cross into the illegal, and, yes, I realize laws are innately restricting…I’m not denying a bit of hypocrisy in my stance, but there is hypocrisy in any side of this issue), especially in the realms of art and the choices that I am legally allowed to make. I cannot support the idea that my freedoms and options should be limited to protect (frankly) stupid people from themselves.
In the Christian culture of today, as I have found it, we are much too ready to label something as offensive, merely because it does not fall into our narrow view of what is acceptable. But, honestly, just because we do not agree with something does not inherently eliminate its right to exist. No one forces you to watch a sex scene in a movie, or smoke a cigar, or get a tattoo, or any of those things in the “grey” areas of Christian boundaries. Who are we to tell the world that, since we disagree with something, NO ONE else can do it, or see it, or use it, or whatever. And to quote the character of David in the movie Sabrina, what the hell makes us think we have the right?
Now, I am not asserting that this view is perfect. No view is. Feel free to disagree. Tell me why you do. But, honestly, this all comes down to choices. We all make them, everyday of our lives. I just don’t want some anonymous other making mine for me. They gave me legal adulthood. That doesn’t mean they get to treat me like a child.
1 comment:
There's a verse somewhere that says "Nearly everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial." or something along those lines.
I agree that the majority of conservative people have this radar that goes off anytime something "bad" comes up. We automatically shut down when something immoral presents itself. And while we do need to guard ourselves from negative things, I believe that we reject a lot that isn't necessarily bad. I think a lot of needy people get rejected this way. "Oh, she's a ho. Don't make eye contact." Many times our unwillingness to reach out and touch the unclean is detrimental. Just because I don't agree with it - even if it is "SIN" and immoral, it doesn't mean it's any worse than the sin that I've committed myself. It may not be beneficial or even slightly intelligent, but hey; we're all hos in one way or another.
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