Yesterday I read an article about a high school prom that was canceled because a gay girl wanted to bring her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo, and the girls had filed a lawsuit against the school because of it. There were several comments to this article, most of them expressing views ranging from support for the girls, to support for the school board, to supporting the girls, but not their lawsuit. There were also several really hateful anti Christian comments. I wrote my own view of the matter and my view of those hateful comments, but I feel further comment is warranted.
This country is going through a time of change right now, and I know that upsets some people. For some people the country was great once when it was more conservative in its mores, and any change away from the way things used to be brings us one step closer to a time when the United States as we know it does not exist any more. But change is a necessary part of life, and it is necessary for this country. Our knowledge base has grown: we are learning that people different from us are not always our enemies. We know that other people have the right to believe as they want to, and that some people really can't choose to be a certain way just because some believe they can.
We are becoming more tolerant of most groups, but there seems to be an under current of intolerance toward Christians that I'm not sure I understand entirely. I understand that as the dominant religion here for the past two hundred years that there will be some discomfort as other religions establish themselves; that is to be expected. I also understand that there are a lot of people in the country now who think they know what Christianity is all about and what the Bible is all about when they really don't. These people have very strong opinions about what they believe, and I understand that. What I don't understand is the seeming trend of thinking that Christianity is a hostile religion and full of rules and bigotry, but that all other religions are full of only love and acceptance. Why is it acceptable, even expected to follow the rules and codes of conduct, traditions etc of any other religion as well as such disciplines as the military, and the various martial arts and dance and so many other groups, but Christianity is supposed to be completely open to every one regardless of whether or not they are willing to adhere to our rules, codes of conduct, or traditions. Why is that? Go to any Buddhist monastery and do what you want and you will be asked to leave. Join a martial arts gym and expect them to change their practices and beliefs because you don't like some of the rules, and you will not be accepted.
All religions, martial arts disciplines, and most other types of groups have rules. There are ways you are expected to behave and act if you want to be part of those groups. You can't be part of those groups if you don't follow the rules. Christianity is no different. Our code of conduct is the Ten Commandments. All people benefit from that code of conduct. There are some things you can not do and be a true, practicing Christian. There are some things you can not do and be a true, practicing Muslim, or Hindu, or Buddhist, or pagan. Being tolerant means being tolerant of every body even if they do not believe the same as you. If we are going to accept other religions, we need o accept Christianity too. I look for a future where petty differences can be put aside for the greater good, for a time when we all recognize the value of human beings, and the world and all that is in the world.