Gay Away

In Russia the 2014 Winter Olympics will be scarred by insensitivity, hate, politics and shenanigans. All based on playing a game with the issue of gay people. Russia, mostly Putin, has trumped up an anti-gay fire storm in his country probably for the sole reason that it makes him look strong to his people, gains him political support, and postures him to be anti-American at the same time. Another issue that brings him power. Frivolous but power oriented.

Bringing marriage rights to gay couples in America is used as a wedge issue between conservatives and every one else. Mainline churches in the United States – Catholic, Jewish, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Mormon – you name it and that church, religion or denomination is against gay issues in some manner or other. There are those that don’t play this game, chief among them the United Church of Christ – Congregational. But the numbers of churches pressing for equality of treatment and justice for gay people is pitifully small. And many don’t press at all. They say they are for loving people wherever they are, however they are. But the din of vile expressions pour forth from others without church comment.

Politicians in Texas (need I mention they are republicans?) are attempting to stymie anything that looks like it is pro-gay. Never mind justice, equality, balance, or the Bill of Rights.

Rights. Freedom of speech. We each have that freedom in America. But wait! That freedom has consequences. The Duck Dynasty controversy is such an example. You can have opinions. You can even express those thoughts and opinions. But no one said you could do so without consequences.

If your speech is hate-based and I’m the target – direct or inferred – then you may lose an audience, a job, a friend, or even a family member. The consequences may hurt you. Just like your speech hurt someone else.

Freedom is yours to practice. So are we free to deliver consequences. It is part of the formula of justice. The pendulum don’t you know? It swings its arc to and fro delivering balance in test swings. So the rest of us can weigh your expression and give judgment on its worth, its fairness and its allowance of freedom to others.

Duck Dynasty is a symbol. It is not religious freedom or speech freedom. It is trash talk designed to demean other people. Swagger. Self importance. Belittling and bullying. People do it because they think they can get away with it. They also feel bigger and better than those they demean. It is part of feeling superior. It is a real means of feeling personal power.

But why must they do it this way? What is it they fear? The evil they speak of is surpassed by the evil of their own expression. They miss this. They don’t seem to realize they have cheapened themselves. Until a firestorm of reaction occurs. Then they hope to stem the negative tide by claiming personal freedom.

Oh but the rest of us have the same freedom! To push back. To say Halt! Be bigger than yourself! Love the other as yourself. That’s part of your religious belief isn't it? Isn't that what the Bible states in pure and simple language? Isn't that what Jesus preached?

Love your neighbor as your self. And love God as He loves you. 

Pretty simple really. Duck Dynasty, how did you miss this central point?

December 23, 2013