We have a divide in this country. Depending on your position, you probably think it is a person or group’s fault. And probably a group of which you are not a member. So, it’s the Democrat’s fault says the Republican! It’s the Republican’s fault says the Democrat! It’s the Christians/non-Christians, wealthy/non-wealthy, white/non-white, male/non-male, etc group’s fault!
We love to lay blame on others.
Sometimes, we lay blame on ourselves, to be sure. This often leads to depression or other self-hating feelings.
I recently saw a blog by Sarabeth Caplin that made me think about this. Sarabeth was a Jew, I believe? I’ve never read her stuff before, so not quite sure. Now it seems she is a Christian.
Her piece was quite vitriolic against Christians who support Trump in general and who support his immigration policy in specific. She goes as far as to say, “I also can’t ignore that many of the Christians who were instrumental in shaping my theology as a baby believer are some of the most unapologetic Trump supporters I know. Some of them are no longer my friends, as it became revealed over time that we were no longer morally compatible.”
I understand the feeling of anger and disgust toward people with whom I disagree. I am one of those who have removed many from my social media feeds because of their views. Views which are far too often expressed with anger and hatred that I don’t feel I need in my life.
As a Christian, I long ago put away wondering and commenting on who will make it to Heaven. I know what I believe and will certainly state that unapologetically. On the other hand, I can’t say that God won’t make a different choice. In fact, one of the common themes in my prayers is, “I don’t understand…”
Too many these days feel that they are “right” and those who disagree are “wrong.” I am seeing more and more people bring God or Jesus in on “their” side to say how He is on their side. Maybe it’s that it seems to be used more on the left than before. Maybe it’s because it’s being used as a cudgel against people who support Trump. It seems different. It may have happened, but I don’t recall seeing anyone say that people who supported Obama or Clinton were not getting into Heaven. Although, maybe on abortion though not actually sure I saw that.
Maybe it’s that we have moved from opposing issues to hating entire beings.
Actually I see it as even worse, Michael; I see entire groups being hated, even though within named groups there are bound to be opinions of all types. Not all Democrats believe in a unified ideology; there are probably as many differing opinions on any topic with both the Democrats’ and Republicans’ ranks as there ones that align. I, too, have unfriended or blocked a few people on various media sites, due to their one-themed, one-size-fits-all opposition to any view not their own. Due to the naked and unleashed hatred. Due to the unwillingness to believe anyone else knows what’s right or wrong. Due to the willingness to kill others or ban them or send them back …
I also do not believe all Republicans are devils, and I sure don’t believe all Democrats are angels.
I do believe that we have a moral imperative as humans to care for others, no matter what they look like, sound like, or act like. I am a Jew, but my friends are of all different faiths, and we align on that common core of caring.
Some friends are Republicans, and we have an agreement not to talk politics. We just don’t see some of the issues the same way, although we DO see a few. I don’t think I’ll ever understand their acceptance (or silence) on some moral issues, but … they likely don’t like MY stand on them either.
Ugly and difficult times right now, Michael. I wish more of us could look beyond the labels and see if there is anything inside a person worth knowing, worth celebrating, worth keeping a friendship for before judging …
OK, rant over.
Just saw this again and your reply. Your point is key. There is NO group that is monolithic. There are as many opinions and ideas on every topic as there are people in the discussion. Even if you believe you agree, you likely don’t in reality. Yet, so many think they can classify others based on a characteristic.
That’s why I say I am either the ultimate majority of human or the ultimate minority of one. Anything in between is hubrus and fiction.