Let's discuss ignorance

[drewcaine]

Lately I've been getting into debates over Christian issues, and ignorance seems to have taken hold of people greatly. Now I believe that we are all ignorant, and that's because we are all imperfect (except for Jesus, of course).
Anyways, whenever my grandma starts going on about "ol' black Joel" and how her daughter's life was screwed up and how much she hates (pardon this but be mature) "niggers", it makes me wonder how she can claim to be more Christian and mature than me and everyone else. She says she's not ignorant, but doesn't she know that we are supposed to love eachother? Doesn't she know that we are supposed to forgive (but I don't agree with forgetting)? Doesn't she know that we are supposed to test all things and hold on to those that are good (is that how it goes)? Doesn't she know that we are supposed to have fellowship???
Now, I've forgiven those who have wronged me and moved on with my life. Sure, sometimes I'm uncomfortable around gangbangers sometimes (I go to school with them), but I won't personally attack them or anything. I prefer not to see by race or any of those characteristics. I would gladly have an "OK" relationship with Joel or Jennifer, but like I've said, I've moved on. I hold no grudge against anyone, but if they try to alter the course of my life then I will take up the defense. I prefer not to think about it. I go to my church group, have fellowship, and won't hesitate to ask questions. Unlike her, I've actually adventured into those dark depths of Biblical knowledge and excavated the truth; does that make me ignorant? Wouldn't that make HER ignorant, because she refuses to listen and even goes so far as to say, "I'll throw you out of my house if you're gay!"?
Well, I'll get back to my concept art now.
Thanks for reading,
drewcaine

[Progo35]

DC-

I think that people do things like this because they lack self-insight. It's very sad.

[Zerbie]

Drew,

One thing we don't know is where your grandmother started out. She may have walked a long road from a darker place. We don't know. We can't make other people change, all we can do is work on ourselves. You are right to move on and work towards creating a good and positive environment. I don't see that we can do anything else.

[Pablo Rafael]

First of all let me say that I am relieved to find out that this thread is not about ME. I saw the title and...

I think that the first step to combating igornance especially when it comes to religious issues is to admit that we are all ignorant, we are all biased, and we all can learn. Those who "have all the answers" are the ones who really understand the least.

Your grandma and mine must be cut our of the same fabric. She told me that if I ever married a black woman she would never come see me. (The chance of that is pretty slim actually :lol:) Her answer to everything was, "That's the way I was taught." She never listened to anything outside her own little circle of experience. Yet she was a minister's daughter who never missed a day of church in her life. People get very comfortable in their prejudices.

I think maybe part of God's plan for putting gays in the world is to shake people loose from their prejudices. People who are in the minority often can understand others better, I think. We are forced to look outside ourselves.

[drewcaine]

That's a pretty true statement. I felt that the reason I understood more than most people was because of my homosexuality and childhood life. I mean, I know that I can be somewhat biased sometimes, but then again I'm not perfect. However, looking at my grandparents makes it look like they love to soak in their closed-mindedness (I think I messed that word up...).o_O
drewcaine

[kara speltz]

Dear Drew: One way you might try reaching your grandmother is by renting the movie, "Remember the Titans," It is one of the most powerful anti-racist movies I've ever seen. The parents are all caught up in their ignorance but with a lot of hard work the young people cross over theirs and make some really meaningful relationships. This is a true story. I took my grandkids to see it and when the kids were teaching their parents, I made a point to point that out.

It might provide and interesting and positive discussion after watching it.

Just a thought. We can never give up on people. We just have to find ways to open the doors to their hearts and minds.

kara

[pnggrad79]

It seems that grandmother is caught up in religiosity that bears little resemblance to the inclusive, encompassing love of God. But this is a phenomenon that has been present for centuries. It is a religion that is based on fear and that fear breeds hatred for anything that is different from the majority. It is rigid and literalistic and legalistic. The concept of grace is paid lip service only. They sing "Amazing Grace" but have little idea of what it means.

What grandmother practices is a religion not a relationship with Christ. This religion is called "the Religious Right" and there is so much WRONG with it. A relationship with Christ is a denial of self and a total reliance on a Holy God for direction and salvation. It is forgiveness for wrongs done, because of Christ's forgiveness of us. It is showing mercy, grace and love because that is what Christ showed to us. It is inclusion of those outcast because of Christ's inclusion of those outcast by society. What grandmother practices is nothing like this...

Very sad indeed, but that is the prevalent religion enslaving millions today....