Earlier this week, MC played host - albeit involuntarily - to Soul Force, a gay rights group of some sort. People complained, police were called, and news channels clambered to cover the story. But I have to ask - what is the big deal? So some people wanted protest - big whoop. This is America, and there are two rights we have in this country that come into play here: Freedom of Speech, and Freedom to protest. We are allowed to voice our opinions, and we are allowed to congregate in protest against things we don't agree with. Funny how basic American rights get trampled once something a few people don't agree with gets brought into play. "Some people want to protest against the war in Iraq? Okay... Some people are protesting discrimination against gay students? Call the cops!" Seriously, I can't help but see a double standard here...
Now, I will admit, I did not personally go down to see the protesters themselves. Some people told me what they were saying, and I didn't feel like getting dragged into the conflict that might be brewing. I did, however, notice the large crowd of students gathered around them, and I heard the obscenities and insults being hurled at the protesters. I couldn't help but feel a bit... sad. Soul Force was trying to get people's attention on the matter of discrimination on campus, and lo and behold, they're being insulted and discriminated against. And by students at a Christian college, no less. What a wonderful sight. "Ah yes, lets go insult the people protesting discrimination on campus. I'm SURE that will make them go away..."
Yes, the Bible does say homosexuality is wrong. I personally agree with this sentiment - homosexuality is a sin. But the Bible also says we are to treat our neighbor as we wish to be treated, and to love our enemies. I don't think Jesus meant "Love thy neighbor, but hate anyone who's different." I think He meant: "Love thy neighbor, regardless of race, religion, or ideals." But not everyone has the same opinion. No, many people think differently from me. In fact, many people would probably get mad at me because of my opinion on this matter. I've already annoyed a few people by telling them how I felt on the Soul Force thing. But that is my belief.
That is my belief, and I am willing to argue for it against those who would argue against it. What, I ask, is wrong with that?
A lot, apparently...
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
7. Week in Review
Yet another week past at MC. I took some notes, passed (barely) a few quizes, and did my service project. Not much else of utter importance happened that I can recall. Of course, it was a short week, so there wasn't much opportunity for stuff to happen. And even then, nothing out of the ordinary occured. Which doesn't bother me - I'm quite content with a lack of spontaniety and excitement, to some degree.
My service project for Comp 1 was... interesting. I was supposed to go play with children at a local appartment complex with some other students. I mean, whats better than brightening a bored childs day? Well, it seems we were a bit overzealous. There ended up being more students than kids. I'm not kidding - I think the ratio was at least 1:3 for kids to students. So, to be honest, I found myself not doing much. I figured that there wasn't much I could do. It only took a few of us to keep the kids entertained, and it was clear that they were doing a much better job than I could do. Did I feel bad for not doing much to help? A little. But at least I was there, and I stayed there in case I there was need for me. Which, from what I could tell, there was not.
In personal matters, I went home for the weekend, and spent some time with my family and friends. Didn't get to see my girlfriend that much, except for church. How bothersome. But at least I got to talk religeon with my agnostic friend for awhile. Huzzah? I find it funny that I'm friends with an agnostic. He does to, I think. We've both been led to believe cliche ideas about each other - me to believe that athiests (what he originally claimed to be - we discovered that his ideals are, in fact, agnostic in nature, so he has switched "religions" ever since we started our semi-regular discussions when we're bored) are rude and won't listen to your beliefs, and him to believe that Christians are very mean to "Heathens" and like to shove their beliefs down people's throats. I think we've both learned from our theological discussions. I now know what makes some people lose their faith (he was raised Christian - his family is "uber-Christian" is his own words, and he keeps his personal beliefs secret), and has learned a lot about what Christianity should be - love and understanding, not hate and shunning.
Have I made progress in converting him? Heh... doubtful. His beliefs are quite well-thought and resolved. Although, he has started to attend church, albiet to see his friends. But he has agreed to go to Church Camp with a friend of mine...
Do I intend to convert him? To be honest, no. All I can do is show him good examples of Christianity in me and some of my friends, and see what he makes of it. A man should have the right to choose what he believes.
Who am I to make that decision for him?
My service project for Comp 1 was... interesting. I was supposed to go play with children at a local appartment complex with some other students. I mean, whats better than brightening a bored childs day? Well, it seems we were a bit overzealous. There ended up being more students than kids. I'm not kidding - I think the ratio was at least 1:3 for kids to students. So, to be honest, I found myself not doing much. I figured that there wasn't much I could do. It only took a few of us to keep the kids entertained, and it was clear that they were doing a much better job than I could do. Did I feel bad for not doing much to help? A little. But at least I was there, and I stayed there in case I there was need for me. Which, from what I could tell, there was not.
In personal matters, I went home for the weekend, and spent some time with my family and friends. Didn't get to see my girlfriend that much, except for church. How bothersome. But at least I got to talk religeon with my agnostic friend for awhile. Huzzah? I find it funny that I'm friends with an agnostic. He does to, I think. We've both been led to believe cliche ideas about each other - me to believe that athiests (what he originally claimed to be - we discovered that his ideals are, in fact, agnostic in nature, so he has switched "religions" ever since we started our semi-regular discussions when we're bored) are rude and won't listen to your beliefs, and him to believe that Christians are very mean to "Heathens" and like to shove their beliefs down people's throats. I think we've both learned from our theological discussions. I now know what makes some people lose their faith (he was raised Christian - his family is "uber-Christian" is his own words, and he keeps his personal beliefs secret), and has learned a lot about what Christianity should be - love and understanding, not hate and shunning.
Have I made progress in converting him? Heh... doubtful. His beliefs are quite well-thought and resolved. Although, he has started to attend church, albiet to see his friends. But he has agreed to go to Church Camp with a friend of mine...
Do I intend to convert him? To be honest, no. All I can do is show him good examples of Christianity in me and some of my friends, and see what he makes of it. A man should have the right to choose what he believes.
Who am I to make that decision for him?
Saturday, October 11, 2008
6: Blog Number 6
Another week, another Blog update. I really wish I had something important to talk about, but I'm afraid I don't. There's not much to talk about, really. All I did this week was go to class, study, and watch the Stock Market crash and burn. In regards to the US economy, its like a train wreck. Its so horrifying, yet you can't look away. Only now its past the train wreck part - now there's a school bus involved. Okay, forgive the morbid analogy, but you have to admit, the news this week has been quite grim.
I find myself wondering... how will these effect me? How will the current state of our economy affect students like me? From what I've gathered, it won't be too good. Student loans will become harder to get, some colleges will be raising tuition prices, and most jobs that students rely upon will disappear, since businesses will have to cut jobs and wages in order to keep up with the economy. Some student's college funds are rapidly drying up, since their parents decided to put it in the stock market. Students who weeks ago had their futures paid for are now finding themselves in a very bad situation. Isn't the Butterfly Effect wonderful?
Right, so, how 'bout something cheerier to discuss? Um... I got nothing. I honestly don't know what else to talk about. I doubt my inability to come up with good blog material is going to effect my grade all too well. No matter how hard I try, I can't figure out what I'm supposed to even be writing about. I meant to ask Dr. Miller about it, but I forgot to ask him I had the chance. Oops... And I left the piece of paper about our blog that he gave us back at my dorm. So here I am, typing away, hoping that my inability to blog properly does not come back to haunt me... Wonderful.
I find myself wondering... how will these effect me? How will the current state of our economy affect students like me? From what I've gathered, it won't be too good. Student loans will become harder to get, some colleges will be raising tuition prices, and most jobs that students rely upon will disappear, since businesses will have to cut jobs and wages in order to keep up with the economy. Some student's college funds are rapidly drying up, since their parents decided to put it in the stock market. Students who weeks ago had their futures paid for are now finding themselves in a very bad situation. Isn't the Butterfly Effect wonderful?
Right, so, how 'bout something cheerier to discuss? Um... I got nothing. I honestly don't know what else to talk about. I doubt my inability to come up with good blog material is going to effect my grade all too well. No matter how hard I try, I can't figure out what I'm supposed to even be writing about. I meant to ask Dr. Miller about it, but I forgot to ask him I had the chance. Oops... And I left the piece of paper about our blog that he gave us back at my dorm. So here I am, typing away, hoping that my inability to blog properly does not come back to haunt me... Wonderful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)