Why do a blog?
I ask myself that question all the time!!!! I got an email today from a person I know was well meaning. They suggested that my sharing my political thoughts was not consistent with the faith aspect of this blog, that I should start another blog for that kind of information. I thanked them but responded that I didn’t think anything I had shared, was not in keeping with my faith. Well, after some thought they were probably right on at least one level. I am not perfect, never claimed I was, I’m human and I know I am! I know sometimes I share my frustrations before I give it enough thought. If I offended anyone I’m truly sorry. Now I’ve stepped up to the plate, and said I was sorry, and I really am. I didn’t say that I don’t really feel the way I feel, just that I mean no harm to anyone.
Let me try to make an example. I’m a conservative, (big surprise), and I most often take that position on issues. I was listening to the radio today as I was I coming back from Knoxville. A person made a really good point, one that I think often escapes people. When a pizza place in Indiana said they would rather not serve pizza at a wedding of a gay couple, (to a hypothetical questions) they were immediately taken to task by the gay community. They simply were, in nice way, saying we would rather not do that. The people that were offended, made death threats, said they would burn down the business, and the owners had to close down until things settled down. You tell me what is worse, asking to not take part in a wedding on religious grounds, or threatening death and destruction of property. Surely you don’t believe those rise to the same level???
As a Christian, I’m often treated very harshly if I might not agree to go along with a closely help belief of the left agenda. I have no hatred or dislike for the gay community, I have some friends that are gay, I don’t want to take part in that life style, but I do not treat them in an ugly manner. I do not judge them, that is, according to my faith, God’s job, not mine. If you ran a print shop and you were gay, and someone came in and asked you to print up signs for a rally that contained hate speech about gays, would you print them? Well, neither would I. I am Pro Life, I have friends that are Pro Choice, they think they are right, I think I’m right, but I wish them no harm, each of us will have to answer for our stances to a higher power than anyone here.
What is my point? If my conservative views are painful for you, this may not be the best blog to read. I don’t watch MSNBC or listen to NPR, or for that matter watch any news on the major networks, it just reminds me of how radically different my views are from theirs, and theirs from mine. Why torture myself. I listen carefully to all sides, but I’ve finally decided exactly where I stand, and so, I don’t expose myself to stuff that will be agonizing for me!
For me as a Christian, I have s simple test, when faced with a controversy, I ask, based on my knowledge of scripture, where would Jesus stand on this issue? If you study the word, that settles most issues pretty quickly. I know that if you are not person of faith, that position would not hold much weight for you.
I love you, because Christ loves you, I pray for all of you, and I trust you and He will work things out. In the meantime, I want to be at peace with you! I hope you can live with that! I won’t change, but I won’t judge you either!
Blessings,
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Monday, April 6th, 2015 at 10:53 pm
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As someone who both admires your photography and frequently disagree with your politics, I have no problem with you expressing your political opinions on this blog.
I’m all for people having a discussion on any issue they want; this is your blog; you are free to write what you want.
I have no problem with people I admire in one area, in this case photography, expressing opinions in another area, in this politics, that are almost diametrically opposite to mine. I have no hurt feelings. I welcome diversity of thought, and differences of opinion. That’s part of what makes America great. LIfe and people are complex; sometimes you’ll agree and sometimes you’ll disagree. But disagreement is no reason for hurt feelings and it doesn’t mean we can’t get along.
I also tremendously admire you for allowing me to express my differing points of view on your blog in the comments section.
Regarding that Indiana pizza restaurant: I too feel it was wrong for the owners to be treated the way they were. I was against the Indiana law on principle, but to me that doesn’t mean these people should have been treated that way. Again, differing opinions don’t have to mean we demonize others. I will say that those who treated the owners of the pizza place so harshly did no favors to their cause. However, I also believe these are 2 separate issues. Not nearly everyone against the Indiana law was guilty of mistreating the pizza restaurant owners. The treatment of the owners of that establishment means nothing about the merits of that Indiana law.
Some conservatives have threatened President Obama’s life; he receives death threats all of the time. Does that make all conservatives wrong or, worse, some sort of enemy? I remember one time in the 1970s that some American Nazi’s were scheduled to take part in a parade in Illinois, and of course many objected. Some made threats against the Nazi’s. That didn’t mean the Nazi’s were the good guys; only that some people took their protests too far, and should have realized the best way to defeat such ideology is to have respect for the rule of law and free speech.
So to me in one sense it’s the same principle of how to live with people who are different from yourself. People with whom we disagree shouldn’t be demonized and treated as if they are the devil or have a disease. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with you expressing yourself in any way you choose on this blog.
Thanks Wade, many great Americans died so each of us can express their thoughts, it’s what makes America great!
Bill,
Amen…no doubt many brave Americans have died and many others sacrificed greatly so that we can have our freedom today. I always thank a man or women in the armed services when I see one.
Right on, Pilgrim! God bless you for expressing so eloquently the feelings of so many (?most) of us.
Thanks Papa Doc!
Great post Bill. It seems to me that over the past few years we have lost a sense of decency and respect in dealing with others and have moved to a much more confrontational role in dealing with anyone who disagrees with our thoughts and/or beliefs. I am not sure why or how this change has occurred but I, for one, do not welcome this new “normal”. And, since I refuse to believe this is how our creator expects us to behave my hope for peace and harmony in this world is a quickly fading hope. The trend seems to be getting worse at an every increasing rate. And, no I am not giving up, nor living my life depressed. I have faith in what I believe and comfort that I will do my best to live as our Lord intended.
I know we all have to do that! My wife keeps me straight when I express frustration and she reminds me Christ died for “all” of us! Even those that crucified him were offered His forgiveness from the cross!
Well spoken sir! Christ died for all and sometimes loving others causes us to disagree with them but we shouldn’t stop loving them because of that.
I think as Christians and Americans we are often called upon to stand up for our principles but also to remember Christian charity in the process. Perhaps the best illustration of that today is Pope Francis who has not altered core teachings but says that churches should be hospitals for sinners (us), not museums for saints. I am pro life but I recall when Dan Quayle was asked what he would do if his daughter was going to have an abortion. He said he would try to convince her otherwise but if unsuccessful he would take her and be there for her. And sometimes our political beliefs can conflict with what Jesus would do (or actually did). We all struggle with that (or should if we are Christians) and as human beings we will not be perfect. I am sympathetic to and support “gay rights” but I don’t think disturbing the theological and historical definition of marriage is one of them yet, as a public official, if I am called upon to officiate at a same sex wedding, I would have to do so. That said, I would hope that whoever making the request would understand my position and evaluate whether I would be the best fit for them. Labels such as “conservative” or “liberal” or “right” or “left” are often hard to define, set in quicksand and don’t mean much (I suspect Jesus would have been considered “liberal” by many of the elders of his day). One conservative value I know of and subscribe to is the ability to stand up for the right of someone to express an opinion I may detest. True conservatives (not those who have hijacked the label for ulterior motives in today’s politics) understand that — often to the surprise of “liberals” who don’t. I saw that play out many years ago when the Carter administration went to court to block publication by a small liberal magazine of an article about the hydrogen bomb (using public domain material). The New York Times and Washington Post backed the White House while the Chicago Tribune, which was not subject to the injunction, published the article and essentially told the Carter people that if they want a fight over First Amendment rights, bring it on. The government backed down and the former hippies who ran the little magazine were left shaking their heads over who their real friends are. Bill, if you ever gave up speaking your values because of the fear of being too controversial, then you wouldn’t be living them out and would be less worthy of respect. So often people are afraid to argue religion and politics but, really, aren’t those the best things to discuss? If you can’t defend your beliefs — while keeping an open ear and eye to the view of others — then what value are you? Keep up the good work and the faith.
Jesus reached out to others, you hit the nail on the head, love others, worship Him, stay true to your faith, and trust Him with it all!
The only one you need to be right with is our maker. If someone is offended by your thoughts and convictions then that is their failing. No one is forcing them to visit your blog, they choose to by free will, and it is free will is what makes us human.
I want to neither be harsh or a wimp! Tough line to walk!
My attitude is, I want to be the nicest guy you will every meet, but don’t cross the line of my convictions.
Christ was meek but he was very far from weak. It is a fine line indeed.
The key here is: It’s you blog. Keep it up.
Thanks Paul, but it’s actually not, it’s His!
If only we could keep that at the forefront of our efforts and endeavors….
Well said … good and faithful servant.
Bless you and your faithfulness.
Bob
Sorry. It’s your blog.
O.K. but it is done for Him.
Bill, Just like you don’t watch MSNBC or listen to NPR, that guy does not have to read the blog. You are free to express yourself.
I am, but I wish no harm!
I have never met you but have long admired not just your photography but your boldness in sharing your faith. God has given you a platform from which to do that and I would hope that you would continue to share boldly, without appology.
I will, and I would never apologize about my faith, I do however want to be Christ-like in how I do it!
Great post Bill. Right on target. I have a good friend who has opposite views politically than I do. We do disagree, but he is my brother in the Lord and I love him as such. When we get to heaven, I think we will all be surprised about what we had right politically and what we had wrong. Just as you said, the only test is what does God’s Word say about the matter as we let the Holy Spirit instruct us. Jesus dealt with this very issue. His answer, “Let him without sin cast the first stone.”
I’ll never change my friend’s political views and at this point I don’t want to try, because it is the Holy Spirit’s job to correct when he is off base. It is also the Holy Spirit’s job to correct me when I’m wrong. As much as most people do not like to hear this, our political system operates in a fallen world. It is not perfect. Those administering it are not perfect. That is why God told us to pray those in leadership over us.
Great Blog Bill! Keep it coming.
Thanks David, that is my desire, well stated!
Well said. I’m frequently frustrated that the people who talk the loudest about the importance of tolerance seem to be the least willing to extend it to people on the other side of the aisle. It’s YOUR blog, and at least for now, you still have the FREEDOM to express your views, which you always do with grace and respect. I, for one, will keep reading. Be blessed, Pilgrim.
Thanks Ron, I will try to live up to your comments!
Bill, thanks for the thoughtful post.
It shows how a christian must live and speak.
By the way, didn’t Mark Twain say something like this:
This country is founded on the freedom of speech and on the wisdom of not using that freedom.
greetings form the Netherlands
Gert
Bill,
I almost referred to you in a post on Scott Kelby’s site…Wednesday after Easter has an effusive article that refers to a wonderful couple very involved in the local LGBT advocacy….
I know that those in the visual arts tend to be poets and free thinkers…but with the recent Easter attacks on Christians around the world… Kenya students as an example … it is a bit disheartening to see this article at this time.
As He said… If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in the glory of His father….Mark 8:38
And like you I have colleagues and friends who live a Gay lifestyle … they are in my prayers but I do not attempt to relativize their focus nor support it.
Sorry for the rant but I was a bit stunned by the aforementioned article.
Just another site I will relegate to the trash bin …
Bob
Well said pilgrim. Well said. Keep the faith brother. I read every comment, and there were many good ones.
I worked with a lesbian for many years, and we were good co-worker friends. Zona was very good at her job, and very well liked by everyone. A terrible car wreck took her life one day a few years ago. We were all in shock. My wife and I traveled to Brazil, Indiana to attend the funeral. I saw Gay couples and Christian couples there for the same reason…to pay their respects. It was two hours wait to get in.
Point. Be in the World, but not of the World. I love the people, just not some of their life styles. If a person of different belief respects me, I certainly respect them. Tolerance is a two way street. Any kind of a death threat is a hate crime, whoever it comes from.
May God always be by your side pilgrim. Best Wishes!