Let
me say up front, I do not approve of, nor use offensive
language, nor do I behave in Let me say up front, I do not approve
of, nor use offensive language, nor do I behave in offensive
ways. I am for inclusion, acceptance and respect, no matter
what the person’s views. I had a homosexual man in my fellowship
many times and he was always made to feel welcome. We are all made
in God’s image, and as a believer it is incumbent upon me to relate
to people as Jesus did with dignity and respect. In fact I use the
story of the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11), as a model. Jesus
did not condemn her, but neither did he condone her adultery (verse
11). I believe it is Holy Spirit's job to convict, not mine
(John16:8). But I do need to say that in the same way LGBT+ groups
would not allow me to promote traditional morality at their
meetings, neither do I permit the promotion of homosexuality at
ours.What Jesus did condemn was hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13). And just
as there are people of integrity on both the left and the right,
there are unfortunately hypocrites there too, people who are willing
to use, and even promote, the culture wars for political gain!
As
I say, I try to treat everyone with dignity and respect, but it's not
always reciprocated. For some the world is divided into either the
oppressed, or the oppressor. So then if you are not
oppressed, you must be an oppressor. In particular if you are white
(even apparently if you are oppressed), then you are the recipient of
“white privilege,” the system of unearned privileges and
advantages, that have been unjustly provided to white people simply
because of their race. And since I am white, it seems that in some
circles my very presence (regardless of my behaviour or attitude) is
offensive. And since I am also a Christian, it's ten times worse! So
let me ask again, do you have the right to not to be offended in
this, or in any other way? I do not deny you the freedom to choose to
be offended, you are free to do that. But if you do, you are not free
from the consequences of living your entire life trapped in the
prison of offence (see 19 October 2019 “The power and pollution of
offence and resentment”)!
In
a viral Youtube video, Cathy Newman asked Jordon Peterson why his
right to freedom of speech should trump a person’s right not to be
offended. He replied “You’re certainly willing to risk offending
me in the pursuit of truth. It’s been rather uncomfortable. Why
should you have the right to do that? You’re doing what you should
do, which is digging a bit to see what the hell is going on.” Many
may not see the double standard here. What if I am offended at you
rejecting me simply because I am white? Will you extend to me the
right not to be offended in this way? But actually I would choose not
to be offended, because I cannot stay offended and still be free. I
do however have the right to put appropriate boundaries in place to
block offensive communication.
Father,
my aim is to be offence proof. Offence and bitterness are poison,
and so with Your Help, I will not allow anything such
thing to control me. Help me Lord when it is difficult to live this
out, in Jesus Name Amen
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