Often we are faced with ideas contrary to our own. Many of us live in parts of the world in which we are free not only to have our own ideas but to discuss them. That is a good thing. Some times difference of opinion can simply be a matter of persepective or lack of education in matters at hand.
However some people take this to a new level and use this freedom as a means of attack. They attack those who do not feel or think as they do. This does not mean a challenge to a different idea, or a friendly persuation. This is a matter of hate or arrogance. This is a thing I have witnessed, and been subject to my whole life.
There is a difference between discussion and arguing. Even then, there are differences between friendly persuasion and spiteful, devaluing of others.
Recent events in my life have inspired me to write this. I have dealt with people who speak/write not out of a desire to debate or persuade. Much of this boarders on, or crosses over in to true hate. These people and their arguments, founded or otherwise, do not do much but breed animosity and create conflict.
I have decided to meet these. I have listened to and over heard remarks made about the things that are part of who I am. Do not consider this to be an attack or by any means "shoving this down your throat." I can not help but react to things that attack my Christian (and sometimes more specifically my Catholic) faith. They are defining elements in my life. Some of these differences are simply that some people hear something they may know little about, and believe it. Other people, and unfortunately the loudest voices of all, make remarks out of a genuine malice and feeling of superiority.
It is common to simply shrug this off, not to make waves. Not to make something out of nothing. Not to offend others. What about me? What about others who feel and think as I do? What about others who generally agree with me? How about the way I, or they feel when then have to listen? What about feeling that comes when an aspect of you being is belittled? Your opinion (and sometimes personal worth) devalued?
Also, don't think this to be an attempt to convert anyone. This is just to explain why we believe what we do. Some matters really are matters of faith, with (for want of a better word) no proof. That's why it is a religion. All I can establish is that there is a good reason to believe, not a hidden agenda. I will acknowledge that others will think and feel differently than I do. I openly accept that others will not agree with what I think, and will write. I will not simply sit an accept any more remarks. It is contrary to my beliefs, and to the beliefs of "freedom" and "acceptance" they claim to profess.
In short (because this is where it get long), we all enjoy our own thoughts and feelings, but they can easily be taken away when you do not act enough to stand up for them. I do not want it to be said I never stood up for anything in my life.
Contact me at thedialecticmethod@hotmail.com
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