Religious Intolerance

Our friends at Wikipedia define Blog as: A blog (a blend of the term web log) is a type of website or part of a website supposed to be updated with new content from time to time. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order.

New content.  Commentary.  Descriptions.  Events.  Other material.  I suppose that this blog entry will be a commentary.

Gay.

Faggot.

Queer.

Dyke.

Abomination.

Freak of nature.

2^nd class.

Unfit.

Wrong.

Not natural.

Sick.

Perverted.

I read of a teacher who was trying to teach how hurtful and long lasting words, actions and pain can be for those on the receiving end of hate, intolerance, injustice and discrimination, and this is what she did.  She asked each student to take out a sheet of paper.  Write down words they have been called, they have called others or they have heard.  Then crumple the paper up into the tiniest possible ball.  Now, unfold that ball and smooth it out, open it up all the way, to its original shape/size.  Try and smooth all the wrinkles out of the paper.  Can you?  Despite what you do, they can still be seen and felt can’t they?  So can words and actions.

My personal FaceBook page is used to share personal “rants” I have about life.  I have in fact toned it down a lot and try and remain as positive as I can in the face of intolerance, injustice and discrimination.  It is very trying to do so when one has much experience, passion and energy.

Sacrament of Penance (Catholic Church), also known as Reconciliation is a theological term that describes the element of salvation that refers to the results of atonement. Reconciliation as a theological concept describes the end of the estrangement, caused by sin, between God and humanity.

Reconciliation can also be used to describe the journey one may take to bring together wrongs/rights, good/bad, past/present, and other issues that one experiences in life.

At the top of my personal list of things I am seeking to reconcile are those who identify as being a Christian, who are able to interpret the bible and other resources in a way that promotes “God” as a God that allows and encourages them to use those words listed above and the idea that those who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender are in some way not 100% worthy, equal to, or able to receive, know or be accepted 100% as they are by the same “God.”

My truth and belief is that I was created in God’s image.  I am a child of God.  I am not a mistake.  I am what I am.  And I am beautiful.  I am loved.  And I am worthy.  Just as I am.  I don’t need to be straight.  I don’t need to be gay.  I don’t need to be black.  I don’t need to be Jewish.  I don’t need to be single.  I don’t need to be fat.  I don’t need to be tall.  I don’t need to have money.  I don’t need to live in Texas.  I don’t need to have a car.  I don’t need to eat your food.  I don’t need to speak your language.  I don’t need to worship as you worship.  Each of our life journeys are own journeys to experience.  They CAN be in unison, without hurting or harming one another IF “we” choose to make that happen.

I need air to breathe.  I need water to drink.  I need food to eat.  I like the relationship I have with myself.  I like the relationship I have with what I know to be the Sacred.  I like the relationship I have with the one person in life that I have identified as being the one I am in love with, my partner in life, and my friend.  I like knowing that what works in my life may not be the same that will work in the lives of others.  And that is ok.  Because the Sacred in me, acknowledges, bows and respects what is Sacred in others.

I am reminded of two quotes by the Dalai Lama.  “If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.”  And, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One relationship at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals