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Diversity and Religion

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Religion and Diversity Awareness
I am a Christian. I have set beliefs on topics such as abortion, homosexuality, and most of all religion. Does this mean that I have to be intolerant as well? It troubles me to read of how intolerant our religion has become. I feel that we can respect others differing opinions while holding fast to our beliefs. Many of the Christian faith feel compelled to fight for what they believe in. My question is why? Why do we have to fight those who believe different from us? I do not believe in gay marriage, however, gays who want to marry are not harming my view of marriage. Why should my views be enforced on someone who thinks differently? This is not the way to preserve the sanctity of marriage. We as Christians should set an example for others to follow. We should focus on our own marriages rather than telling everyone who can and cannot have the privilege. I believe that the negativity of fighting for our beliefs has destroyed our witness. How can we accomplish our mission of spreading God’s love if we are constantly on television fighting those who have differing views? I read an article about France outlawing the burqa and other garments that hide a woman’s face. It saddened me to see those who claim to be Christian attacking Muslim women in the street because of their dress. In turn there are riots and violence in the Muslim communities. While I understand security concerns, I believe it would have been more productive to have a dialogue with Muslim leaders on how both sides could achieve compromise. Compromise. This word is known by many and understood by few. How many lives would be touched if we all did a little more compromising and a little less fighting? I do not mean that we should compromise our beliefs. I will continue to disagree with abortion and homosexuality. I will continue to teach my children what I believe to be right in the eyes of GOD. What I will not do is condemn those who believe differently. I will not teach my children to discriminate on those that have different beliefs. The Bible says, “as for me and my house we shall serve the Lord.” It does not mention making your neighbor serve as well. We should be the light that draws others rather than the face of intolerance.

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