288Hypocrisy
posted by Jeffrey on March 30th, 2007
I started out the last post about the lyrics and video of the Black Eyed Peas hit, “Where is the Love”, with other than loving motivations. Luckily, that post allowed me to find within myself some hidden prejudice that I, until now, have justified.
I began that post with the intent of providing a disclaimer that though I love the message of Love that this song communicates and how well it portrays the simple yet insurmountable effects of a society centered around Love, I did not agree with all of it’s insinuations…particularly the theological one in the chorus.
Then, it hit me. What kind of a disclaimer is that? I disagree with someone, so what? Does that justify a disclaimer?
Hell no it doesn’t!
What it does do is expose my own prejudice and discrimination. It’s ironic that I came to this awareness and then, in a conversation with some friends later that evening, that very topic came up among us.
I find that it’s easier for me to be accepting of other people’s views and ideas when they have nothing to do with religion…Christianity in particular. I wonder why this is. I mean, I want people to see God the way I do (i.e. God is Love), but not because I want to be “right”. Rather, it is that I experience so much freedom and love and joy from this way of living (or transformation into this way of living) that I want others to experience it as well.
Why then, I wonder, do I find myself judging others who have a more traditional and legalistic view of God?
There is only one possible answer…I’m a hypocrite.
Luckily, as seems to normally be the case, Love has exposed this in my life and now I can allow myself to be changed in this area by Love.
Care to share any areas that God (Love) has brought about change in your own life recently?
001: Nashville is Talking » Disclaimer,
March 30th, 2007 at 12:35 pm[…] Jeffrey’s calling himself out: I find that it’s easier for me to accept other people’s views when they have nothing to do with religion…Christianity especially. I wonder why this is. I mean, I want people to see God the way I do (i.e. God is Love), but not because I want to be “right”. Rather, it is that I experience so much freedom and love and joy from this way of living (or transformation into this way of living) that I want others to experience it as well. […]
002: Glen Dean,
March 30th, 2007 at 1:34 pmThe fact that you are aware of your faults is impressive. Most are not.
003: Jeffrey,
March 31st, 2007 at 6:30 amhey glen, you’re too kind. I’m actually quite stubborn and bull-headed, lol. In this case, however, Love exposed an area of my thinking that is wrong and need be transformed. For me, when Loves exposes such a thing, all the stubbornness in the world cannot stop the proceeding change.
004: lacey,
April 1st, 2007 at 6:52 pmhey jeffrey 
its sunday so i thought i’d read up on your latest posts.
today i passed a woman begging for money on the street as i was wandering in to a Tim Horton’s downtown in celebration of my day of sugar (its sort of like Dunkin Donuts but Canadian). she asked me for money and i told her i was sorry but couldn’t help. then as i waited in line i had the thought “get her something to eat” and at first i hesitated. but i guess you would say “Love” won and so I walked outside and spoke with her, offering her anything she wanted. I brought her her food and drink and then talked with her about what brought her to this street corner today and i admit, as a skeptic i wasn’t completely trustworthy of her story but who am i to judge? anyone begging for money has obviously endured something of humility and i couldnt ignore the fact that i needed to atleast try to alleviate her suffering, if only for a few minutes. now, whether this was God/Love, i am not for sure. but i guess i am learning the tragedy it is to turn a blind eye to someone in need.
005: Jeffrey,
April 1st, 2007 at 10:52 pmwhoa, very cool story lace. i can’t wait to hear more details about it.
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