The Better Man

The measure of worth of a religion or the sect of a religion is not in how they treat their members, though that is crucially important, but how they treat those outside the community of believers. "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? (Matthew 5: 46-47)" Being compassionate, merciful, and showing support for those outside your particular faith is truly what matters.

Haven't centuries of fighting between religions taught us anything? Demonizing our foes is not what God wants. There is already enough hate in the world. Why not go down a different path; one of compassion and understanding?

Mormons even state in their Articles of Faith "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own consciousness, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." That is a statement among the Mormon community ensuring that all those that do not espouse the Mormon view of God to worship in peace. Shouldn't this extend into all areas of life: political, social, and private?

I went to a church service with conservative Christians today. The service was a unique experience for me. It was the first time I had ever watched people worship God with a band. The message was on Genesis 31. Things were interesting in the sense that they were from a view I was not used to. People shouted "amen" and held their hands up in worship all of which does not happen in the Mormon church (though we do say amen but it's at the end of talks/sermons). I was fine with all that. I wanted to experience something new and different from what I have so far experienced.

What bothered me was when the pastor expressed his anger towards "unbelievers" invoking the name of God in their actions. He was mad at "unbelievers" using scriptures against Christians. He then proceeded to use the example of homosexuals. His very voice seemed to drip venom at the word "homosexual." It was an ugly and profane word to him. He expressed his disgust at homosexuals using the Bible to argue against Christians that viewed being gay as a heinous sin.

He never seemed to consider that a so-called homosexual would be there in his congregation. He never once considered that he might be saying something offensive. While I sat there listening, I couldn't help but wonder "Does he try to read and learn about homosexuality? Does he care about what we experience and go through?" His words, so full of hate, nearly closed my heart and mind to the message he was sharing. Surely homosexuality is something that shouldn't bar a person from seeking God. Did God create all things? So the Christians claim. Did he not proclaim all creation good? Did homosexuality somehow sneak past him during creation that he didn't mean to bless it? Surely God, all-knowing as he is, knew that homosexuality was part of creation and therefore considered it good.

But whether he did or not is certainly not the point. The point is: the pastor considered me an outsider and unworthy to even approach the Bible. What does that say about his community of faith's approach to outsiders? I am not wanted and unworthy. Why on earth, then, would I ever want to show compassion to them when they truly have none for me or those like me?

Yet, as Jesus has taught in the Bible, I will turn the other cheek. I will be the better man in this.