This evening at the supper table an interesting question was asked by our youngest daughter, “What is a bigot?” Dylan had just finished sharing that people opposed to certain lifestyles are often called bigots, and her naturally inquisitive mind wondered just what that word meant. While one might understand the connotation of the word, when asked what the word meant Dylan decided to look up the denotation to ensure he properly explained the word.
The connotation that most commonly comes to my mind when I hear the word bigot is “close-minded, hate-filled conservative.” Frequently such people have strong religious views. However, when Dylan looked definition of the word bigot the one that popped up first was:
big·ot:
noun
a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions.
Interestingly, in this first quick “Dictionary” definition, there is no suggestion that bigotry is limited to those of a particular view, though quite frequently this title is thrust upon those who do not fall in line with the societal views of political correctness. This may seem a bit of a leap for some, but is it not possible that those so often labelled as bigots for professing a viewpoint different than that of the world around them are actually the victims of bigotry at times?
What do I mean by this slightly inflammatory question? Well, simply that intolerance is intolerance. Are those who are accepting of any and all lifestyles, gender-identities, and alternative religions also tolerant of those who value traditional religions and lifestyles? Is it “tolerable” to be a Christian who does not “tolerate” the shifting moral ground of our society, BUT who endeavours to love all people, including those living a lifestyle contrary to their Christian moral compass?
Maybe it is impossible to believe such people exist, but I know many. An opposition to sin is not an opposition to a person. I can genuinely love a person who lives his or her (or their) life in a way I would not choose to live my life. I can think of plenty of non-offensive examples of people living out their lives in ways I would not chose, and may not even agree with, but that in no way changes their value. Most often, when someone is stuck in clear and obvious sin of any type, and that sin is causing them grief in their life, I feel sad. I may be confused, concerned, or even on occasion angered. But hateful? No.
If you have encountered a Christian who presents a hate-filled attitude towards any person or people group, well, that would be the reason so many people choose to not describe themselves as Christian any more. Many Christians throughout history have incorrectly presented their opposition to certain lifestyles, religions, or even political viewpoints. These narrow-minded prejudices have slandered the name Christian to the point where many now choose to adopt the slightly varied title “follower of Christ” to describe their faith. While that may seem to be needless arguing over semantics, I have to say I truly cannot identify with the stereotypical judgmental hypocritical “Christian”. I would far rather be on a journey to live my life in a way that endeavours to show the love of Christ to any and all people.
I may not agree with your sin, but I do not agree with my own either. I also may not agree with your stand on politics, religion, or sexuality, but I do not believe that makes me a bigot. I will do more than tolerate you in the midst of our differences, I will strive to find cause to love you even if I do not agree with you.
Can you say the same?
Kyla