While I understand that fundamentalist Christians can
sometimes speak truth with all the grace of an atomic bomb, I do not understand
the anger at a belief founded in centuries old traditions, whose tenants are
well known. It is understood that most Christians
will interpret the bible certain ways.
To say these are all right is not the issue. Right is right outside of anyone who believes
it or disagrees with it. Truth is truth,
whether treated like a lie or not and conversely, lies do not become true just
because you believe it.
The issue is that if we are to have freedom to believe something
is wrong and another has the freedom to believe something is right, can’t we
understand that the context, settings, and audience of the conversations will
evoke a certain response.
Being angry that many Christians believe a certain way about
biblical principles is like serving lobster bisque and pork chops at a Jewish
wedding and wondering why the guests might be upset. Though a few may not have an issue with it,
most would.
To be angry that a historically bible based service
organization strayed from the common understandings of biblical interpretations
is a natural response founded in logic.
People sign up to support an organization that aligns with their
beliefs. When the organization makes changes
to a policy and no longer agrees with the original understanding, they have
broken trust, and changed the agreement.
Now, to those who thought this decision was a good one, and
were excited and encouraged about it, I feel sorry that you were yanked around
a bit this week. I would like to say,
that the people on the opposite side, feel the same way. The biggest tragedy of World Vision’s
statements this last week is that no one can trust the organization now. If you believe in something, stand for it and
own it.
