From tolerance to acceptance

Recognizing Pride Month

A longtime friend recently posted on Facebook that many times in her life she was told to try to be something other than herself: a little more of this, a little less of that. She knows a lot of us can empathize. 

My friend then said this is why we have Pride Month, and that we should extend that empathy to the LGBTQ+ community. She's right. If even straight people have a hard time fitting in, of feeling accepted by others, how much harder is it for someone who isn't straight? 

It got me thinking about my own changing attitudes on LGBTQ+ issues. I think my views are now what they should have been in the first place. 

The only reason I ever thought gay sex was morally wrong was because that's what I was told. I was told that by people who believe the Bible says it's a sin. And I was told that the Bible was the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct, so I just agreed.

If not for that, I doubt I'd have thought it was morally wrong, or would have thought about it much at all.

Today, I don't understand the Bible the same way I used to, and I don't think the sexual activities of LGBTQ+ people are morally wrong or any of my business. 

This frees me to move from tolerance to acceptance.

"Tolerance" means, at minimum, that the State won't punish sex between consenting adults. But no one's obligated to like or associate with anyone. 

"Acceptance" means welcoming others in the bonds of friendship. It also means not wishing or expecting others to change, to become someone they're not. 

Friendship and non-judgment just seems like a happier way to go through life. Many religious people, however, will grudgingly tolerate the LGBTQ+ community, but won't accept it. They pretend they "love the sinner, hate the sin." 

I suggest it benefits no one to dwell on the behavior of others. The emotional energy spent judging LGBTQ+ people and "hating the sin" could be spent thinking about "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable {Philippians 4:8, NRSV].”

I'd rather enlarge my circle of friends instead of creating rules for exclusion, and I'd rather think pleasant thoughts instead of hating things.

I'd rather accept people for who they are.

James Leroy Wilson writes from Nebraska. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter. If you enjoy his articles, subscribe and exchange value for value. You may contact James for your writing, editing, and research needs: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com. Permission to reprint is granted with attribution.

For sports-only content, subscribe to The MVP Chase.