Two: Once you’ve decided on a particular category of distinction, you heighten your skills of observation. You take notice whenever those who are NOT a part of your distinctive group say foolish things, make poor choices, or fail. You also take notice when those of your distinctive group do and say things that you approve.
Three: You verbalize your disapproval of the other group and mock their mistakes and failures even if there is no connection between their group identity and their failures. At the same time, you champion the successes of your distinctive group even if their success has no connection to your group’s identity.
Four: Make subtle biased suggestions to those outside of your group to influence them to embrace your viewpoint. Be patient and look for opportunities to persuade them to come into your distinctive camp. One important aspect of your evangelistic efforts is to frame your comments in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’ so that your intention is clear, but your language is indistinct. That makes denial of hatred easier.
Five: If you have kids, by all means indoctrinate them to embrace your prejudices and to follow your example so that your ideals will be perpetuated into the next generation.
Hint: Social media offers a broad range of tools to spew your hatred without ever using the word hate.
Bonus: Social media comes with the protection of the sacred first amendment.
I hope that my sarcasm is apparent.
One of the most confusing things about our current society is that some of the most forceful haters are those who oppose hate.
What can a Christian say and do?
On one occasion Jesus was asked about the greatest command. In his extended response He said that the second great command is to love your neighbor. A man challenged Him asking, “Who is my neighbor.” Jesus responded with the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan. He set the parable up beautifully to expose and diffuse hatred. The good man who extended selfless assistance was a Samaritan, one among a distinctive group hated by the Jews. Two beloved Jews were featured, a priest and a Levite. Both ignored the man in need.
A priest was normally engaged in the offering of sacrifices and services in the temple while the Levite was involved in other services relating to the temple. Both were numbered among the religious elite in Jewish society.
So, the hated Samaritan was presented in a good light as one offering help. Yet, the accepted holy men were seen as uncaring.
Let’s not forget the injured man. In the parable he is faceless and unidentifiable. The Samaritan responded on the basis of need, not any distinctive category. He saw a person; he saw a need.
When Jesus concluded, He asked who proved to be a neighbor. It was obvious, the one who showed mercy. When Jesus said, “Go and do the same,” He gave us a peek into the heart of God, who is not fond of haters. God approves those, like the Samaritan, who respond to people and needs...with no distinctive categories.
Mark Stinnett
I hope that my sarcasm is apparent.
One of the most confusing things about our current society is that some of the most forceful haters are those who oppose hate.
What can a Christian say and do?
On one occasion Jesus was asked about the greatest command. In his extended response He said that the second great command is to love your neighbor. A man challenged Him asking, “Who is my neighbor.” Jesus responded with the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan. He set the parable up beautifully to expose and diffuse hatred. The good man who extended selfless assistance was a Samaritan, one among a distinctive group hated by the Jews. Two beloved Jews were featured, a priest and a Levite. Both ignored the man in need.
A priest was normally engaged in the offering of sacrifices and services in the temple while the Levite was involved in other services relating to the temple. Both were numbered among the religious elite in Jewish society.
So, the hated Samaritan was presented in a good light as one offering help. Yet, the accepted holy men were seen as uncaring.
Let’s not forget the injured man. In the parable he is faceless and unidentifiable. The Samaritan responded on the basis of need, not any distinctive category. He saw a person; he saw a need.
When Jesus concluded, He asked who proved to be a neighbor. It was obvious, the one who showed mercy. When Jesus said, “Go and do the same,” He gave us a peek into the heart of God, who is not fond of haters. God approves those, like the Samaritan, who respond to people and needs...with no distinctive categories.
Mark Stinnett
November 19, 2023
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