"Modern man is almost incapable of distinguishing between these four things"

Brandon Vogt is going to the core of why the divide is so vast and seemingly unbridgeable:

In light of the Chick-Fil-A controversy, I now realize modern man is almost incapable of distinguishing between these four things:

1. Approval and Implicit Condemnation. Just because you support one thing doesn’t mean you’re viciously antagonistic toward another (i.e. “anti-” the opposite.) If Dan Cathy supports traditional marriage between one man and one woman, that doesn’t mean he ipso facto “hates gay people” or is “anti-gay.”

2. Disagreeing and Hating. I disagree with ideas all the time. This does not necessitate hating the person who proposed them. Your beliefs are not your identity.

3. Beliefs and People. This is somewhat similar to #2. Rejecting a belief does not equal rejecting a person. You can reject the validity of same-sex marriage on philosophical and social grounds while still profoundly loving people with same-sex attraction. I reject at least some opinions or actions from each of my friends (such as “double-rainbows are boring” or “playing the lottery is wise.”) They in turn reject plenty of my own. But we don’t hate each other. In fact, just the opposite is true. Our relationship is grounded on a communion of persons, not a symmetry of beliefs.

4. Bigotry and Disagreement. The definition of bigot is “one unwilling to tolerate opinions different than his own”—not “someone who disagrees with me.” Toleration doesn’t require agreement, merely recognition and respect. (Ironically, those quickest to accuse people of bigotry are often bigoted about their flawed definition of “bigot.”)

The solution to these failures is not more dialogue. It’s better philosophy, logic, and reason. 

Better philosphy, logic and reason... all of which I found in Catholicism as an aside but mentioning that in too many circles will do nothing but bring more hatred.

Sad.

Carry on.

Comments

[DuhProgressive]

TWEETED this. It's good. Too bad my disagreeing with you makes me want to throw you in the crematorium ;-P

No, really, good piece and well-put. Rock on!

-Duh Progressive.com

AND WHAT IS YOUR TWITTER HANDLE???

[sillyMe]

Make no mistake, the gay activists understand that the CEO of Chick-fil-A doesn't hate gay people. It is their intent to attack relentlessly anyone who is not in lock step with them and bludgeon them into submission.

[Jim Bouchard]

Mary- seems we're singing in harmony today. Here's my post on "Chick-fil-A and the politics of bigotry." http://bit.ly/OvaO1q

[Mtier4y]

Does our intolerance derive from a lack of time, ..all too busy or apathy, we just don't care? I believe we tell ourselves we are just too busy..