First, some short rants:
Why does our society label things as "adult" content? What makes porn appropriate for adults? I'm 18 now and I can get a Playboy; that doesn't mean it won't still rape my mind. In my experience, adult content means "suitable for no one" or "this material corrupts your mind." It upsets me that people pass so many laws to keep kids safe from Internet porn, but it's culturally accepted for adults to view it; it's even viewed as "healthy." That makes me want to puke. The same goes for any generally offensive or gratuitous product. Be a smart consumer.
Why are all extremists in the abortion and homosexual issues on the conservative side? Because of the abortion clinic bombers and shooters and the Matthew Shepard murderers of the world, people look down on me as some sort of close-minded, un-Christianlike, hateful person because I disagree with homosexuality and abortion. At least that's what I think of whenever I see a car with an anti-abortion or anti-homosexual bumper sticker on it. If that's my view and I'm sympathetic to conservative views on the issues (though not extremist; see a bit farther down), how much worse do those who sympathize with the liberal view see me? I hate dividing an issue into strict black/white divisions, but in this case liberals and conservatives are extreme generalizations (liberal: condones abortion/homosexuality, conservative doesn't) to make my point. My stance: homosexuality and abortion are wrong, but we should still love gays and women who have had abortions. Loving our neighbors as ourselves applies here; no one is exempt. Homosexuals are still shunned by a large portion of the population, and need that love more than ever(and guidance as well), while women who have had abortions have gone through an extremely difficult decision. Those women need support and love as well; choosing an abortion is not an easy decision, and as such they probably have a good deal of emotional pain remaining. Unfortunately, bumper stickers, t-shirts, politicians, protesters, and other people tend to focus more on the condemnation of these issues as "evil" and "wrong" instead of simultaneously extending a loving hand to people involved. How does condemnation help people struggling with these issues agree to seek help from Christians? It doesn't. A loving hand must be emphasized; love is the only answer to these problems. Condemnation and prohibition never got us anywhere.
I just got back from Cornerstone, and I've become disillusioned with the metalcore/hardcore scene. It's all about the image. I find myself searching for the "right" clothes as much as an Abercrombie kid, while I claim more and more that I care less about how I look. I'm so hypocritical. I like this style, but it's consuming me.
And the scene is so hateful. There's hate against people who don't straightedge dance in pits. There's hatred toward anyone not of the metalcore/hardcore/straightedge scene. Mallcore kids are ripped on at every turn. While I admit mallcore kids can sometimes be dangerous at shows because they tend to start fights, they're no worse than hardcore tough guys. Both have ego complexes.
It's difficult, but I'm working on just loving everybody. Cornerstone has taught me that. Whether someone looks like a hippie, gutterpunk, metalcore kid, skater, youth group kid, stoner metalhead,--whatever--I'm going to try to look at them the same. Any other way is just wrong. Any preconceived notions about a person must be discarded. Each person seen must be looked at with a fresh pair of eyes and a clear mind. That's one of the hardest things to do, especially with my little contact with others. Cornerstone was a real eye-opener.
I've run out of steam. Maybe I'll finish up another night.
Lesson this blog: strive to love everyone, even if you disagree with their lifestyle, clothing, past choices, actions, manner of speech, etc.