I waited anxiously for this election to be over. I was massively let down when my fears proved true. And the first week or so of aftermath has not eased any of my concerns or fears. Even if some folks have been reasonably quiet.
This morning I read a tirade from a white woman who, during the election season, was so anti-Hillary it just about burned in her eyes. She wanted to know why she, as a “white woman” should feel guilty for any transgressions/aggression against minorities. She took the stand I hear many, too many, of us take: I didn’t do anything wrong. The past is the past. Get over the past.
And I thought about it. And I tried to listen to God and glean some wisdom in this area.
Jesus said “Follow me.” I believe that means all the way to the cross. Yes, we believe that Jesus died for all our sin(s). If you follow Him, I think you must also be willing to die for the sin(s) of others. To truly follow is to walk with, and to emulate that which you follow. And so, to those of us who profess to be Christians: Doesn’t if follow that we take on the sin(s) of the world, just as Jesus did? And be willing to die to it and be recreated in Christ? To rise again?
Just sayin’…
I empathize with your “feeling let down” following the election. Millions of Americans had that feeling and worse when Obama was elected in 2008 and again in 2012, I among them. You found one comment from one of us and chose to react to it in your essay. I could have written many, many essays reacting to the horrible, vulgar words of Hillary Clinton that were made AS PUBLICLY as the scurrilous comments about women made by Donald Trump. I could write even more essays about the vitriolic remarks of many celebrities and congressmen and women who very publicly derided, denigrated and tried to assassinate his character in every way possible. Finally, I could write thousands of words about how the supporters of Hillary Clinton have reacted and continue to react to our duly, legally elected president, Donald Trump. As for Mr. Obama, he has consistently denigrated and done everything possible to eradicate any public observance of Christian principles and ceremonies. Yet apparently none of those things bothered you in the slightest way. They certainly didn’t bother you enough for you to make public your reaction. And that is one of the things that bothers we Conservatives as much as anything about the Liberal/Democrat/Progressive mentality. It is blatantly selective in what it perceives to be unacceptable behavior.
We have been labelled as racist, homophobic, uneducated “deplorables.” That doesn’t bother you even though it is egregiously stereotypical profiling. I and many others who are in the “basket” to which Hillary Clinton consigned us are well educated and tolerant of minorities, be they of a different gender, race or religion. We have been maligned and for the past eight years (at least) marginalized by those who support the Liberal/Progressive agenda espoused and in every way possible enforced by those in positions of power and influence. Please do a reality check of yourself on that scale.
Thank you
Don Carriker, B.S., M.A., Ph.D.
You so missed the point. Yes, I picked up on one question — and I only meant to address the one point. The woman who was putting out the question happens to be someone I know and have “listened” to (or rather read her stuff) throughout the election season. Believe me, I could go on and on about the vitriol that she spewed forth.
I only sought to address something that is asked over and over – Why should I take any part of the guilt? And, as a Christian, “Follow me” and my understanding of what Jesus did as He became the Christ is the answer.
Perhaps you could consider that, as you deny any culpability in the racist, homophobic, isolationist words and actions of some of those who have felt liberated into expression by Mr. Trump. Take up your cross — follow Jesus — take on the sins of those less perfect than yourself. In Roman Catholic terms: offer it up.
I could take on many other aspects of this election, but I wasn’t called to do that in this post. Perhaps on another occasion I’ll have an insight or a need to address these things.
And, just for the record, even if Mr. Trump were saintly and respectful, and didn’t exhibit the behavior of a bully; even if he had done as those in the past and released his tax returns, and done the right thing with his businesses to distance himself from conflict of interests, I couldn’t support his platform. Especially on immigration and the promise to repeal ObamaCare.