The nurse was asking her questions, and she starts in on me "Why don't you come to our Bible Study, preacher?" and then blurts out, "Guess what we talked about the other night!" I would have guessed the End Times, or Revelation, or something - because that is often the topic. You know, talk about something that has nothing at all to do with showing God's love to the world RIGHT NOW or things you might need to do as a follower of Jesus. But I wasn't at all expecting what came out of her mouth next. With several other people in the room she shouts... "QUEERS!" She went on to tell us how so-and-so went through the Bible and read all the Scriptures that told how terrible it was. And how much fun they had putting down the "queers."
I was too embarrassed to even look up at the nurse standing there. And the thing that boggles my mind is how said patient is always wondering why she can't get people to come to church with her. You know, heathens and late-sleepers and other evil-doers.
I think we all have "blind spots." I'm sure I do. Things that I say and do that are completely contradictory and I'm not aware of it. But I don't know... I don't even have a point I guess. I don't know what to say. It just really saddened and angered me all at the same time. A self-righteous crowd of hate-mongers sitting around licking their chops oblivious to the fact that they're all elephants sitting in the room.......
13 comments:
Hahahaha... I think it was just the other night we were reflecting on Jack Nicholson's character in "As Good as it Gets."
"There are JEWS at my table!"
Life imitating art, indeed.
Which, I don't know if you've had the experience, but hearing that is kind of like talking to a genuinely, clinicly crazy person. You're five minutes into talking to them and maybe you've picked up on something and maybe not, but they're clearly dominating the conversation then they say something that is completely off the chart and they don't even realize it. "I notice I talk louder since the aliens took me." And your ears perk up and you're looking for all the exits, emergency or otherwise...even a window will do in a pinch.
Oh... RIGHT ON with the Nicholson comment! And "clinically crazy"... hmm... yep. That's pretty close too.
Reading this reminds of something that my Human Service teacher is continually reminding us of...unconditional positive regard. We are to accept people where they are at. Is not what Jesus did? I think if we Christians could understand that concept we could really make a difference in our own thoughts and actions but we could possible make a difference in someone else's life. I hope that I am never involved in a 'bible study' like that and if I am I hope I have the courage to say something or just leave.
Robin
Robin,
Wow... "unconditional positive regard"... good term. Thanks for sharing. This is absolutely what I think Jesus did. It has nothing to do with overlooking sin, but with seeing potential. And where would any of us be without that?
Thanks.
Did Jesus really hold EVERYONE in unconditional positive regard?
Tom,
I suspect you think not. Care to elaborate?
It seems he had little regard for religious hypocrites.
Tom said, "It seems he had little regard for religious hypocrites."
mmm... good point.
Hmmmm, I'm a religious hypocrite, but I think Jesus still has more regard for me than I can understand. Noooo, I'm not a pharisee but I sure can act like one sometimes...:/.
CANNOT believe in this day and time that conversation even took place (the one in the hospital). Sounds like a bad joke with an uncomfortable punch line. BUT, saying that reminds me of a convo I had with a GOOD friend last week. She told me she switches price tags on items in order to return stuff that is past the grace period on retail sales receipts (hope that made sense). If she's had something too long to take it back legitimately, she'll find a way to return an item that circumvents a store's stated guidelines. This is a friend who, although not a Bible thumper, is quick to tell me when I'm off track (or anyone else she's comfortable with)...for some reason, this DECEIT seemed "okay" to her.
I'm still trying to figure out a way to revisit the conversation.... All I'm saying is yeah, we have our blind spots...and I'm wondering what mine are right about now.
Someone needs to tell people of that ilk that the church isn't an appliance made by Whirlpool that will clean your soul once a week and you can just take it out and dirty it up again.
Robin foot (since now we have 2 robins)...
Yes, it was certainly and uncomfortable conversation. Trying to work it into my sermon right now.
I agree... we all have our blind spots. Unfortunately they're easier to spot in someone else than in ourselves. tough situation with your friend. Btw, what's her name? I have a shirt I'd like to return... :)
MR,
Ha!!! The whirlpool quote just might find it in the bulletin as a quote of the week.
Finally my works are published! I can't wait for that first royalties check.
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