Responding to Hate with Greater Wisdom and Love
In this article for the Red Letter Christians, Brandan Robertson reflects on the hateful rhetoric towards the LGBTQ community that persists in many communities of faith. He offers three ways to lovingly respond to hateful words that too often cost people their lives. He writes:
On this Pride month, it’s time for a renewed commitment to the fight for LGBTQ+ dignity and equality in the United States. It’s time for queer people to stand up and let our lights shine brighter than ever before so that LGBTQ+ youth can see our example and know that there is space for them, in all their uniqueness, in our society. It’s time for allies to be bold in their condemnation of bigotry wherever it occurs.
“How can one follow Jesus, whose central command was to “love your neighbor as yourself” and hold on to a belief that a group of people are abominations who are worthy of death? These are wholly inconsistent, and this inconsistency should be drawn out and turned into an invitation for our friends to change their damaging and dangerous beliefs.”
—Brandon Robertson
Reflect with Us
Have you heard or experienced hateful rhetoric towards yourself or others in your faith community? How did you respond? Would you respond differently today? Share your reflection with us.
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