Another great point to ponder, Eric. I have spent the last couple of days pondering what I call the "pendulum effect" of religious fanatacism. It seems early in our country's history, religion was all but required. If you didn't attend Sabbath services, or if someone noticed any irregular behaviour, you were burned as a witch. This phase was followed by a slightly more tolerant phase whereby Lucy and Ricky could be married, but had to sleep in separate beds. Not long after that the pendulum took a hard swing to the left and we found ourselves in the "If it feels good, do it!" era of the late 1960's and early 1970's. Then, the demon known as political correctness reared his ugly head. Now the lines are being blurred and it's getting hard to tell which side of an issue you want to support. I am sure this Alabama legislator is a good Christian man who wants only the best for his children, and thier children. Does he actually think, that by banning books in public schools, the homosexual lifestyle will cease to exist? Does he not see, as a legislator, how his bill slaps the first ammendment in the face? Luckily, the rest of the Alabama House members did, and the bill died for lack of support.
When will the pendulum swing back to the middle, to that place where you can worship as you please, or not worship if you please, and no one is trying to force another lifestyle or set of values on you?
The elusive middle is that which most of us seek. I think that most people once they meet others who live life differently will see a human and not a force to be opposed. In my mind, this would apply to sexual orientation, religion, race, etc.
I am also curious to know a bit more what you mean by "the demon of political correctness." While I think we would both agree that the respect of all cultures is an important ethical call upon us all, I'd like to know what aspects of "political correctness" have run amok in your mind.
Just like anything else, when taken to the extreme, politcal correctness ceases to resemble the original concept. I feel society today, at times, is trying so hard to be PC, that we are taking away the individuality of it's citizens. A few examples: I can't wear any type of religious jewelry at work. If I were allowed to wear a cross, would the satanists be allowed to wear pentagrams? Its easier if we all just look alike. We don't say "Merry Christmas" anymore. Instead we say "Happy Holidays" so we won't offend anyone. We can neither approve of, nor prohibit gays in the military, so we adopt a "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
Political correctness is blurring the lines on so many issues. People are afraid to express opinions for fear their stance may not be the most popular one. I, on the other had, believe in absolutes. I believe right is always right and wrong is always wrong. I don't belive God's view on sin has changed just because we have made it to the 21st century. I also believe Christ's command to "love your neighbor as yourself" is as important today as it was 2000 years ago.
Bob, thanks for clarifying. Nowadays, I found that the definition of terms has become so important. When some people malign PC language, they are criticizing not the language itself but efforts to be inclusive. Therefore, an argument about language is actually about diversity!
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