“The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.”
If you spend more than 30 seconds watching cable news, or hear more than one minute of a politician’s speech you become immediately cognizant that we are living in what Dr. King has so aptly dubbed “great moral conflict.” Issues like immigration, gay marriage, the mosque in Manhattan, and others are moving some of the most hateful and divisive human qualities to rise up in the discourse.
Unfortunately for our society and our future, the only voices we are hearing are the extreme voices; many of whom make their fortunes acting out our biggest fears, prejudices, and historical neglects. When such buffoonery is so commonplace, it would seem that the most comfortable place, the shelter from the storms of bigotry and ignorance would be found in the oasis of neutrality. Well, kinda.
I have found that speaking out on these issues one one side or the other can cause great hardship to a life, a family, a career, or even a future. The fear of the repercussions of this cold, hard reality has silenced common sense from the discourse. This silence is dangerous to our children’s future and to peace in our nation.
I have chosen to find my home in a neutrality that has been around since the beginning of time: The basics of human kindness. The neutrality of “love thy neighbor as thyself” and “live peaceably with all people”, “all men/women are created equal”, the parable of the “good Samaritan.” The list goes on and on of ignored neutrality that can still today offer sensible, collaborative, “bi-partisan” solutions to these massive debates. These simple principles that God has shared with us make sense through the generations.
As I continue to study history and analyze the present, I realize that it is when we move to the left or right of these simple human principles of interaction and living; we inevitably lose our way.
I submit that its far past time that we as a society get back to the basics of our humanity. Deal with the sins of the past, tell the truth about the present, and move forward in a neutral position that will SAVE your soul from hell.
Peace, Blessings, and Hmmmm….
T2