Rote responses to hot button issues

Gay marriage, evolution and Israel; mention any of these words to some Christians and expect to hear a practiced response. I have learned the typical content of what is said, but despite their lack of variety, I am more often impressed by the certitude expressed by the tone of voice and body language used in delivering them. And this is where I feel there is a dilemma.

It stems from not so much the content but the lack of questioning regarding it. Additionally, there is very often no truck for dissent of even a small degree. And the behavior that irks me the most is the vilification not only of a differing view but anyone who holds it. Then the nudge into irony occurs when they decry a similar besmirchment by those who question their own views.

In its most mundane form this lack of tolerance does not have to be such a pejorative. It is quite natural to agree with one side of an issue and to defend it. But often in the realm of matters of faith there is an expectation of orthodoxy. It may even be that adherence to a particular view is necessary in order to be considered a follower of one type of faith or another.

However, in its more extreme form this intolerance can offend or injure. But because the condemnation is on behalf of an issue adopted by adherents to a faith, the person extolling the intolerant words can feel not only justification but reward for their behavior. This can have the effect of emboldening others who readily spout criticism of those holding a dissenting view to dig in even deeper and to show their skill at repudiation and nullification.

And in sort of a finishing flourish, the fact that some do hold a view that differs from the orthodox interpretation becomes a proxy for the fulfillment of prophecies and other decrepit and specious prognostications. Those who think different are held up as scoffers at best and harbingers of the "end of times" at worst. What claptrap.

And then a final turn to complete the circle is made when such zeal is given toward the adherence to tenets and doctrine that whatever benefits of faith may have been expected to be expressed are instead superseded by zealousness. So in what could objectively be seen as irony becomes something more like tragedy when human effort is given to conformity rather than comity.

Topics like gay marriage, Israel and evolution can generate strong feelings in many people. But I submit that in each case there is abundant opportunity to see them either in a new way or with additional understanding. Perhaps it will be nothing more than a changed mind; but then again it may be nothing less than our common humanity which can benefit by such incertitude.