Over the years, I’ve made comments that have ended friendships. It usually happens when I stop making wise cracks and clearly explain what I actually believe so that everyone understands me. You might be tempted to say, “This isn’t funny! You’re supposed to be a comedian!” because you didn’t realize that jokes are based on truth. The reason you weren’t offended by my comedy is because you didn’t understand what I was saying.
A statement that has ended several friendships over the years is this one: “If I had any respect for your beliefs, they would be my beliefs.”
I know. Incredibly arrogant, isn’t it? It’s so blunt that it’s impossible to misunderstand. I’ve never said it and had anyone ask, “What do you mean by that?” Sometimes people laugh when I say it because they think I’m joking. As I said, people don’t realize that just because something is funny doesn’t mean it is untrue.
Contrary to the opinions of a few ex-friends, I don’t make that statement just to be provocative. I’m not trying to pick a fight. That statement came about because I was often being told to, “Respect beliefs that are different from your own.” And after several earnest attempts, I realized that was impossible. I simply couldn’t muster any respect for your beliefs.
Many of your beliefs are straight-up insane. I mean, boys can’t turn into girls by lopping off body parts and putting on a dress. And there’s no rational reason for killing an unborn baby. And I’m not directly harmed when rich people get a tax break. And “the Jews” are not the source of all evil and corruption on Earth. There’s no way I could say, “I respect your opinion,” and keep a straight face on any of these whacky beliefs. I don’t lie to my friends.
Your other friends tell you they disagree but respect your views because your other friends are dishonest. They keep a straight face while completely rejecting your beliefs. They nod solemnly and may even say things like, “I see your point,” or “Yes. I understand.” But understanding your point of view is NOT the same as respecting it.
At some point in history, gathered in a darkened room, surrounded by burning sulfur and the denizens of Hell, some Christians decided that respecting the beliefs of others is something the bible commands. Open-minded conversations sprang up at churches across the nation. Church people were encouraged to “dialogue” with pagans in order to “gain perspective.” We were told to “listen” and “not judge.” The result is a generation of Christians who “respect” beliefs that directly contradict God’s beliefs.
Before you jump into the comment section and accuse me of everything from poorly imitating Christ to verbal assault, understand that disrespecting your opinion is not the same as hating you. In fact, telling you the truth about your dopey opinions is what real friends do. If you disagree, you should let me know why my opinion is dopey.
If your beliefs are worthy of respect, they will become my beliefs.
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!”
(Galatians 1:8)
