This is a map.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10
Awhile back I saw a map that supposedly showed the 2nd largest Religious Traditions in each of the US states. Christianity was the #1 in every state and it made me wonder why anyone would bother mapping the 2nd place religion. Who cares about 2nd place? The person in 2nd place. That’s who. And that’s it.
The rest of us never think about 2nd place. “Who lost the Super Bowl this year?” “Who was first runner up to Miss America?” “Who won the Silver medal in platform diving?”
2nd place is information that really, really, really, really…doesn’t matter. So when someone maps out the 2nd most popular religions in the United States, they’re not doing it because the public is demanding it. There’s something else motivating them.
This map was created so the author could talk about how great it is to have a lot of religious diversity in the US.
“Look how widespread Islam is and how Buddhism is such a widely practiced religion…this is fun.”
There’s a common belief that religious diversity is a good thing. Believing that requires complete ignorance about how religion works.
Religious beliefs are exclusive by nature. You can’t mix Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and Atheism together and end up with a religion that appeals to everybody. Every religion is all or nothing. Diversity of beliefs is called, ‘confusion.’
The author said, “I’m also thinking we should take advantage of all these different viewpoints. Our diversity may be our most fundamental strength.” Confusion is NEVER a strength.
Lots of different viewpoints. Lots of different ideas. Everyone going in different directions. Every stupid suggestion given equal consideration. Diversity of thought never leads to success. Imagine what would happen if the military adopted the “diversity is our greatest strength” philosophy.
Officers seek the wisdom offered by new recruits. Everybody shares their perspective. The pacifists think we should surrender. The war-mongers think we should fire nukes. And the women think it’s time to trade out combat boots for sensible shoes.
It’s crucial to ‘take advantage of all these different viewpoints’. This ideology could truly revolutionize our culture. Some say ‘women and men should be treated equally’. Some say ‘women should be abused and mistreated’. Diversity says there is strength in keeping both ideas. Here’s my opinion: “Diversity is For Dimwits.” And diversity says that’s a legitimate point of view.
9 Responses
I responded to your most current editorial with a solution for “nice” days that are not nice, or “happy” holidays that do not bring joy. So, per your request, my only remark will be that today, January 1, you are still alive and we are all therefore relieved.
Now, to the discussion at hand…Your contrast and comparison of “understanding” and “acceptance” is very well put. As we all, I think, must live in a world of God’s diverse creations, the Biblical scholar that I know you to be is never far from the teaching of Matthew 28:16, “The Great Commission”, when religious diversity is to disappear. And there are those who argue that upon the completion of this, Christ will return. So…I understand and accept both conditions. Still being patient.
Frans,
Thanks for the clarification.
I would not like a world where everyone was just like me. Thankfully, there is no chance I’ll ever live in one.
You are promoting hate, this is the same reasoning that Islamic Terrorists have and the same logic people had against African Americans in the 60s. I have been a fan of yours since you performed at my church, but this blog post was very disappointing to read. I would think you would have been more understanding of people with different backgrounds.
Hi Frans. I want to answer your question. But first, I feel like I gotta respond to a couple of your comments.
I’m not in the habit of ‘promoting hate’. I’m not a user of hate so it would be disingenuous of me to promote it.
Since you are a fan of mine, I’d hope you might pause for a moment of consideration before hurling accusations of racism and terrorism at me. Evidently that’s not how you roll.
The essence of this article (when you grasp the satire) is anti-Islamic. Ask any terrorist you meet if he reasons like I do. He’ll tell you no. Then he will probably kill you.
There is no mention of African American people in the article. You brought up African Americans and the 60s. I’m not saying one of us isn’t racist, I’m just saying it’s not me.
Now, to answer your question, “Is it a horrible thing for people to strive for a more understanding and accepting world?”
Understanding and accepting are two entirely different things.
I am in favor of understanding. Understanding is wonderful. We need LOTS and LOTS of understanding in this world. It’s what helps me determine what to accept.
Let’s take the example I gave in the article since you obviously missed it.
I UNDERSTAND that Islamic believers cut off the heads of people who don’t share their belief.
I do not ACCEPT that as appropriate behavior.
I’m sorry you’re disappointed by this revelation. I’m not as open minded as you.
But you’re such an advocate for diversity, you accept me anyway!
Right?
I in no way said you were a racist or a terrorist and if you got that impression I apologize, I was just trying to point out that similar logic is used by these extremists and it is often a slippery slope.
I understand this article is anti-islamic and that includes the vast majority of islamics who are peaceful people.
In the same way we would not want people claiming that Westboro Baptist is representative of Christianity these terrorists do not represent Islam as a whole.
We can pick scriptures from the Quran that sound horrible and we can also find some in the old testament that when taken out of context sound just as wrong. (Granted not as many as the Quran.)
I do accept you just the way you are, I just do not agree with you and in the same way you feel it is your duty to speak out against diversity I feel it is my obligation to speak in favor of it.
I respect the fact that you speak your mind and I am still a fan of yours. Part of what makes us great is our unique differences as well as similarities.
No offense but would you like a world where everyone was just like yourself Mr. Branyan. 🙂
Once again, thank you for taking the time to reply to me and best of luck in your 2015 tour!
The “coexist” bumper stickers make me want to set my car to ramming speed.
Why? It is a horrible thing for people to strive for a more understanding and accepting world?