I see these Coexist bumper stickers everywhere and people going on and on about acceptance instead of hate. Why is it ok to hate Muslims, but it's not ok to hate gay people? While I don't believe we should hate anyone for any reason, some people follow this absurd logic. While acceptance shouldn't be pushed so much, I believe respect should instead.
This topic has been on my mind for quite some time. Muslims and Christians, people hate beyond words and I wish people could show more respect...actually respect at all. I also wish that the media would stop blowing things out of proportion and/or giving us half if not only a quarter of the whole story. It's because of this fear/hatred of Muslim's in particular we get so antsy when we see someone wearing a hijab in an airport, on a bus or simply walking into a store. I don't like it. I wish I could stop thinking the worst when I see these people. There are many innocent Muslims who follow their religion as Allah actually instructed. They aren't radicals. They are simply individuals who want a better life for themselves and their children.
In the world of Christianity, many people hate not only the religion, but the philosophy, way of life and the person behind it all. Gods has rules for us and specific guidelines for His people. Real Christians are the ones who actually follow them. For instance, not swearing/taking God's name in vain. Someone who truly wants to be closer to God won't utter those kinds of words and if they do by accident, they will show regret. Like everyone else, Christians make mistakes and I think as individuals whether we follow Christianity or not should be aware of this and be mindful of this fact.
Muslims and Christians have quite a few things in common such as how much the religions governs our way of life. Both groups attend church/mosque on a regular basis, if they are true to their beliefs. They also desire to honor their God by living the right way based on what their Holy Book says. There are hundreds of people who call themselves Muslims or Christians, but until you look at their lives, you can't take that at face value. They may not be true to their religion. I don't understand how/why people call themselves Christians when all they really do that's even close to what Christ preaches is go to church every so often. As if that give them God points or something. NO! Being a Christian is about following Christ. If you don't obey His commands on a daily basis, what are you really? If you call yourself a Muslim, but kill innocent people left and right, what are you really? You're just a human being who isn't a true follower. Neither Allah nor Christ teaches that it's ok to be complacent or pick and choose whatever rules you want to follow and still call yourself a true follower.
So why do we hate Christians and Muslims? In my opinion, it's because the belies are so close to the heart and daily life. It effects how we talk, where we go and who we interact with. True believers want to do what's right and the rest of the world wants to do whatever feels good at the time. As our society goes farther away from treating everyone with respect regardless of whether or not you agree with them, both these religions will never seek peace. While neither are persecuted like they are in some other countries, they do live in fear. Fear of ridicule, fear of being ignored and fear of being losing friends/family.
Stop hating on others for what they believe. There are plenty of issues I don't see eye to eye with individuals, but I don't hate a person who is Pro-Abortion/Choice. I don't hate the person who thinks pushing uni-sex bathrooms for the 1% of the population that calls themselves transgender is a good thing. I really don't like it when people call themselves Christians or any other religion and don't even follow the basic teachings. Sure, we have set-backs and months/years where we've desensitized ourselves to the point where we don't even realize we aren't true. It happens and I hope someone in your life cares enough about you to point that out so that you can change for the better and become the person God wants you to be.
Don't hate. Appreciate our differences no matter who we choose to vote for, what god we follow or side of the issue we stand.
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