Fw: Get to know a ...

Bob Schneider recently urged us to "get to know an atheist." Good advice.
To counteract the "us vs them" world view, that advice ought to apply to
many categories.

Get to know a Muslim. I had never done that -- till my Presbyterian
church in Denver decided to join with other religious bodies, including
two Catholic churches and two Jewish groups, to build a Habitat for
Humanity house for a ... Muslim. I got to work with this gentleman, a
naturalized native of Egypt, 13 years an American, and a devout Muslim.
We had much more in common than differences. When we hit our thumb with
the hammer we had similar comments!

Get to know a gay or lesbian. I have done that. The ones I know, all
devout Christians by the way, are decent, caring, people. They do not
wear horns nor do they seek to "corrupt the youth."

Get to know a homeless person. Can't say I have done that, although I
have had more than a few encounters and conversations with persons that
fit this description. I worked in a food bank in Durango for about a year
-- it was an eye-opener to meet with, and help, people who were so far
down on their luck that 40# of food could make a real difference in their
lives.

Get to know a Catholic (or Protestant if you are Catholic). I am
fortunate in that one of my very best friends, once a colleague at IBM,
is a full Catholic priest, having become one after his wife died. My
wife, similar, has a great relationship with a certain Catholic nun. We
are richer because of these people.

Get to know a Mormon -- 7th day Adventist -- etc. A Native American, a
person of a different race (I'm good at this, having three adopted
Koreans and two Vietnamese daughter-in-laws).

Bob's admonition -- "Get to know ... " will enrich your life, and go a
long way towards a more civil society. Shoot -- I even have Republican
friends! They, too, don't wear horns.

Dick commented: "H'mmm, take an atheist home to dinner? "Hi, honey, I
brought an atheist
home tonight. I know, it was a cat burglar last night and a serial
rapist last week ..."

Well, friend wife and I just had two people who claim atheism over for
pancakes last week. Fine people. Someday we may win them to the gospel.
To equate them with the other two categories is simply ludicrous.

Dick continues: "And what does your friend say when you share the gospel
with him?"

They are polite and sometimes we have a civil conversation. They were
both at a memorial service last week (first time I've known either to be
in a church service) in which my wife, pastor of the Rico Community
Church, preached the gospel. They were not offended.

Burgy
Received on Sun Mar 19 18:07:44 2006