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Posts Tagged ‘labels’

Should Labels Define Us

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on October 23, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

What do you think of when you hear the word Atheist, gay, transgender, Muslim, Jew, Christian, black, white or a host of other labels we put on people? Usually, we think of something specific and usually something we have been taught or heard over the years. It depends on where you heard it or who taught you, but a lot of times what we think is something negative in one way or another.

With all the prejudices, fear, hate and misunderstanding among people it is sad that we forget behind each one of these labels there is a human being.

I know that not all people believe there is a God or they believe in different gods. Although none of us can actually prove one way or another as to what we believe about God, we are free to choose for ourselves what to believe. It is basically a matter of belief or faith or scientific understanding. Yet, I personally believe there is a God and we are all created in the image of God. A God who loves each and every one of us no matter what label humanity has put upon us. Each of us deserves love, respect, acceptance and the basic human rights everyone should enjoy.

Just because we accept one another and respect each other does not mean we always agree or always condone the actions of another, but we should be able to treat each other with kindness and respect even in our disagreements.

Rather than profile people into a particular group based on the label they are given, we should remember the individual person behind the label.

As human beings we all want to live a happy, satisfying life. Each of us have worries, bills and every day obligations, just as each of us wants to find love, be loved, be accepted and happy.

We will not all see things the same way. Each of us have our own personality, belief system, lifestyle, desires and things we enjoy that makes us happy. We cannot expect everyone to be the same, believe the same or interpret things the same. We are each uniquely made and we each have our own path to walk throughout this life.

I know many in the Christian world will not agree with this outlook on life. Many feel it is our job to point out the mistakes and sins of others as a way to witness to them. I do not see it that way. In the Bible we are told the Spirit will convict the world of sin, so I do not believe it is our job to convict others of sin. Besides, what is sin to one person may not be to another. It is not our job to be judging others. We are called to love one another even in our differences.

Jesus came to show us what God is really like and Jesus was not a condemning person. He loved and associated with many people who the religious crowd would not even think about associating. Jesus was perfect and never sinned so he had the right to condemn people and judge them about their mistakes, yet he never did.

The Bible says Jesus came to proclaim the good news, yet when we only condemn and point out the mistakes of others, that does not seem like very good news.

I believe God loves each of us and wants us to follow the Spirit. Even when we do not always make the best choices God still loves us and wants to have fellowship with us. As followers of God, I feel we are to do the same, love God and love others each day. Look past the labels society has placed on people and love the human being that God created and loves.

*******

Michael Donahoe was added as a writer for Done with Religion as his views fit perfectly with those that are shared on this site. He and his wife have been outside the walls of religion for fifteen years. He enjoys writing about his experiences and thoughts, and he wants to encourage others who are going through the religious deconstruction process. He also writes on Substack at https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/ and https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

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Fundamentalist Christianity –Something of the Past for Me

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, institutional church, Love of God, religion, The church, tagged , , , , , , , on October 3, 2025|

Yet Has Not Changed My Faith In God

by Michael Donahoe

We hear the word fundamentalism often in the Christian world. I actually grew up as a fundamentalist, but never realized that was what I was because I never put much thought into all the different terms and labels. I just loved God and went to church because that was the way I thought we lived the Christian life.

When I looked up the word fundamentalism in the dictionary I found the following definitions: 1. a conservative movement in theology among nineteenth and twentieth-century Christians. Fundamentalists believe that the statements in the Bible are literally true. 2. in Christianity the belief that every word of the Bible is divinely inspired and therefore true. 3. a religious movement characterized by a strict belief in the literal interpretation of religious texts, especially within American Protestantism and Islam; the beliefs held by those in this movement; strict adherence to any set of basic ideas or principles.

Now that I know what fundamentalist means, I no longer believe I would be considered one. My views, beliefs and interpretations have changed so much over the years, especially since leaving the organized church. For some reason I never felt comfortable asking questions while in the organization. I just took what the pastor said as gospel truth and never questioned anything. Being outside the walls of religion I am letting all those questions come out and seeking truth from the Spirit of God rather than from a pastor.

Due to strick belief that the Bible is inerrant, divinely inspired and should not be questioned, I believe fundamentalism leads more to separation, condemnation and being judgmental. It seems to me being so set on specific doctrines, beliefs and interpretations can prevent us from asking questions, learning, accepting and loving others.

Are my thoughts a popular way of looking at the Christian life? Of course not! I grew up in the organized church from a very young age and spent over fifty years in it. I also used to think everything depended on my works such as attending church, tithing, doing good works and reading the Bible and believing it was perfect, completely literal and the only way God spoke to us today. There are many people still doing all this and they sincerely love God and think this is the way we are to serve God. Yet being outside of this setting, I have seen what is for me a better way. A way of depending on the Spirit within to teach and guide us. A way that loves and accepts others even when they do not see things the same.

Today the term fundamentalist Christian seems to have more of a meaning of being judgmental and unaccepting of others’ views due to the strick adherence to biblical law. I believe this is completely different from what Jesus taught and what God is like.

Jesus was not a fundamentalist; he was not even a Christian. Jesus was the personification of God who is love. Even those writings from the Old Testament where men wrote from their beliefs, ideas, interpretations and what they thought about God were shown to be wrong when Jesus arrived. He showed us that God is not a god of vengeance and hatred, but a God who loves all of us.

We are to love God and love one another. Loving our neighbor does not mean just loving those who live next door, or loving those who believe like we believe. Our neighbor is everyone else in the world. Based on my experience, it seems many fundamentalists reject those who see things differently and prefer to stay away from those who do not believe the same.

I would rather be known as a follower of Jesus rather than a fundamentalist Christian. The time of following the law and following rules and set doctrines of men have come to an end. We are now living by grace and by loving one another. The Bible should not be used as a weapon against those who Christian people think are wrong. It is a book that tells us about God who is loving and kind toward every human being.

I have actually become quite tired of using labels at all. We are all human beings who are loved by God. We should all be treated with love, respect, acceptance and have the same rights as everyone else. God did not create some people better than others; we are all created in the image of God and are loved by God equally.

There are many views and interpretations I grew up learning in the fundamentalist church that I no longer accept. I certainly have not lost my belief in or love for God, yet many interpretations that were taught by men and women in the institution I now find wrong and and some even unChrist-like.

Rather than adhere to a set of rules and institutional-taught beliefs, we are to submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit that lives within us. Learn to hear his voice and let your life be a daily communication of his love to others.

*******

Michael Donahoe was added as a writer for Done with Religion as his views fit perfectly with those that are shared on this site. He and his wife have been outside the walls of religion for fifteen years. He enjoys writing about his experiences and thoughts, and he wants to encourage others who are going through the religious deconstruction process. He also writes on Substack at https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/ and https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

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What Is Destroying Religion And Politics?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on July 20, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

You may be asking what could religion and politics possibly have in common. Both arenas resort to name calling and leads to stifling of free speech. Religion much more in the past, and now politics has followed in its path. In religion if you don’t agree with one’s view of God or interpretation of the Bible, you are labeled a heretic. In politics if you disagree with one on immigration, climate change, etc. you are labeled a conspiracist. Often, these uncivil actions lead to denying or attempt to censor the opposing view point.

What is Free Speech.

It may shock some people that I believe the use of the N _ _ _ _ _ word should be allowed on any media platform to remain consistent in my views of free speech.  Even the evil behavior in my opinion behavior of denying that the Holocaust actually happened. Those who engage in such actions exhibit hate for black people or Jews. I say why let them hide behind such beliefs by not having the freedom to express themselves. One can be a racist in their thoughts or words but they cannot advocate violence toward those not of their color. I didn’t say race. There is one human race in my opinion. The melatonin of your skin determines your color.

Without such free speech, there can be no debate of ideas or information if blacks are inferior to whites or that Jews have not been grossly persecuted over the centuries. Such ideas should be exposed in public for others to know one’s beliefs. By chance one is open to change, free discussions can only possibly lead to change. I like my chances of winning the debate.

The problem with labels

What are often labeled conspiracies are really just theories/speculations. It isn’t a conspiracy if it could be true!  Truth should be viewed as a journey to be discovered. Anyone who accuses one being a conspiracist or heretic should have to defend their views that are supposedly truer, rather than attempting to censor. How can a conversation remain civil when name-calling begins. When one says they doubt a loving God would create a literal Hell, each should have to defend their position which may mean looking at different biblical passages. Many who believe in a literal Hell believe so because of their interpretation of Scriptures. Name-calling allows one to not have to defend their point of view and veers the conversation off the topic/disagreement at hand. The path to change is considering opposing beliefs. I find it hard to trust one when avoiding discussion/debate. It often turns out labelers/accusers are the source of misinformation.

What is a supposed Heretic?

Matters labeled heresies today are much different than earlier in history perhaps, but past and present accusers share something in common – accusers are claiming their interpretation of the Bible is the correct one. Many will proclaim “the Bible says” without acknowledging many don’t agree with their interpretation. Scholars do not agree on many moral issues. I was told often when younger that the Bible teaches there is a literal hell where unbelievers in the afterlife or tortured with fire forever after a few short years living here on planet earth. 12 Reasons To Believe Hell Is A Myth! Moral of story – don’t believe everything you hear claimed about God! See here. Other viewpoints are also claimed to be heresy without discussion:

  • God didn’t inspire the Bible, thus approved, all written in the Bible See here.
  • Salvation in the Bible isn’t about avoiding Hell and getting into HeavenSee here.
  • One can’t be a Christian if not attending the institutional church. In the Bible “Church” was not a building or a place attended once a week. Jesus referred to His followers as being the Church.  Jesus did not specify where followers must gather or what they must do. Find environments to be encouraged and inspire others to love as radically as Jesus did. Some of us grew weary of religion but not God. See here.

What is a supposed conspiracist?

The truth is settled science isn’t science. Turns out the so-called conspiracists weren’t the misinformers. For only a few examples:

  • Covid virus leaked from a lab – Many were kicked off/censored from mainstream platforms because they suggested the Covid virus came from a Chinese lab. Turns out they were right. The Government now agrees years later. We weren’t allowed to ask questions
  • Masks – Those who claimed masks didn’t prevent the spread of a virus were called mis-informers. Turns out a review that dug into findings of 78 randomized controlled trials discovered wearing masks made little or no difference in stopping the virus. See here. Lots of my friends who wore masks got Covid. Their level of symptoms no different than mine.
  • It has been declared in the past that the Covid vaccines prevented infection and transmission of the disease. That was the purpose of mandates and protecting grandma. Scientists and doctors who declared otherwise were censored, but it turns out they weren’t the mis-informers.

Free speech is necessary to allow the battle of ideas when certainty doesn’t exist 

A preacher can’t claim God condemns gays because the Bible says so. Many of us don’t believe the Bible says any such thing. See here. Most of us believe except true racists that all humans are created equal, not that one’s skin color determines superiority. Yes, the KKK is allowed to state their hate speech on public platforms. I like my chances of winning that argument in the free market of ideas.  I enjoy racists being exposed for their ideas. The only free speech that should be censored is that which encourages others to commit violence on others. You can’t say “any Jew you see should be killed.” 

How do we move forward

We should question authorities in all areas of our life in case they are wrong. Because of my early religious experiences and contrarian personality – I knew to question health experts who said to trust them without debate. I would suggest you are better off doubting what you have been told and verify it for yourself. It can save you from regretful decisions in the arenas of religion, science, and politics. Assume uncertainty if you have one rational friend who believes differently from you whether it’s about religion, science, or politics.

It should be intuitive those who reject diverse opinions is unloving and controlling. Most don’t except such behaviors in their personal relationships. Having good intentions by believing you are right for the whole doesn’t matter if you could be wrong.  We should all be discussing “What leads to the greater good.” Religious leaders seem hell-bent in telling people what they must believe about God according to their understanding and interpretation of the Bible. Scientists or Politicians who refuse debate of their policies are no different. Leaders play God (Superior) in the lives of others by claiming to know the truth and we can’t decide for ourselves.

Imagine a world that openly pursued truth

“When you tear out a man’s tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you’re only telling the world that you fear what he might say.” ― George R.R. Martin 

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like 

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Can We Quit Labeling Others Conspiracists And Heretics? – In Defense of Free Speech

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on July 13, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

I am learning what pisses me off the most is labeling people. Whites are often generalized as racists in politics. Well, I am white and I am not racist. I grew up when people of color were denied to drink in the same water fountains or use the same bathrooms as whites. Clearly, those who supports this believe the color of one’s skin determines inferiority or superiority. I have biracial grandchildren. It sickens me to be classified as a racist as if I love some grandchildren more than others. I have the same feelings when it comes to religion. I am labeled a heretic because of my views of God’s love toward women, gays, unbelievers. Many theories labeled conspiracies turn out to be right.

The problem with labels

What are labeled conspiracies are really just theories/speculations. Often, truth is a journey to be discovered. Anyone who accuses one being a conspiracist or heretic should have to defend their views that are supposedly are truer. How can a conversation remain civil when name-calling begins. When one says they doubt a loving God would create a literal Hell, each should have to defend their position which may mean looking at different biblical passages. Many who believe in a literal Hell believe so because of their interpretation of Scriptures. Name-calling allows one to not have to defend their point of view and veers the conversation off the topic/disagreement at hand. The path to change is considering opposing beliefs. I find it hard to trust one when avoiding discussion/debate. It often turns out labelers/accusers are the source of misinformation. 

Religious Heretics

Matters labeled heresies today are much different than earlier in history perhaps, but past and present accusers share something in common – accusers are claiming their interpretation of the Bible is the correct one. Many will proclaim “the Bible says” without acknowledging many don’t agree with their interpretation. Scholars do not agree on many moral issues. I was told often when younger that the Bible teaches there is a literal hell where unbelievers in the afterlife are tortured with fire forever after a few short years living here on planet earth. 12 Reasons To Believe Hell Is A Myth! Moral of story – don’t believe everything you hear claimed about God! See here. Other viewpoints are also claimed to be heresy without discussion:

  • God didn’t inspire the Bible, thus approved, all written in the Bible See here.
  • Salvation in the Bible isn’t about avoiding Hell and getting into Heaven See here.
  • One can’t be a Christian if not attending the institutional church. In the Bible “Church” was not a building or a place attended once a week. Jesus referred to His followers as being the Church.  Jesus did not specify where followers must gather or what they must do. Find environments to be encouraged and inspire others to love as radically as Jesus did. Some of us grew weary of religion but not God. See here.

Political/Science Conspiracists

The truth is settled science isn’t science. Turns out the so-called conspiracists weren’t the misinformers. For only a few examples:

  • Covid virus leaked from a lab – Many were kicked off/censored from mainstream platforms because they suggested the Covid virus came from a Chinese lab. Turns out they were right. The Government now agrees years later. We weren’t allowed to ask questions
  • Masks – Those who claimed masks didn’t prevent the spread of a virus were called mis-informers. Turns out a review that dug into findings of 78 randomized controlled trials discovered wearing masks made little or no difference in stopping the virus. See here. Lots of my friends who wore masks got Covid. Their level of symptoms no different than mine.
  • It has been declared in the past that the Covid vaccines prevented infection and transmission of the disease. That was the purpose of mandates and protecting grandma. Scientists and doctors who declared otherwise were censored, but it turns out that weren’t the mis-informers.

It isn’t a conspiracy if it could be true! Those who claim a conspiracy should counter with their evidence for their position not attempts to censor! 

How do we move forward

We should question authorities in all areas of our life in case they are wrong. Because of my early religious experiences and contrarian personality – I knew to question health experts who said to trust them without debate. I would suggest you are better off doubting what you have been told and verify it for yourself. It can save you from regretful decisions in the arenas of religion, science, and politics. Assume uncertainty if you have one rational friend who believes differently from you whether it’s about religion, science, or politics.

It should be intuitive those who reject diverse opinions is unloving and controlling. Most don’t except such behaviors in their personal relationships. Having good intentions by believing you are right for the whole doesn’t matter if you could be wrong.  We should all be discussing “What leads to the greater good.” Religious leaders seem hell-bent in telling people what they must believe about God according to their understanding and interpretation of the Bible. Scientists or Politicians who refuse debate of their policies are no different. Leaders play God (Superior) in the lives of others by claiming to know the truth and we can’t decide for ourselves.

*******

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like 

Read Full Post »

Remove the Labels

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Lifestyles, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on March 9, 2022|

See the Human Being

by Jim Gordon

I think that as followers of Christ, we should be able to accept and love everyone. No matter what we believe, what our faith or doctrine is, no matter our religion, nationality, sexual preference or color, we should see each other as Jesus sees us.

Jesus said to love God, love your enemies, love the brethren, love your neighbor….basically, love others. This is a type of love we cannot do on our own. It is only possible by the love of God within us.

We want to love, accept and care for people, yet it is only natural that we will not always agree with one another. We need to look past those areas of disagreement and love each other in Christ. This seems to be the way that others will come to see the love of God, not through condemning and bashing one another. Not in trying to prove we are right and everyone else is wrong. Love does not mean seeing eye-to-eye, it does not mean we agree or even like some of the things people do. It does mean we look past the differences and love each other as Christ loves us.

No matter if we are gay/straight, religious/atheist, American/foreign, whatever label people put on us, the underlying fact is we are all human beings. We all deserve to be treated with respect and be accepted. Each of us should be able to live our life and make our own choices without being judged and condemned by others. We should be able to discuss our differences respectfully, and none of us should try to force our views and choices on others.

How good it would be if we could look past the labels and see each other as people who overall want the same things: to be happy, to be loved, be healthy, get our bills paid and enjoy life. This is not to say we are going to agree with everyone, always associate with everyone and be happy together, that just is not going to happen. There are too many different thoughts, ideas, beliefs, lifestyles and personalities for us to agree on everything and be totally comfortable with everyone. Yet, by the power of the Spirit within us, accepting each other and respecting each other in spite of our differences certainly is a possibility.

Let’s look past the labels and see each other as human beings who have feelings, who want love and friendship. Let’s be people who can get to know one another, learn from one another, share thoughts and ideas with each other. Let’s accept the idea that we all have been created in the image of God.

Jim Gordon and his wife left the institutional church after spending over fifty years within the system. Jim wanted a way to express his thoughts and concerns about the religious system and why he and his wife decided to leave the institution but not their faith in God. Jim can be contacted by email at: jimgordon731@gmail.com

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Look at the Human Being, Not the Label

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Community, Ekklesia, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 11, 2021|

by Jim Gordon

As followers of Christ, I feel we should be able to accept and love everyone. No matter what we believe, what our faith or doctrine is, no matter our religion, nationality, sexual preference or color, we should try to see each other as Jesus sees us. This is a type of love we cannot do on our own. It is only possible by the love of God within us.

We want to love, accept and care for people. It is only natural that we will not always agree, but we want to look past those areas of difference and love each other in Christ. This seems to be the way that others will come to see the love of God; not through condemning and bashing one another nor in trying to prove we are right and everyone else is wrong. Love does not mean seeing eye-to-eye, it does not mean we agree or even like some of the things people do. It does mean we look past the differences and we love and respect each other as Christ loves us.

We all have different opinions, views and interpretations of things. We all come from different backgrounds and beliefs. Yet, no matter if we are LGBTQ/straight, Christian/atheist, Republican/Democrat, American/foreign, white/black, male/female or whatever label people put on us, the fact is we are all human beings. We all deserve to be treated with respect and be accepted. Each of us should be able to live our life and make our own choices without being judged and condemned by others. We should be able to discuss our differences respectfully, and none of us should try to force our views and choices on others.

If we could look past the labels we wear and see each other as people who overall want the same things. We all want to be happy, to find love, be healthy and enjoy life. If we could do that, I think showing godly love to one another would be easier, even in our differences.

We need to look past the labels and see each other as human beings who have feelings, and who want share love and friendship. We want to be people who can get to know one another, learn from one another, share thoughts and ideas and accept each other as being created in the image of God.

We are all different, we all wear different labels, yet we are all the same. We are all human beings created in the image of God. Let us each try to focus on the common goal of loving God and loving one another.

Jim Gordon and his wife left the institutional church after spending over fifty years within the system. Jim wanted a way to express his thoughts and concerns about the religious system and why he and his wife decided to leave the institution but not their faith in God. Jim can be contacted by email at: jimgordon731@gmail.com

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Happy New Year 2018

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Love of God, Scoop.it, tagged , , , on December 31, 2017| 4 Comments »

Just a note wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Thanks to each of you who have supported my writings during the past year. I hope you will continue do so in the new year.

I hope we can continue to look past the labels we place on one another and see the human being, learning to love and accept each other even in our differences.

As I said in my Christmas Memories article, enjoy the memories of 2017 and enjoy making new memories during this holiday season.

As we look forward to what lies ahead, I pray 2018 will be a year of good things for all of us.

Happy New Year!!

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Who is Behind that Label

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Community, Lifestyles, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on October 16, 2016| 4 Comments »

What do you think of when you hear the word atheist, gay, transgender, muslim, jew, christian, black, white or a host of other labels we put on people?

Usually we think of something specific and usually something we have been taught or heard over the years. It depends on where you heard it or who taught you but a lot of times what we think is negative in one way or another.

With all the prejudices, fear, hate and misunderstanding among people it is sad that we forget behind each one of these labels there is a human being.

labelsonpeople

I know that not all people believe there is a God or they believe in different gods and I do not want to argue on that point. None of us can actually prove one way or another as to what we believe about God or life after death. It is basically a matter of belief or faith or scientific understanding. Yet as a christian I personally believe there is a God and He created each person in His image. He loves each and every one of us no matter what label humanity has put upon us.

Each of us deserves love, respect, acceptance and the basic human rights we all should enjoy.

Just because we accept one another and respect each other does not mean we always agree or always condone the actions of another, but we should be able to treat each other in kindness and respect even in our disagreements.

Rather than profile people into a particular group based on the label we use, we should remember the individual person behind the label. Even if there are a few bad apples in each particular group it does not mean everyone is the same.

As human beings each of us wants to live a happy, satisfying life. Each of us has worries, bills and every day obligations. Each of us wants to love and be loved, each of us wants to be accepted and happy.

We will not all see things the same way. Each of us has our own personality, belief system, lifestyle, desires and things we enjoy and that make us happy. We cannot expect everyone to be the same or believe the same or interpret things the same. We are each uniquely made and we each have our own path to walk throughout this life.

I know many in the christian world will not agree on this outlook on life. Many feel it is our job to point out the mistakes and sins of others as a way to witness to the love of God. I do not see it that way. In the bible we are told the Spirit will convict the world of sin, so I do not believe it is our job to convict others of sin. Besides, what is sin to one person may not be to another. It is not our job to be judging others. We are called to love one another even in our differences.

donotcondemn

Jesus came as the Son of God to show us what the Father is like and Jesus was not a condemning person. He loved and associated with many people who the religious crowd wanted nothing to do with. Sure Jesus said go and sin no more but he never condemned. He could say the same thing to each of us because we all sin. Jesus was perfect and never sinned so he had the right to condemn people and tell them how bad their mistakes were yet he never did.

The bible says Jesus came to proclaim the good news, yet when we only condemn and point out the mistakes of others that does not seem like very good news. Sure there are times when love needs to be tough and things need to be done that are hard. At the moment these actions may not seem very loving. We all know that we can be tough when needed because we do care for the other person and we are doing what we feel is the best for them, but we still love them even when things are not going so good.

As a christian I believe that God loves each of us and wants each of us to follow him by the Spirit. Even when we do not always make the best choices he still loves us and wants to have fellowship with us. As his followers I feel that is the same we should be doing to everyone we have contact with each day. Love God, love others and seek God’s leading each day. Look past the labels society has placed on people and see the human being that God created and loves.

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Remove the Labels

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Lifestyles, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 1, 2016| 7 Comments »

I think that as followers of Christ, we should be able to accept and love everyone. No matter what we believe, what our faith or doctrine is, no matter our religion, nationality, sexual preference or color, we want to see each other as Jesus sees us. This is a type of love we cannot do on our own. It is only possible by the love of God within us. We want to love, accept and care for people. It’s only natural that we will not always agree, but we want to look past those areas and love each other in Christ. This seems to be the way that others will come to see the love of God, not through condemning and bashing one another. Not in trying to prove we are right and everyone else is wrong. Love doesn’t mean seeing eye-to-eye, it doesn’t mean we agree or even like some of the things people do, but it does mean we look past the differences and love each other as Christ loves us.

Labels

No matter if we are gay, straight, religious, atheist, asexual, baptist, methodist, charismatic or whatever label people put on us, the underlying fact is we are all human beings. We all deserve to be treated with respect and be accepted. Each of us should be able to live our life and make our own choices without being judged and condemned by others. We should be able to discuss our differences respectfully, and none of us should try to force our views and choices on others.

equals

If we could look past the labels and see each other as people who overall want the same things, to be happy, to be loved, be healthy, get our bills paid and enjoy life, I think things would be better even with our differences. This is not to say we are going to agree with everyone, always associate with everyone and be happy together, that just isn’t going to happen. There are too many different thoughts, ideas, beliefs, lifestyles and personalities for us to agree on everything and be totally comfortable with everyone, yet accepting each other and respecting each other in spite of our differences certainly is a possibility.

Let’s look past the labels and see each other as human beings who have feelings, who want love and friendship. Let’s be people who can get to know one another, learn from, share thoughts and ideas with and accept each other as being created in the image of God.

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