When at parties, in a class at school, or some kind of social gathering something usually doesn't come up: politics. If it does then it is under one of the following guises. One, everyone at the party is assembled based on their common beliefs (e.g. a fundraiser for a political party, a family gathering where everyone typically aligns themselves together, or a café where the regulars are known for their causes). Or two if the group feels collectively that they can criticize the bureaucrats, the Italian way, or historic presidents blunders.
On the political spectrum, we all have a place. Some to the left, some to the center, and some dead center. Whatever our views of politics, we must retain a respect for political views. There is no sponsored party by the government or LDS church. These aspects of life are largely personal views. What is disdaining is to see how so many poeple, including Latter-day Saints, forget their morals, manners, respect for fellow citizens and brothers/sisters when it comes to politics. Political issues get highly charged and reactive. I wish these could be discussed in civil debate, writing, speeches, and other moderate mediums. NEVER should politics be discussed with alcohol involved. Never, should it extend to imposing one's views by physical force. Never should it continue into the parking lot and key cars of those from "the other party". Never should campaign signs be pulled up and/or destroyed. These signs were paid for by someone's money and put there by someone's time. Some of America's history with these political campaigns, debates, and issues are disgraceful. It is very undemocratic of this democracy to act as such. Respect is essential.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Honestly honest?
Is it a good idea to be honest? Absolutely. Honest is crucial in business, all relationships, academia, and other aspects of life. Doctrinally speaking, nothing but the truth is acceptable.
However, when we talk about conveying feelings of animosity, anguish, anger, sadness, and jealousy we enter a gray area. Many say that honesty is reserved--say nothing at all is best--and you're not lying. Some go as far to say essential no matter what the circumstances, the truth just hurts and is like a bubble ready to burst. Some tell "white lies". They feel everyone should be prepared to just hear it, and if it causes massive problems so be it.
When should complete and unbridled honesty be employed?
What brand of honesty is best when it comes to telling feelings to others?
However, when we talk about conveying feelings of animosity, anguish, anger, sadness, and jealousy we enter a gray area. Many say that honesty is reserved--say nothing at all is best--and you're not lying. Some go as far to say essential no matter what the circumstances, the truth just hurts and is like a bubble ready to burst. Some tell "white lies". They feel everyone should be prepared to just hear it, and if it causes massive problems so be it.
When should complete and unbridled honesty be employed?
What brand of honesty is best when it comes to telling feelings to others?
Women.
Something often overlooked is in the New Testament is what Jesus does for woman. You see, for maybe the first time in all of Jewish history since Esther are women portrayed as equals and good doers--maybe even as righteous instead of sinful.
Women had an odd place in the societies of antiquity and ancient Israel. It could be said that they didn't really have any place. Sad was their situation. Women were disregarded and seen merely as servants. With a religious implication, all Israel (any many other religions) felt that women were temptresses. They succeed in nothing but causing fornication and adultery. From the lowliest of followers to the priests of the temple, women were seen as semi-devilish objects because of all the sin they could bring upon the people.
Jesus changed this. Jesus often associated with women. Mary Magdelene, Martha, Jesus' Mother, woman at the well, woman taken in adultery (probably a false accusation or framed), woman with issue of blood. Jesus did the favor of helping Mary's brother Lazarus at her request. Upon the cross Jesus said "Woman, behold thy son," which in this translation is highly respectful title to call a woman. He then charges His disciple to watch over her--probably nearing an old age where she cannot take care of herself. Upon the ressurrection Jesus then first appears to whom? Mary Magdelene, a woman.
Think about these narratives and the radical implications of women in the world of men. Women are children of God too, as Jesus demonstrated. Man has just as much fault as any woman. We are held accountable for our own sins and decisions, regardless of gender.
Recent research done by Professor Valerie Hudson of BYU suggest that when treatment of women in LDCs (Less Developed Countries) causes immediate and substantial qualitive improvements. Jesus is always right.
Women had an odd place in the societies of antiquity and ancient Israel. It could be said that they didn't really have any place. Sad was their situation. Women were disregarded and seen merely as servants. With a religious implication, all Israel (any many other religions) felt that women were temptresses. They succeed in nothing but causing fornication and adultery. From the lowliest of followers to the priests of the temple, women were seen as semi-devilish objects because of all the sin they could bring upon the people.
Jesus changed this. Jesus often associated with women. Mary Magdelene, Martha, Jesus' Mother, woman at the well, woman taken in adultery (probably a false accusation or framed), woman with issue of blood. Jesus did the favor of helping Mary's brother Lazarus at her request. Upon the cross Jesus said "Woman, behold thy son," which in this translation is highly respectful title to call a woman. He then charges His disciple to watch over her--probably nearing an old age where she cannot take care of herself. Upon the ressurrection Jesus then first appears to whom? Mary Magdelene, a woman.
Think about these narratives and the radical implications of women in the world of men. Women are children of God too, as Jesus demonstrated. Man has just as much fault as any woman. We are held accountable for our own sins and decisions, regardless of gender.
Recent research done by Professor Valerie Hudson of BYU suggest that when treatment of women in LDCs (Less Developed Countries) causes immediate and substantial qualitive improvements. Jesus is always right.
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