The serious and sometimes satirical reflections of a priest, poet, and pilgrim — who knowing he has not obtained the goal, presses on in a Godward direction.
February 27, 2013
Thought for 2.27.13
Minority views should be respected whether they are the wave of the future or the deposit of the past.
A good reminder, Erika. I would not say, however, that respect = approval; and if positive and direct harm can be demonstrated, then it is time for a more substantial change. Often truly harmful or hurtful ideologies die out on their own, though sometimes they are nourished like a viper in the bosom of the body politic, and a more decisive action is needed. I think the history of the end of slavery in the US is a helpful illustration: the move from ending the slave trade, to gradual manumission, to emancipation and abolition was a painful course for some -- though there were strong abolitionists from the very beginning, and diehard slavery supporters at the end.
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Unless they are positively harmful.
ReplyDeleteA good reminder, Erika. I would not say, however, that respect = approval; and if positive and direct harm can be demonstrated, then it is time for a more substantial change. Often truly harmful or hurtful ideologies die out on their own, though sometimes they are nourished like a viper in the bosom of the body politic, and a more decisive action is needed. I think the history of the end of slavery in the US is a helpful illustration: the move from ending the slave trade, to gradual manumission, to emancipation and abolition was a painful course for some -- though there were strong abolitionists from the very beginning, and diehard slavery supporters at the end.
ReplyDelete