A Christian school in Kansas City has chosen to close its doors recently after revealing to its supporters and community they have operated, for a number of years, with an “inclusive theology” in support of LGBTQ students and staff. This policy was made known only this year to churches and individuals who had previously been supporters of the school. In response to this disclosure, the school lost 80% of its funding and was unable to stay open. All eight of the churches that had been underwriters of the school withdrew their support.
Predictably, the Executive Director of the school, Kallie Callaway-George reacted saying, “We are bombarded by this kind of hate which disrupts our ability to guide the scholars we have in our care.” Hate is the standard accusation from the left, leveled against those who, for any reason, disagree with their policies.
A former supporter of the school wrote a note of explanation for their decision, which was then labeled in the media as angry and hateful. Anger? Hate? Reading their words of response, I do not hear anger or hate, but rather an expression of reasoned conviction and honest difference of opinion. The response is as follows; “Although we love and admire you in many ways for your hard work, compassion, commitment and strength, we draw the line at this issue. Christian compassion does not mean universalism. Jesus loved all, but told them, ‘Go and sin no more.’ He died so we could be saved, healed, delivered and set free.”
The typical progressive reasoning in these dealings is to admonish love and tolerance. Noble sentiments in polite society. But tolerance has morphed into a term that now demands rejection of any personal convictions or principled beliefs if they are perceived by anyone else as insensitive or hateful. It seems a growing number of Americans have adopted a personal strategy where they choose to be easily offended and on the lookout for alleged assaults, victimization and hate.
There are significant reasons some people, institutions and causes do not have my agreement or support. I do not hate them or wish them harm; I respect their right to feel as they do. And - I expect the same in return. Reasonable personal beliefs expressed by decisions regarding my vote or where I send my own funds is not hate. It isn’t transphobism, racism, fascism or any other unwarranted or recklessly tossed label. It’s just, “I don’t agree.”
America’s abusive woke ‘religion’ demands that believers never challenge the progressive doctrine, values and narrative. Plus, adherents must do everything they can to make sure no one else does either. Free speech, differences of opinion, asking questions and the introduction of facts are no longer allowed. Unfortunately, these rules are increasingly evident and enforced in American legislation, colleges, corporations, school boards, and media - and have been for much of the last decade.
It must be said that much of the same abusive behavior has been practiced by members of far-right groups as well. There are plenty of displays of “terrible citizenship” by members of all extreme political factions and single-issue crusaders.
Historically our country has been blessed by countless scenarios where the respectful exchange of viewpoints has shed new light on topics leading to more examined and reasoned positions that benefit all sides – or at least reflect the feelings of the majority. That’s what freedom, honesty, respect and even democracy looks like. The free exchange of ideas and opinions is the most efficient way for people to arrive at conclusions that serve all of us. Like a product in the marketplace, an idea’s desirability and dominance is dependent on its own merits - not threats, lies or who can yell the loudest. Causes and beliefs must stand or fall in the “marketplace” of American culture and public opinion in relation to other views that also compete in the same space for attention, approval and loyalty. Or as sports commentator Jim Rome always says, “Scoreboard!”
You want your school to remain open? Then don’t adopt a policy that offends and contradicts 80% of the people you depend on for support. Or, step up, take your stand and “let the chips fall.” But you can’t have it both ways.
The issue may be LGBTQ demands, systemic racism, abortion rights or just local leadership. There is no place for intimidation, unwarranted labels, cancel tactics, violence or disdain for the majority in the process of arriving at these societal decisions or standards. In a free and pluralistic society, we celebrate our diversity not by edict, but by respecting and freely evaluating all options on their merits, whether we agree or disagree.
PRINCIPLES -
Freedom of Speech
All Men are Equal before the Law
Individual Liberty
Lawful Transition of Power
The United States is a Democratic Republic
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