Ik ben tolero
I think that everybody agrees with the fact that all humans deserve respect, equal chances, and opportunities. In that context I would oppose to any kind of intolerance and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Still, I think that the wording of the campaign is a bit out of boundaries. The campaign starts with the very famous 'f' word. That does not need translation. It curses homosexuals and heterosexuals both at the same time, and then lifts up the "toleros" (the tolerants). In my humble opinion it insults/offends gay people as well as heterosexual people. I wonder, why not to be proactive and creative in the communication strategies? That the campaign wants to shock is clear! But trespassing the limits of respecting the "other" by using such wording is at the very least questionable.
Obviously, there is a huge debate. Lots of discussions going on the issue, including in the Christian sites. Obviously, the younger generation of Christians are debating it in the forum of the Breeze site.
I was simply astonished by the following statement:
Wie zijn wij christenen om aan een ander onze normen en waarden op te leggen? (signed truthseeker)
Translation: Who do we think we are, Christians, to impose our values on others?
Today at lunch, my friend Samuel reminded me that adulthood is also about knowing your beliefs. Such comments from Christians trying to play the "cool" are a post enlightenment misunderstanding of the Gospel. This makes me think that we are not to "impose" anything by force. That was the failure of the Inquisition. But we can indeed embody a different lifestyle, a lifestyle fueled by the love described in 1st Corinthians 13. Love has also to do with truth. Love has to do with remaining firm and unmovable in the faith of the Resurrected Jesus for the sake of the whole society.
Be blessed!
Labels: Belgium, Christianity, Faith, Flanders, Human Sexuality, ik ben tolero, Radical Christianity