"On a Rush to Judgment"

It’s been a long, hot summer so far, and summer has only officially begun.  A heat wave in my part of the world, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is heading into its third week.  There is a palpable weariness as lush green turns brown, a felt intolerance in dealing with the heat, and concerns over a potential lack of water in the area.

Another type of intolerance is revealing itself across the nation, however, as recent events have turned our world upside down.  That climate is as prevalent, as manifest, as tangible across the land as the heat is in the Western U.S. 

The country is in an upheaval as, first, tragedy struck in a horrific shooting in a church, the victims targeted because of their race; and then, a ruling made by the Supreme Court declaring same-sex marriage legal in every state in the country.

In the wake of these events, I am seeing rigid responses.  I would daresay there are few lukewarm, mediocre points of view.  People have always had their opinions and positions, but many of the reactions are intolerant and unbending on both sides.  What I find troubling is that the point of view isn't being targeted, but the one holding that position of difference is.  “I’m right, and you are wrong,” is a widespread attitude, and with this have come charges and accusations, name-calling, and judgments and labels cast on those who disagree.  And disagreement is everywhere.

If you and I have a difference of opinion and conviction on an issue, be it spiritual, political, social, or any other, that does NOT mean that either one of us or both of us comes from a place of hate, bigotry, or racism.  It means, simply, that we disagree.  How DID things get so screwed up?

There are those who are filled with hate, bigotry, and racism.  Being in disagreement is not the marker or indicator for casting that judgment.

The following quote has been running through my mind for a long time.  Whatever happened to this point of view?:

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”  Evelyn Beatrice Hall,  September 1868

It would be in the best interest of us all to refrain from judging.  Disagree?--Yes, of course.  We are individuals, not robotic creatures, but we need to be careful not to judge others who differ in belief and thought.  It would be wise to first take a look in the mirror and look within oneself before pointing the "Finger of Judgment" at another.

“If you judge other people, then you too will be judged.”