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The Christian Faith, and bigoted beliefs.First off, I want to thank everyone at the Collegian for allowing various viewpoints in the opinion section. We will never grow tired of issues such as religion, politics, Paris Hilton, etc. After reading the most recent articles, I have some conclusions: a) we do need better idols in this world, b) we need better ways of selling our ideas, c) we need more people who practice what they preach, and d) we need less spontaneous midnight mobs:). With that said, I would like to address three current issues about the Christian faith and explain how all beliefs can be “bigoted.”

Three issues about the Christian faith:1) Christians are not perfect and can be hypocrites. This is unfortunate, but all one can do is set an example by living out the teachings of Christ. Christ says, “Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your mind, and ALL your soul. The second is like the first, love your neighbor as yourself.” Or to put it another way, “whatever you think, say, eat, drink, or do… do it ALL for the glory of God.”2) Any form of hate/prejudice in the past, present, and future done in the name of “Christianity” is hypocritical and completely goes against a full understanding of the Bible. Please do not accuse Christians of the Crusades, the Holocaust, or any other malicious event done because of pride/prejudice. One who has had their heart changed by the God of the Bible could not do such things.3) There is a difference between respecting others beliefs and embracing them as true. I respect almost all people despite their beliefs, but cannot embrace the impossible notion that multiple contradicting beliefs can all be true.

About all beliefs being bigoted: I believe that to hold any belief or to take any stance is bigoted. Which means, to an extent, that EVERYONE is bigoted. Even the lazy guy who doesn’t care about certain issues is bigoted; because he believes those issues are not important. As a result, he may get upset with people who think the issues are important. If someone says, “truth is relative,” that means all religions with exclusive truths like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are wrong. That is also bigoted. Why does this matter? Because, a popular worldview is just as bigoted as any unpopular one. Saying one religion is the only true religion is no more bigoted than saying all religions are true. And while peace may be the motivating factor behind this argument we have at SDSU and in the Collegian, I can assure you that peace does not come by arguing about worldviews. It comes by becoming a peaceful person. Peaceful people do not falsely accuse Christian groups of “trickery” without fully understanding that group’s intent. Peaceful people do not attack religious beliefs in their classroom, and peaceful people especially do not attack professors for attacking their beliefs. Peaceful people care about others who call themselves Christians, Atheists, Muslims, Jews, Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, Conservatives, etc. Peaceful people bless those who have different views and take time to understand where certain individuals are coming from. This is my Christian belief, and yes… it’s bigoted.