Armageddon

I grew up in a Southern Baptist home. Cut my teeth on fiery sermons about the Rapture and Armageddon. You might say this current fury over the Rapture should be right up my alley. You might say that, but don't.

I'm one of those people who actually has read the Bible. More than once. In Matthew 24:36 it says, "But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Now, to me that means no one knows... including the gentleman causing all the media hoopla.


I believe it's up to each one of us to decide what sort of personal faith we live by. Every time there's a big to-do in the world over religion, it nearly always is because some charismatic individual has attracted a lot of people who would rather have someone to tell them what to do than decide for themselves. That's sad. Many of them end up entrusting their lives, their families, even their savings to charlatans. 


Like I said, what people believe is up to them. But I was reared to be more respectful than folks seem to be now days. I never make fun of someone's faith. I expect people to treat my beliefs with respect, also. I'm deeply saddened at the jeering and parties planned and the backlash against those Christians who quietly live their faith without fanfare and media coverage.


Not all Christians are judgmental and intolerant, any more than all Muslims are terrorists or all Jews are greedy or all Pagans worship the devil. Stereotypes are hurtful. Such stereotypes are more damaging than outright violence because they're so insidious and pervasive in our society.

Here's what I'm asking for: a little respect. Consider exactly who you're ridiculing before the laughter starts. Who's your target? One person or an entire group? And how will you feel when you're a part of the target group? 


R-E-S-P-E-C-T. That's what I want.


anny