Today as I was watching country music videos on youtube (and enjoying myself immensely), I noticed some of the comments below one of the songs. One person chose to express how the song made him feel closer to God and how God is there for anyone. I thought that was very appropriate because it was how I felt. Immediately below the comment one man responded something very snide and rude about the person who expressed hope in God. I was taken aback by the ferocity of the attack. I wasn't the only one, as someone else responded to the attacker, suggesting that he had some things to figure out in life. The attacker then responded that he had his life sorted out and had a realistic view of things and then said something to again attack and debase religion. At this point, I couldn't resist the urge to post a response to the poster of the ridiculous outbursts and attacks. My response was clear and concise. I stated that everyone is entitled to an opinion but verbal abuse against people who express something that is different from one's own opinion is childish and as he was an adult I felt no qualms about telling him to learn to be open-minded and leave behind the playground antics.
Pondering this, after posting my response, I can't understand what makes people think that they individually have the right to squelch religious expression. I mean, the original comment didn't say anything about believing in God or go to hell. He merely stated how God gave him hope. Why are people so eager to put out the sparks of hope around them? All I can think is along the lines of 1 Nephi 16:2...Wherefore, the guilty take the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. As much as the light of hope illuminates our beings and brings us joy it also exposes the wounds of the soul. The pain that such exposure causes then leads to angry outbursts as the feeling of hurt causes in turn a desire to hurt. It makes sense, but not in a happy way. Growing older and learning to understand the various facets of life and choices and consequences has lead me to better understand the scriptures like the ones where the Savior says 'How oft I would have gathered you as a hen gathers her chickens, but ye would not!' (paraphrased, of course). They would not because they couldn't handle the pain in their own wounded souls...and if the soul had been wounded until it was dead...I hate to think of it. How grateful I am for the gospel. How grateful I am to know that there is hope for me even when I am wounded. The Savior's infinite atonement has healed me time and again in so many different ways I can't help feeling sadness for those who don't have that hope and who shun it because of the pain that is exposed in their lives.
Anyways, sorry about the long rambling, but it's my blog and I have the freedom to write what I want...religious freedom granted by the founding fathers in the constitution and not to be taken away by any one.
