A reply to an (ex) friend: Do not be the Judge and the Jury!

He was spitting fireworks, somewhere behind his keyboard/keypad, ohh, he was deeply outraged, he couldn't bottle it any longer, these anti-Christs had to be put in their rightful places, the name of King Jesus had to be fiercely guarded even if it meant stumbling on others feelings to achieve that, I wonder what his Christ’s reaction would have been to that, thinking of it longer the way I have, may be Gandhi could have quipped “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ” Doesn't your Christ say in Mathews 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged? Ohh yee people of little grasp, have you forgotten Your Jesus’ teaching of not removing your brothers’ speck when a log covers yours? Or have you forgotten that the same measure of ferocity, of condemnation will be spelled out against you? I imagined Gandhi continuing then walking away in his loose Khadi, his stick leading the way wondering…

UNFOLLOW/BLOCK ME NOW BEFORE THINGS GET UGLY FOR YOU! Why wait to unfriend/block me when I explain why Islam and Roman Catholism (sic) are demonic schemes to kill Christianity? He had warned on his facebook post in his misdirected authoritative demeanor, his armor of combat was on, his Jesus had to be protected, and freedom of expression had to be taken to the next level. I have no problem with whichever idols, virgins, saints and the gods Romans and their worldwide sympathizers - a word he uses so frequently, could it be that its meaning alludes him? - decide to worship as long as they do not drag Jesus into their religion! He had jibed when one of his ‘followers’ sarcastically told him that Catholics will tear him apart for mentioning the virgin of Guadalupe… ohh he was in his element, his hands were itching to type more, tell them off only the fire wasn't stroked hard enough and like a dog not provoked, he was unable to attack, only weak barks could be heard until nothing more but a pity growl, ohh, how disappointed he must have been!

I immensely respect and I mean RESPECT other people’s religions/denominations and religious views even if they were different and/or contradict mine (ok let’s just say Jehova Wanyonyi’s case is a bit stretched J) but still I respect his followers’ views, am sure something must have informed their belief. To people who ask, care to listen and genuinely want to know, I create time to explain some of the seemly troubling things/traditions that they see Catholics do/practice, I know to an outsider they may not fully understand and even grasp the meaning which is perfectly understandable however one thing that I do not take kindly is some ignorant soul approaching me with holier than thou attitude, rubbishing my beliefs, the issues that I hold dear and closest to my heart and try to prove to me how their beliefs are the best! And like Abdulmote, a Jukwaa member puts it:

Religious belief is one of those phenomenon founded on one's sanctimonious respect for the bearers preference of the same. Without going into debate about which one is better or otherwise, it is nevertheless an identity which others must give due respect and tolerance of its contents, irrespective of what one may think of the same, even if the consequences of doing otherwise may result in a violent backlash or not. In my humble opinion, religious beliefs should qualify for exclusion, where the so called freedom of expression may warrant unlimited and boundless criticism upon any subject, without taking into consideration the hurt that may result from such expressions. And whilst I do respect your freedom of expression, he continues, I may end up feeling unimaginably offended, if you were to insult my sanctified beliefs without due consideration of how I may feel about what I may perceive as malicious and disrespectful criticism of my religious beliefs.

Bear in mind that any belief which has significant influence upon one's life, can also have what I would describe as 'conditioning influence', which kind of goes beyond the 'ordinary' understanding or perception that may be common to the non-believers. You may want to say that it creates 'passion', which most of the times cannot be explained by simple logic! Religious belief is one of them, only that it can be extremely influential so as to occupy a sanctified position to the bearer's mind hence the passion that stems out of it.

It’s therefore of utmost importance for us to exercise empathy, Empathy is a level of understanding upon others' emotions, only attainable through one's imagination and appropriate consideration, paid specifically to the bearer's given circumstances and assumed through the bearer's given perception. 

In the absence of such approach, it is easy to see how one may lack the assumed understanding, brought forth by those who may have put significant and commendable effort towards exercising the relevant empathy.

Empathy promotes understanding, compassion, harmony and everything positive, which supports the harmonious existence of humanity as may be desirable to all.

I wish you an empathetic holiday season my brethren!