Dec 2, 2009
Nonjudgmentalism and moral indignation are oil and water.
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Occasionally, it’s good to have an open mind. Occasionally, it’s good to take offense.
But you can’t simultaneously be open-minded and offended.
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© 2012 Abuyo. All rights reserved.
What about when you are empathizing? It seems that in that situation you are being open-minded (opening yourself up to the situation of another) while you still could be offended (on their behalf).
I think it’s a gray area, particularly when you apply focus to different objects that are part of the same corporate (love the sinner, hate the sin is an example). Our ability to do so comes from the fact that it is Christ’s moral standard that we hold up, not our own.
In practice is is difficult (nigh impossible, hence the absolute statement you made above) to not incorporate our own self-righteousness as part of a moral standard.
I disagree. It’s possible to recognized mixed motives or a misunderstanding on the part of someone who did something. For example, yesterday, Twitter decided to turn every tweet with the word “Africa” in it red in honor of World AIDS Day. In response, I was simultaneously: 1) open-minded to the notion that spreading awareness about the disease and its effects is good, and 2) offended and disgusted that Twitter equated Africa with HIV/AIDS.
Ugh, that artwork is so rediculous, harsh and annoying. . . But maybe the painter was struggling with some dark and sad issue when she painted it . . . But that doesn’t mean she should foist it on the innocent art museum-goer . . . Unless it will help someone else going through something dark and sad . . . Who should go to church or pray or something and not be searching for truth in an Art gallery . . . unless they don’t know better . . .
You see? It can be done!
It’s funny because the most open-minded people I know always seem to be the most offended.
As an open-minded person, I take offense at your comment.
I think it’s a good thing to feel morally offended over something. Indeed, if you weren’t then is the Spirit of God really at work creating the renewed you?
Taking offence should not lead to offending another person though.
Open mind vs. taking offense. Within the context of Christian community, do you make a distinction between righteously judging and taking offense?
The two wrestle, get shaken up and try to pin the other down. One gives in. The oil comes out on top.
I actually find it quite easy. Empathize and understand while still disagreeing, that’s all. Unless you refer to the emotions involved. My ability to power through cognitive dissonance does not apply to emotions.
A conundrum for Tiger Woods?
I think you’re mistaken.
Open Minded= Let people do whatever the want to do. It’s their business, right?
Offended= How DARE you be against gay marriage!? You ignorant, intolerant jerk!
*they!