“The stupid, bible-believing morons.”
This is exactly what he said, but the question was, do I now confess to the entire group that I was one of them, or do I simply remain quiet.
Why He Said It
Engrossed in a profoundly important discussion about the psychological and sociological make-up of the people with whom we work, one of the leaders and most intelligent of the group in my college class had just backed up his argument by concluding that the direction of modern social trends towards non-acceptance of different "groups", "races", or "class" had nothing to do with the virtual abandonment of religious teaching in schools. “Of course,” he had said, “The stupid, bible-believing morons do not want to accept this.”
The room alighted with the laughter of twenty four other adults, people I'd gotten to know closely as we met week by week to study together.
He said it in a conversational tone as if to suggest that we here, in chambers of the learned, were clever people. People capable of having intelligent conversations and philosophical banter, who're apart and separate from those who are stupid enough to believe biblical "myths".
The Reaction
The thought that I should keep quiet and not draw attention myself flitted through my mind. I was even tempted for a second when the voice in my head whispered that I would be keeping the peace if I said nothing. After all, my faith in God which lives in my heart would not suddenly grow cold because I chose to say nothing.
I looked at all the smiling faces but barely heard the words now passing from mouth to mouth because my own voice was sending me high-pitched, incomprehensible messages inside my head.
I've always understood how important it is to resist saying things I do not mean. I've always fought to never compromise my integrity in anything, whether it was about spiritual beliefs or merely principles concerning my daily life. This, viewed from the flip side made me realise what it was I needed to, had to do.
The Difficult Decision
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I stood up, heart thumping and said, “I believe the Bible and in God. I am a Christian.”
Nothing happened.
After an uncomfortable silence, the same guy said, “Well I respect that…” and he went on to talk about how not everything should be taken literally and all that.
The important thing was that I had done it. It felt great to me. I wanted no explanation, no discussions, no questions about why. What I did want was peace for my soul, and this was exactly what I got. But more poignant is the fact that now that I've done it, the second time would be much easier.
This Taught Me The Following Things
- Nothing is worth selling your principles for, because when the dust has settled and the responses you feared have gone, you're left alone stripped of the values which moulded the person you were meant to be.
- You hold your faith dear because they are the reason for your strength. Do not let the masses take them from you because in allowing them to do so, they have succeeded to make you weaker.
- Situations that seem scary, if tackled, would serve to build your perseverance and tone your character muscles. Eventually, a strong character will earn respect.
I\'m glad you stood up for what you believe my brave friend..