When I first started writing this blog, I promised myself three things:
1 1) I
wouldn’t write about religion.
2
2 2) I
wouldn’t write about politics.
3
3) I
would only write about things from my own life experiences.
I’ve kept those promises to myself, until now. Starting
today, I’m going to break all three of those promises and I’m starting with
religion, sort of and I’m going to do it by taking a potshot at one of the most
basic tenets of Christianity.
Now, before anyone starts foaming at the mouth, let me sweeten
the pot by going on record as an atheist. I don’t believe; I don’t have any
faith. If you are a person of faith, don’t worry, I’m not trying to convert you
to my point of view. I’m not the evangelical sort. I don’t care what you choose
to believe in, that’s your right. I don’t have any problems with people of faith;
I just don’t have any myself. I’m not persecuting anyone, so don’t freak out.
So, what’s this potshot all about? Well, it’s a phrase that
Christians say all of the time, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” Seriously, you
guys say that shit all of the time. At least, I hear it a lot. Are you guys
trying to tell me something? Well, I have a response for you.
Love the sinner, hate the sin. How is that supposed to work,
exactly? You have to admit that it does seem a bit conflicting. Pay attention,
my friends, because you’re sending mixed messages here.
Love the sinner, hate the sin. Blech. I hate it; can’t
freaking stand it. It’s a terrible, horrible phrase and should never be used.
Luckily, we can fix it and I’m here to show you how. There’s no need to thank
me, I’m here to help! Let’s look at the phrase again. Love the sinner, hate the
sin. Well, you know what? That last part, that bit right after the comma, that
hate the sin crap? It needs to go. No, seriously. It really needs to go. Don’t
worry, Jesus never said it and it’s not in the Bible, so we can feel free to
change things up a little. Come on, say it with me, “Love the sinner.” Period.
It sends a much more simple and concise message, wouldn't you agree? Plus, you
get an added bonus, you don’t have to hate anything or anyone; you’re no longer
passing judgment. It’s a beautiful thing, right?
Well, sort of. I still don’t like it, so let’s fix it up a
little more. Love the sinner. Hmm… Remember that whole passing judgment thing?
You’re still doing it. No worries. I’m here to help, remember? Let’s look at
this again and see if we can fix it. Like Bob the freaking Builder, "Yes we can!".
Since we’re no longer judging, why don’t we just go ahead
and leave out that last part about ‘the sinner.’ It’s only two words, what’s
the big deal? Well, it would leave us with just one word, wouldn’t it?
LOVE
Think about it. Love. It’s a pretty important word, wouldn’t
you agree? Plus, it sounds much, much nicer and if you’re incredibly lazy, like
me, it takes a lot less effort, because you’re no longer trying to do two
things at once. It’s much less confusing and there’s no mixed message. It’s
simple and it’s concise as well as elegant and eloquent. One simple word.
LOVE
Yeah, I like that. It’s all you need.