by Dr. Don Kuehle
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“Discrimination” is one of the most misused and abused words in our language today. The original meaning of the word has been drastically changed, but the truth behind the original meaning has not changed. Mr. Webster defines “Discrimination” as (a) making a distinction on the basis of prejudice or lack of information; or (b) to note a difference between persons or things.
“Freedom of Speech” is noticing the differences between persons, or groups of persons, and voicing one’s opinion about them. Freedom of speech encourages questions asked to get at the facts. Freedom of speech involves looking as all sides of an issue, discussing them openly, debating them heatedly, and drawing one’s own conclusions. Freedom of speech attempts to be honest and fair in drawing conclusions in line with proven facts. Freedom of speech tries to avoid all prejudice, or making judgments based on personal bias or misinformation.
John Wesley advised his followers: “Live and let live.” I have my personal opinions and beliefs. I live the lifestyle that best suits me. If you want to live a different lifestyle, that’s your right and your choice. If your beliefs and opinions differ from mine, that’s OK; that’s your right and you choice. You do not, however, have the right to impose you beliefs and opinions, or your lifestyle on me. When I say “I don’t agree with your beliefs and I can’t accept your lifestyle,” that is freedom of speech. It is not discrimination. I’m not judging you. I’m merely stating my opinion. Where there is no prejudice; there is no discrimination.
As a Christian, I do have an obligation to warn people when they sin — say and do what if offensive to God. If I lived by a busy highway and I knew that 10 miles down the road the bridge had been washed out, I would be negligent if I did not warn travelers of the danger ahead. That’s why I do not hesitate to call anyone a sinner. In the sight of Almighty God, we are all sinners. Every one of us has, at one time or another, denied God’s existence, has rebelled against God’s authority, has broken God’s rules/commands, has refused to acknowledge that we are sinners, and have refused to repent and to return to God. Refusal to confess our sin and to repent of that sin is to ignore the warning signs and to plunge off the cliff into the raging river below — it means, for the unrepentant sinner, eternal death and everlasting Hell. That’s not for me.
I choose to repent, throw myself on God’s mercy, and accept His promise of everlasting life. I hope and pray that you make the same choice.
(You can email retired United Methodist pastor Dr. Don Kuehle of Jackson, MO, at [email protected])