| Celebration Of Differences | |
어떤 기독교인이 이슬람교도를 만났을 때, 심지어 복음 전파를 염두에 두고 있지 않더라도 자신이 이슬람교도를 만났다는 사실을 정말 경축할 수 있는가? (반대로 그 이슬람교도 역시 경축할 수 있겠는가?)
Even without evangelism in mind, can a christian actually celebrate the fact that she met a muslim? (and vice versa) --뚜웨이밍, 2001년 11월, 사석에서 직접 들은 것을 김창준의 기억에 의해 비슷한 의미 수준에서 재구성 |
We need to celebrate difference more and stretch the boundaries of our understanding and acceptance. Before you can celebrate difference, though, you must first accept yourself, as you are, for you and what you are.
Differences are truly the spice of life. They allow us to learn so much from each other when they are met with respect.
Wouldn't the world be a dull place if we were all alike? I think so.
Some people, out of an insecurity and lack of trust in themselves, however, feel threatened by and or fearful of difference. The degree to which we can celebrate difference depends upon the extent of our own inner-peace. If we are happy with ourselves we will be much more accepting of others.
Tolerance is a good first step. Don't stop there. From tolerance it behooves us to continue to grow all the way to acceptance.
Every single person has a right to their opinions, morals, culture and so on. Every single person deserves basic respect. It is in the celebration of difference that we are all truly made stronger.
Difference has such inherent value. Do not fear that which differs from you. If you don't understand it now, seek to understand it. Keep the lines of communication open. Respect is the foundation of the celebration of differences.
--By Ms. A.J. Mahari |