Prejudice and Consideration

I've got to admit that I've been thinking less-than-charitable things recently. In the wake of last month's international fuss about cartoons published in Denmark which denigrate the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), I've got to admit that my response to both sides was to call them stupid. The religious were held back from appreciating their fellow humans by stupid religiosity; the cartoonists and publishers across Europe being plain rude and inconsiderate with stupid claims about their own freedoms. Neither side seemed to be able to appreciate the other, and the comments I heard from many religious friends seemed to revolve around expectations that the moderate Muslims denounce extremism. All without denunciation of the racial and irreligious extremism that published the cartoons by these people (although that was heard from newscasters seeking not to enflame the situation).

What I was failing to do -- and what I suspect was failing to happen across the world -- was to consider the views of those I disagree with. I may not be a religious Muslim or a ring-wing cartoon satirist but their humanity requires me not to write off their experiences straight out. Admittedly, each faction can easily see justification for their view -- as I did when writing off the concerns of the Muslims or free-speech proponents -- but grace is needed to listen kindly and work together.

And it gets worse: I probably should have stood in meeting and shared this mea culpa with the congregated Friends. I didn't because it was our first visit and I haven't ministered vocally before. I've previously chosen not to say anything because I haven't yet felt settled, wise enough or that I had anything to say: out of respect for the experience, traditions and thoughts of other folks at meeting, I keep shushed. Maybe someday I will stand up and be counted.