Truth and Tolerance

A few weeks ago I was in the library and I decided to browse the 10 cent shelf for any treasure worth at least a dime. I came across a series of religious themed books: the history of one church, the encyclopedia on that church, etc. I decided I had to have them. I felt a need to learn about religion, the history of religion, and learn more about my very own religion and as a consequence my own faith and how it lives, intertwines, and coexists with other faiths. All Christians look to Jesus Christ as their Savior. That core value unites at least all Christians and a respect for God or a higher being connects us with faiths aside from Christianity. Well I've also felt the urge to reach out. Reach out and open discussion about faith, my faith, issues of our time, and how our perspectives are alike and different. I feel daunted by this challenge I've set before myself. Yesterday Proposition 8 was overturned in California and it reignites the discussion about marriage and its definition. I read the church's news release about this and the comments afterward. I felt insulted and confused by the accusations that mormons are bigots, haters, etc. I believe that marriage is an institution ordained by God or in other words marriage is not a word with a flexible definition that a society can change. I claim this belief as my own personal right of opinion. I just as adamantly insist that EVERY man be given the same personal right to believe as they choose. Therefore I can respect the supporters of gay marriage. They have the same right as I do to live and believe as they choose. I know that one of my best friends is a dedicated supporter of gay marriage and I respect her for that. She and I may have differences that could tear apart our friendship but we do not let them because I believe we have a deeper respect for each other than that. I've wondered how she thinks of me as she knows I do not support gay marriage. I want to ask but am afraid too. It would hurt me to hear her confess she views me as a bigot or a sheep blindly following a herd with no personal thought on the direction we're headed. I guess that begs the question on how I honestly view her. Time to think some more.