Editor’s Note: The text block, above, popped up several times in my social media feed, and reminded me of this bit from June 2016. Being seven years older, I can assure you that everthing I wrote back then remains true, that my apathy has grown, and that life has only gotten better as a result.
My libertarian impulse wants to agree with you. And about matters which have no impact on the spirit, I am in full agreement. However, I am also a committed Christian - what some might describe as "evangelical". Scripture actually DOES compel this among His followers in a multitude of verses; it's not hard to find or hinted at, it's boldly and clearly stated. Meaning I sort of HAVE to make it my business to share The Word with others, especially those who don't know. But I'm also commanded to do so "gently" - and with a good heart. I struggle with all this because I really just want to leave people alone to do what they're going to do. And be left alone myself. I realize I won't change the world and it's certainly not my job to do that. But if I am able to bring just one person to the light, in my whole life, then that's something worthy of pursuit. I can't choose apathy, and I'm told it will NOT be an easy path. It's not supposed to be.
Proselytizing - and not just the religious kind - is part of the culture of things. Penn Jillette, a noted and outspoken atheist, defends proselytizing by both the religious and the non-believers, because he believes in the marketplace of ideas.
I believe it is quite possible to preach without letting your blood boil at those whom you're preaching at, so you *can* have your cake and eat it too :).
When I was a young Marine, circa the mid 80's, the live and let live ethos was captured in the question "Does it affect Base Pay*?" Meaning, of course, if this does not affect you on a personal level, it is not worth getting emotional about. These many years later I find, as have you, less and less things rise to that level of caring.
*Base Pay is the amount military members are paid, not including benefits such as housing allowance. It is based on rank and years of service.
My libertarian impulse wants to agree with you. And about matters which have no impact on the spirit, I am in full agreement. However, I am also a committed Christian - what some might describe as "evangelical". Scripture actually DOES compel this among His followers in a multitude of verses; it's not hard to find or hinted at, it's boldly and clearly stated. Meaning I sort of HAVE to make it my business to share The Word with others, especially those who don't know. But I'm also commanded to do so "gently" - and with a good heart. I struggle with all this because I really just want to leave people alone to do what they're going to do. And be left alone myself. I realize I won't change the world and it's certainly not my job to do that. But if I am able to bring just one person to the light, in my whole life, then that's something worthy of pursuit. I can't choose apathy, and I'm told it will NOT be an easy path. It's not supposed to be.
Proselytizing - and not just the religious kind - is part of the culture of things. Penn Jillette, a noted and outspoken atheist, defends proselytizing by both the religious and the non-believers, because he believes in the marketplace of ideas.
I believe it is quite possible to preach without letting your blood boil at those whom you're preaching at, so you *can* have your cake and eat it too :).
I wish I could muster the energy to become apathetic; then again, I really don’t care ...
Also, BTW, I would characterize anyone who employs the term “overstuffed bra” as simply unappreciative 😂🤣
You had to be there.
😂🤣
When I was a young Marine, circa the mid 80's, the live and let live ethos was captured in the question "Does it affect Base Pay*?" Meaning, of course, if this does not affect you on a personal level, it is not worth getting emotional about. These many years later I find, as have you, less and less things rise to that level of caring.
*Base Pay is the amount military members are paid, not including benefits such as housing allowance. It is based on rank and years of service.
Like my mom always said: "Choose your battles wisely."