Before you begin reading, here's a short video from the hit show Friends, where Ross and Phoebe argue the issue of evolution.
Let's Agree to Disagree
There are people like Ross in the world when it comes to certain issues, and there are people like Phoebe. I personally identify with the both of them.
If you are not familiar with the show Friends, it's basically self-explanatory. It follows the six different lives of six best friends. Two of them happen to be Ross and Phoebe, and here you see them disagreeing on a large controversial topic.
If you are not familiar with the show Friends, it's basically self-explanatory. It follows the six different lives of six best friends. Two of them happen to be Ross and Phoebe, and here you see them disagreeing on a large controversial topic.
For the Ross-Like People
During the early stages of my walk with Jesus, I was exactly like Ross when it came to meeting people who were not as crazy about Jesus as I was. I still believe it to be the One True Way to Heaven, but if I try to make other people's opinions less important, then they will hate mine and I will come off as narrow-minded and stupid.
Ross is very passionate about his belief in evolution. He is a scientest with a Ph.D where evolution is the foundation of everything he does and what he believes in. I don't blame him for getting defensive when Phoebe says that she doesn't believe in evolution, however, just because we believe in something to be true, it doesn't mean everyone else feels the same way. Referring back to my very over- evangelical self, there are people who don't believe in God or a completely different God or gods all together. I can respect the views of those I disagree with religiously (and politically), the people that I know who get into very respectful conversations about their faith and core beliefs. To be honest, I love talking about other peoples' beliefs. I love hearing about the various cultures, political and religious views. In return, they love to hear mine. If we all show respect and love towards people who practice different belief systems, than our world would be a much more diverse and welcoming place.
Ross is very passionate about his belief in evolution. He is a scientest with a Ph.D where evolution is the foundation of everything he does and what he believes in. I don't blame him for getting defensive when Phoebe says that she doesn't believe in evolution, however, just because we believe in something to be true, it doesn't mean everyone else feels the same way. Referring back to my very over- evangelical self, there are people who don't believe in God or a completely different God or gods all together. I can respect the views of those I disagree with religiously (and politically), the people that I know who get into very respectful conversations about their faith and core beliefs. To be honest, I love talking about other peoples' beliefs. I love hearing about the various cultures, political and religious views. In return, they love to hear mine. If we all show respect and love towards people who practice different belief systems, than our world would be a much more diverse and welcoming place.
For the Phoebe-Like People
Because of my Christian beliefs, there are many things in the world that are popular beliefs that I do not share. I identify with Phoebe in terms of certain issues. I have my beliefs because of the Bible and there are people who call me crazy and other stereotypical names because I don't agree with certain lifestyles or practices. I am not disrespectful, as Phoebe was not in this clip, but she asks a very important question to Ross:
"Why can't you accept the fact that not everyone thinks the way you do?"
That question is so poignant and important, especially in friendships. I had a friend that "broke up" with me because of my disagreement towards something she felt very strongly about and I wish that I had asked her that question. I don't think it would have changed anything, but I think it may have caused her to think a bit more about why she chose to end our friendship.
"Why can't you accept the fact that not everyone thinks the way you do?"
That question is so poignant and important, especially in friendships. I had a friend that "broke up" with me because of my disagreement towards something she felt very strongly about and I wish that I had asked her that question. I don't think it would have changed anything, but I think it may have caused her to think a bit more about why she chose to end our friendship.
We Are Never Right
No matter what, there will always be someone who disagrees with you and thinks you are wrong. DON'T change your views despite persecution. However, it is always important to be asking yourself daily if what you believe and/or practice is fulfilling.
"If what you are living for isn't worth dying for, than it is not worth living for." -Nick Vujicic
"If what you are living for isn't worth dying for, than it is not worth living for." -Nick Vujicic