Tom lives in the neighborhood. Most of us see him as a quiet, non-troublesome kind of guy. He “minds his own business.” But, those of us who live a little closer to Tom see him making some choices that, while seemingly private, are affecting his neighbors. It isn’t my right to tell Tom what to do in his own home, or to tell him who he should invite into his home. But, when how he chooses to live his life encroaches on my life in a less than helpful way, then should I voice concern?
Conversations of the past have revealed that Tom and I don’t share the same faith or character. We have built our lives on very different foundations; therefore, we not only see the world differently, we respond to the things of this world differently. I’ll be honest. I’m concerned about my neighbor. I’m concerned for Tom’s sake, but also for the sake of other neighbors whom he influences.
I don’t believe I should question my neighbor’s faith and character. I do believe, however, that I can ask questions about his perspective on life. His worldview. Every caring neighbor should ask another neighbor questions about their worldview. If we don’t ask our neighbor why he does what he does, says what he says, or lives the way he lives, then what kind of neighbor are we? What kind of neighborhood will we jointly build up…or tear down?
Rick Santorum was recently understood to have questioned President Obama’s faith. When criticized for his remarks, Santorum explained that he was questioning the president’s “radical” environmentalist view that “elevates the Earth above man.” Santorum explained that he wasn’t questioning that President Obama is a Christian, but that his worldview on natural resources and how they can’t be tapped because to do so will harm the Earth is a “phony ideal.” Santorum has also questioned the president’s worldview on the issue of abortion; most recently, in the area of insurance coverage for prenatal tests that can identify problems in unborn children. Santorum knows for a fact that doctors “more often than not” recommend abortion when problems are discovered.
I believe that any presidential candidate – or American citizen — should be able to ask questions about their neighbor’s worldview. In kindly doing so, he or she is simply and fairly asking: Why do you believe what you believe? What is the source of your belief? How does your belief serve other people? How does your belief help us all build a better society? After asking such questions, it is fair to say: Here’s what I believe and why. Here is the source of my belief. Here is how I try to live my belief. Now, please feel free to question me about my worldview. Why I say what I say and do what I do.
Too many of us seem unwilling to dialogue about worldviews and how those worldviews affect neighborhoods and society as a whole. When a person is concerned enough to speak up about health care, marriage, sexual behaviors, abortion, euthanasia, or ethics of any kind, they are quickly labeled as “judgmental.” Care and concern are not judgmental. Contrasting one worldview with another is not “judgmental.” Laying something counterfeit next to the real thing is not “judgmental.” And, you know what? Calling something harmful or dangerous is not “judgmental.” If it is, then every “bridge out” or “stop ahead” or “wear your seatbelt” sign should be torn down.
I’m not sure that I’ll be given the opportunity to dialogue with Tom about important matters of life. But, if I am, I promise to take care. To not question his faith (or lack of it) or demean his character. Instead, I will try to ask questions. Questions that show my interest in him as a person. But, also questions that help Tom think about being a good neighbor.
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