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Friday, November 11, 2005Freeing others to be themselvesChristians seem to be the favorite targets of criticism when it comes to freedom of thought. We constrict, we black out, we impose. I have never shared that opinion, and most folks (when the conversation is among intelligent people that is) are a bit taken aback when I argue that Christianity has a liberating effect on thought, and moreover the Christian perspective encourages a freedom for the individual to choose to do what is virtuous. In short, the Church proposes, not imposes -- a comment that sometimes enrages the more narrow-minded into popular and common myths about the Inquisition, Crusades, Pius XII, etc. Father Gerard Dowling explains the subtlety of Christian freedom better than I ever could: As I see it, the saddest plight to plague a person, especially in his or her formative years, is the powerful impact endured because of manipulation by others. It is, without doubt, the most insidious form of personal abuse that we can suffer, where the threat of not being loved is used to elicit the price of our conformity. This is why Jesus' example of unconditional love is so paramount to our becoming well-rounded and emotionally secure people. Because of unconditional love - especially from significant figures in our lives - we can enjoy the freedom of choice. Without it, however, we can become clones of what others, even well intentioned people, try to pressure us into being.Great article, with implications that run from parenting to governance. Read it all.
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JEFFERSONIAD POLL: Whom do you support for Virginia Attorney General?1) John Brownlee2) Ken Cuccinelli AboutShaunKenney.com is one of Virginia's oldest political blogs, focusing on the role of religion and politics in public life. Shaun Kenney, 30, lives in Fluvanna County, Virginia.ContactThe Jeffersoniad
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