You know what feels really really good? To share something I believe knowing others may not agree, to be listened to respectfully and get a thoughtful response that reflects the common beliefs we *do* share.
I think it's evangelism that doesn't normally allow this. Acknowledging that a different idea may be a good one will probably result in that persons condemnation. Sad.
It's also sad that I've come to expect that my ideas will not be accepted. I assume that even those who seem very accepting, who are part of a group that's all about openness, will only argue with my non-belief. I assume this because it's all I ever encounter. Thankfully, I'm occasionally proven wrong.
Safe spaces were what gave me the courage to first come out as gay. Coming out to people I knew would accept me gave me the courage to come out to those I was less sure of. Once I got used to being me in certain spaces, I had to be me everywhere. The same is true for my religious beliefs. I still feel I won't ever be able to tell certain people, but the more I'm allowed to explore my beliefs, the more courage I gain and the more open I become.
This is what we should be doing for each other. Allowing everyone to become that person of integrity--the one who lives what she truly believes. If we're shaming people into boxes, we're taking away their soul-selves and that, I think, is one of humanity's greatest sins.
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