A couple of ethical and social points occurred to me
today in reaction to the Pope’s remarks.
One concerns a talk show on some CBS stations this
morning. There was discussion of parenting styles, and as to how long parents
should wait in letting teens make major decision for themselves. Many parents
feel it is important that their kids accept the cultures they were born into,
including the authorities of the religious and community structures, so that
communities and families remain resilient. No doubt this idea accounts for a
lot of homophobia in the past.
But the point was made that such an attitude tends to
encourage people to remain “followers” and to be easily manipulated by
partisan, especially authoritarian politicians.
I could say, look at what is happening in Russia.
On the other hand, a society that is overly
individualistic simply cannot make a place for some people, leading to
instability, and contradicting the idea that, in the best sense, “all lives
matter” indeed.
I also thought about a time at a church (MCC) weekend
camping trip in Texas in 1979. With a
certain set of people I can make a misleadingly poor impression. I remember this guy “Skip” putting his arm
around me and praying for me because he really couldn’t respect me or my
capabilities (others there could). That
seemed to be his idea of inclusive “Christian” love, proving that everyone is
to be included.
I’m not into that.
So I sometimes seem aloof.
Yes, I can admire what Mark Zuckerberg has offered the
world, connecting people while slightly at a distance, almost like an alien
(extraterrestrial) observer and Manipulator.
I don’t think the Pope was interested in visiting
Silicon Valley.
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