Tolerating Intolerance

I am straight. I am Buddhist. However, recently, I got involved in a conflict between homosexuality and Christianity. How did it end? I cried because people are intolerant, and I cried because I lost my temper and became intolerant myself.

How do you find the balance between respecting the beliefs of others and standing up against something you know is wrong? Where is the line between a peaceful person and somebody who fights for peace?

"An engineering professor is treating her husband, a loan officer, to dinner for finally giving in to her pleas to shave off the scraggly beard he grew on vacation. His favorite restaurant is a casual place where they both feel comfortable in slacks and cotton/polyester-blend golf shirts. But, as always, she wears the gold and pearl pendant he gave her the day her divorce decree was final. They're laughing over their menus because they know he always ends up diving into a giant plate of ribs but she won't be talked into anything more fattening than shrimp.


Quiz: How many biblical prohibitions are they violating? Well, wives are supposed to be 'submissive' to their husbands (I Peter 3:1). And all women are forbidden to teach men (I Timothy 2:12), wear gold or pearls (I Timothy 2:9) or dress in clothing that 'pertains to a man' (Deuteronomy 22:5). Shellfish and pork are definitely out (Leviticus 11:7, 10) as are usury (Deuteronomy 23:19), shaving (Leviticus 19:27) and clothes of more than one fabric (Leviticus 19:19). And since the Bible rarely recognizes divorce, they're committing adultery, which carries the rather harsh penalty of death by stoning (Deuteronomy 22:22).


So why are they having such a good time? Probably because they wouldn't think of worrying about rules that seem absurd, anachronistic or - at best - unrealistic."

Good story, right? So, why can't the same thinking be applied to biblical prohibitions of homosexuality? Why do we find it so easy to wear gold and pearls but so difficult to accept people who love differently? To me, it seems there are two answers. One must be fear. People fear differences, so their natural response is hate. The second is a lack of free thought. Why haven't Christians taken the time to examine the "rules" put down in the Bible, and see if they match up with Jesus' philosophy? It's not even a difficult chain of logic. What was Jesus for? Loving everybody. What was he against? Hurting people. Do gays love each other? Yes. Do they hurt anybody? No. I cannot believe that this extremely simple piece of critical thinking is so beyond the reach of much of humanity.

I cannot remember Jesus saying a single sentence about "unnatural sexual practices" or anything like that. Why? Because sexual orientation is a minor detail compared to all of the other threads that make up the fabric of a human being! What about if they are loyal, honest, and compassionate? Does it really matter what they do in the privacy of their bedroom?

I hate myself when I lose control. I hate myself when I lose my temper. But I also cannot imagine a world in which I don't try to open people's minds, no matter how futile the task is.

An Arab Wedding and Petra

I sincerely hope my English doesn't get sketchy from lack of use. What in the world would I do without writing skills.........*shudder*.

So, I'm almost done with my first session of Arabic classes. I can hardly believe how much I've learned! Apart from reading and writing relatively well, I can understand about 50% of what is said to me (if spoken slowly)! I can also get across my point in most situations, albeit by using rather roundabout words. I've done very well and aced my exams/quizzes, although it doesn't matter because it's just going to show up as 5 transfer credits on my transcript. Ah well.

I had all kinds of plans of perhaps going to Turkey or Lebanon or Egypt over my week-long break, but honestly, I'm running out of money. On that note, it costs 60 JDS to get into Petra - that's almost 90 US Dollars! Even though I was annoyed at the price, it was definitely worth it. I'm not sure how I can describe it....let's just say that it's a fabulous, massive, ancient city carved into the walls of a large canyon. I think that pretty much sums it up. Honestly, I was just as appreciative of the natural desert rock formations as I was of the ancient architecture. See Facebook/Flickr for pictures. I'm very sunburned and I saw real Bedouins! How cool.

Last night, I attended my first Arabic wedding. Before you ask me - the bride wore a white gown shipped in from the United States. Jordanians LOVE American wedding dresses. There was no church, the thing was held mostly in a hotel ballroom. We actually ate and danced BEFORE the ceremony. Oh, dancing....the party actually started at the bride's home, and I kid you not, a posse of dancing and singing Jordanians followed her out the door, into the limo, and all the way to the hotel to welcome her. Apparently I picked up Arabic dancing quite well. Whatev - it doesn't matter where you are; if you can move your hips, you can move your hips.

Sorry this blog isn't super deep, but I'm too tired to relay how surreal it was to be standing in a city that was once bustling with pre-Jesus citizens, or how much I love how full of life Arabs are. Oh wait, I just did.

Ana tabbanih kteer wa anna biddi douche wa takhti.

Ma-Salaama.

Kaye

What I've Learned So Far About Jordan

I thought it might be a good idea to sum some of this up so I can keep track. After all, one of the best things I can do with my experience is to teach everyone what I know when I get back home.

1. Most people do NOT hate Americans and are NOT terrorists. They get excited when you try to speak Arabic and they LOVE Obama.

2. Arabs are extremely hospitable, and will offer you food and drink until you burst.

3. It's considered rude to point the bottom of your foot towards someone.

4. Lots of everyday phrases like "alhamdillallah" and "insha'allah" have religious roots. You use them even if you're not religious.

5. There are radio stations that play Britney Spears and Ke$ha, and there are also radio stations that exclusively feature the Q'uran being read aloud.

6. Family is EXTREMELY important. I cannot stress how much of a role family plays in Arab society.

7. Personal space does not exist.

8. A Jordanian woman can wear whatever she wants. Your dress code is influenced mostly by your family and personal beliefs. Most women who wear hijab really believe in what they are doing.

9. The call to prayer really does go off 5 times a day, and It's beautiful.

10. Jordan needs more animal shelters =(.

I miss Michigan and I have WAY too much homework!

Nuff said. *Complain, complain*.

As Umeee makes an omelette...

I just saw my little host brother and sister fight in front of me for the first time....I can't help but find it REALLY funny. A lot of things about people and families are truly universal.

It is so hot here. I take a shower and I'm not even finished getting dressed again before I already feel gross. I think I'm getting used to it, though. Mind over matter....I have just accepted the fact that I am going to be hot for the next two months.

I had two more quizzes yesterday and I aced them both!!!

It's the weekend.....yay....I'm learning SO MUCH Arabic but my brain needs a break. I just had a big breakfast and now I'm going to sleep for a bit because it's the weekend, dangit. Tonight the gang and I are going to Souk Jara, an open-air market on Rainbow street with hand-made crafts, organic food, and other hipster-like things....=) After, we're going to another Friday-night concert nearby. They have a local artist play at Souk Jara every week!

Anyways....things are pretty quiet in Amman. Idk if you've heard about what Israel did (attacked a flotilla of humanitarian aid ships to Gaza OUTSIDE of their boundaries, those a-holes)...but don't worry, there's really nothing going on here, beyond some peaceful and security-regulated demonstrations. All demonstrations here must have govt. clearance, so that the police can ensure things stay safe.

I'm very excited because I'm going to have the chance to attend an Arabic wedding while I'm here in July!!! Joud and my aunt are already teaching me Arabic dancing...it's a good time. =)

Anyways, not much more to report.

Ma-Salaama!