When I was growing up, I remember singing a hymn in Sunday School. Our teacher would sit behind a small piano that they had in the basement. We'd all gather around her and she'd lead us as we sang, "They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. They will know we are Christians by our love." After some of the events that occurred to me yesterday, I'm left to wonder in what instance "they" will question whether or not I am. There are moments, a plethora of moments, those that are even undefinable when I've been asked, "Hey Will, I thought you were Christian!?" It is to me, a very condescending, judgmental question.
The person asking the question is bringing their own ideas of religious servitude into play, their own preconceived notions, and their own definitive ideal on what the label means. I ask what have I done, or what am I doing where you'd doubt my faith. Is there something occurring where my actions warrant disdain? But maybe, maybe my view upon the situation is not objective enough. Could the question be more of a plea, or could the question be a sign of respect. The first question (i.e., a plea); a subverted voicing of a desire to be supported in love and in prayer? The second type of question (i.e., sign of respect); an expectation built upon a respect that has been forged through previous acts and actions?
I've heard it said that prison is full of innocent people. Maybe my view on the question is an attempt to escape the accountability that comes with it. Maybe I'm pleading a spiritual innocence at my lack of devotion to a faith I boast about. No matter, questions will come and go, often the things that are touted as being workable and productive are also subject to being proven. I find it ironic that I've decided to blog about a question that I've been asked repeatedly when I know exactly why it has been asked. This post should probably be in my personal journal; hypocrisy is always looked at with disdain and disgust.
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