PEPUDA – A different perspective
I came across this letter on the internet and even though I don’t agree with everything, it might be worth reading. It relates to the PEPUDA Bill (The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Amendment) which many Christians feel poses a threat to freedom of religion or belief in South Africa. Christians are encouraged to oppose this bill but John Doe asks why. Maybe he has a point.
Dear Christian
Hi. My name is John Doe.
OK, you guessed it, that’s not my real name but, believe it or not, I actually don’t feel safe giving my real name to Christians anymore – I have been subject to enough ‘hate speech’ (that’s what we call it) in the name of truth (that’s what you call it) simply because my set of values differ from yours. Nevertheless, I have some questions for you regarding your endeavours to oppose PEPUDA.
Let me start by stating that I don’t have a problem with your values, I just have a problem with the way you communicate them. Always aggressive. Always threatening. Always sowing suspicion. Always fear-mongering. Always a victim mentality. For God’s sake people (and I don’t use this word as slander but in the sense that you are supposed to use it) – for God’s sake people, you constitute more than 70% of the people of this nation. Why don’t you use your numbers to make a difference in our communities instead of fighting the government? You are the ‘club’ in this nation with the most members. Yes, you have more people believing what you believe than even the ANC has. Why are you always so defensive and protective to keep what, according to you, you never really deserved in the first place? I find your theology of grace offensive every time I hear you fighting for your rights. I would like to ask the question of “what the hell is wrong with you” but I would rather not because I have been told too often that hell is reserved for people like me. Don’t get me started here. It really seems like you are more obsessed with hell than heaven. Sorry, there I go again.
Let me also add that I really don’t have a problem with your Jesus. I actually witness to most of what He represented. I just don’t seem to find it in many of his followers. As far as I understand – and I know I will be perceived as ignorant – there are some really appealing things I discovered. Firstly, I discovered that Jesus and I have a lot in common – we both love sinners and we both dislike religious people. The way that Jesus loved even the worst of the worst is quite appealing to us people outside the Church but the way that his followers only judge the worst of the worst is really unappealing. I honestly don’t think Jesus would have protested against PEPUDA. He would have felt safe under PEPUDA because not a single word of hatred, condemnation, or discrimination – as far as I understand – ever came from his lips. Oh, except of course when he spoke to the religious leaders. He seemed to have the same problem with them that I have with religious people. Secondly, the way that he lived is quite inspiring. However, it seems to me like his lifestyle of sacrifice and simplicity would offend most of you today (maybe that’s why you are fighting for your rights – you have too much to lose). And then thirdly, the way that he died – and I stand to be corrected here but I did actually read the four accounts of His life (I think you call it the Gospels), and nowhere did I find him telling his followers to defend what they believe – not even at the point of death. I also couldn’t find anywhere that he actually started a religion. It seemed like he was more intent on doing good than starting a religion. So, in effect, in my ignorance, I find it ironic that you are actually trying to protect something that shouldn’t really exist.
I appologise, I got sidetracked again, here is my question.
Why would you fight PEPUDA? Isn’t hate speech something that your Jesus would also oppose. Shouldn’t you applaud the ANC for taking this initiative? I’m really confused here. OK, I’m not Bible literate and I don’t speak Christianese but I have heard that Christians are supposed to be salt, like in the sense of flavouring the community, and that your speech should represent that. So, what’s the big deal? If you serve a God of love, why would you feel threatened by a law that states you are not allowed to speak hateful words. Isn’t that what you are supposed to do anyway. I really don’t understand your faith – proclaiming a God of love but fighting for your rights to speak words of hatred.
Guys, you should do some honest soul-searching. You are confusing people like me big time. You can’t use grace and rights in the same sentence. You can’t proclaim a God of love and then fear prison because maybe, just maybe, your words contain elements of hate. Eish.
Anyway. I should stop here. I am just an ignorant soul who believes in dignity and humanity and that I should be respected even by those who disagree with me. Because, after all, Jesus died for me as well, didn’t he?
Thank you for reading.
John