I saw the bumper sticker today - "Coexist." This bumper sticker spells the word 'coexist' with symbols representing many different religions. I'm not sure the intention behind the bumper sticker but I think I have an idea . There are people in the world who try really hard to become all things to all people. I think the designer of this particular bumper sticker has an agenda. I also think the point of the bumper sticker taken really literally is almost goofy. We, all people, all religions, all genders, all ages, all colors DO COEXIST. It seems rather obvious. Are there people on other planets who have moved there because they can't coexist anymore? OK one down, one to go. The other point here is that behind this clever descriptive sticker there is a plea for acceptance. I accept that other people, cultures, religions exist and I accept that they usually have a unique perspective other than mine. (Also pretty obvious if you are keeping track) What I think is behind this bumper sticker is this - (Almost like a disclaimer) - "Each symbol on this bumper sticker represents a belief system that should be given the respect is deserves. In most cases the religion represented is the creative work of some human who has been dead for some time and what that person stood for is really nice. Be nice to all the people and let them think what they want to think but don't ever say anything to them that might cause them to struggle about the idea of why they are here on the planet in the first place." My mother in law was chatting with one of her great grandchildren and I heard about the conversation. The bottom line is this, once you are old enough you should make good choices so that who you believe in and how you live should glorify God the Father of Jesus Christ and believe that Jesus is the only ticket to heaven and the real reason a person should make such choices on how to live. This caused quite a stir in the family because my wife's sister was sure that all kids go to heaven. How is a child supposed to get close to the God of the universe when even bumper stickers suggest that "It's OK to think whatever, good luck when you die." It's a shame that so much tolerance exists at the expense of good discussion. At the very sign of a different viewpoint the blood pressure shoots up and tensions rise. Maybe the bumper sticker should say, "Let conversations COEXIST about the different ways in which God had been described and misunderstood throughout the ages. Because there are so many ways people understand who God is make room in a tolerant way to be patient in the wacky and sometimes humorous light in which God is portrayed. Please disregard what most people generally describe as God's book, the Bible, because this would cause way too much stress and possibly make us all boring." OK so I'm not so good at writing bumper stickers. Here's my point. We DO coexist, God watches us and must have strong neck muscles , He must shake His head all day long and He might even mutter things like, "Isn't it clear, my Son, their sin, mm.." Sorry COEXIST bumper sticker folks, I've got you figured out. It's a sad word on humanity, let 'em live and die but don't let 'em think.
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May, 2008