What have I learned in Metaphysical Theology this week?
I found this weeks discussion on Cultural Relativism interesting and I started to really think about what we were discussing and I recognized a correlation. With each new generation the cultures and beliefs change. Each generation seems to become more tolerable than the one that came before them. Take in point the evolving cultural beliefs and bias that have been diminished in our life time alone. In the 1950's and 1960's it was considered taboo to be in a mixed relationship of any kind. Yet, people that were true to themselves defied what the cultural beliefs at the time were. Let's take a look at Lenny Kravitz, his mother is a black woman and his dad is a white Jewish man. His parents relationship was not found to be acceptable at the time. Lenny Kravitz is an amazing musician and if you listen to the words in his songs he is speaking to the next generation about peace, love, learning to get along and about forgetting differences. I believe that the experiences Lenny Kravitz had growing up shaped his view of the world and he is an obvious advocate for acceptance.
In class I mentioned my 16 yoa Godson and his view on tolerance and acceptance. I can see the tides are changing and Cultural Relativism in relation to religion are also changing. What used to be the accepted norm in churches is now being challenged. The times are a changing, and more people are looking for a religion that fits their culture which is also changing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7wsqtg-Rs7Y
Two things: First, I like your use of Lenny Kravitz to make a theological point. Lol! Secondly, I definitely agree with you. With each new generation, barriers are being diminished, and a greater acceptance of cultural differences are being embraced!
ReplyDeleteBeing a 60+ year old, I've seen a lot of changes and a greater acceptance of cultural differences being embraced. I grew up in a segregated town with separate toilets and drinking fountains for "Coloreds". The banner strung out above the main street leading to downtown greeted visitors with the words, "Welcome to Greenville---the blackest land and the whitest people". This stayed up until the early sixties. Segregation was not a battle won easily, but it was won and there is no going back. Marriage equality and livable wages are still in progress. We will always have work to do. Another blogger reminded us, we know what we really believe by the actions that we take. Actions will win out over words every time.
ReplyDeleteDavid, It is so unfathomable that these kinds of thing happened not long ago. It just reiterates how far we have come in society. It also emphases that we are not yet there. We have not evolved to the point of complete and utter acceptance. Its my belief that the upcoming generations will know a greater acceptance and tolerance of all people and I envision Unity being front and center of this evolution. Thank you for sharing your observation of history.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great point! Values and thoughts are constantly changing. It's a great reminder for when we get caught up in our on personal beliefs and judgments. What we feel is important now, may seem irrelevant a short time down the road.
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