The Great Debate (standing up for what you believe)

It may seem weird that, after the last three hubs, I would go in this direction, but a recent philosophical debate has prompted me to make this Hub. I have been talking about decisions and choices as my topics of choice to help encourage those out there looking for support and answers and now I want to talk about making a stand on your beliefs. This actually makes sense when you think about it logically, as eventually you will be faced with a trial that challenges your beliefs and who you are.

Many of you reading this will automatically believe that this is going to be about Christianity, it is not. This topic is about standing up for what you believe in: not matter what creed, religion, or moral code you follow. This isn't even about religion, it is about you!!! Remember, we are who we are!

So, you have decided that you believe a certain way, in a person or whatever. Great!!! Now comes the hard part: walking it out! Not the crazy dance step, but an actual walk the walk not talk the talk. For every action, there's an equal and positive reaction (positive not always meaning good).

There will always be someone that comes along to challange or debate your way of thinking to either sway you or just see how you stand on it. Having your beliefs challanged doesn't make you wrong and the other right, doesn't mean that you are an idiot and the other is learned...it means that there are different views and an open discussion is assured. You can either cry about it, sticking your fingers in your ears and wha wha whaaaa your way out of it, ignore said person's challange or stand up.

Tact is required, because, whenever dealing with differing views, heated discourse and hurt feelings often ensure. The trick is to be respectful. Just because someone believes differently than you do, doesn't mean that you are right and they are wrong or vice versa. The point of debates is for two people to come together to sway the other. If no swaying occurs, then both should leave with the agreement to disagree.

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!!! Do not feel guilty or ostrisized because someone believes differently. Look into what you belive!!! Why do you believe it? What makes it important to you? Are there deviations? Exceptions to the rules that you may need to "explain"? That is the heart and soul of debate!

You should welcome it! Embrace it! There's going to be times you feel like an idiot for having stood for what you believe in, but look at it as a way for you to truly test your beliefs and look into them. It also burns away the "fads".

Yes, some of us believe in stuff simply because it is fashionable. Many "Christians" in the Dark Ages were Christians because there was no choice, similar to how many Philistines believed in many gods, such as Dagon. There was no researching into it, only this is what you will believe. As a result, Christianity ceased to be a religion of the person and became a religion of the masses. Look how well that turned out. A bunch of people claiming to be Christians while failing to know what that means! Similar to Atheists automatically signing onto Evolution while disregarding any other theory.

If you are going to believe in something, do the research. If you are going to be challanged, stand up, get your Google on!!! Look up stuff to back you up, or, better yet, already come prepared! All stances start off as controversial until they are accepted on a whole (Christianity is a key example, as is Atheism).

There is nothing wrong with looking stuff up to back up our stances, as a matter of fact, the opposite is true!!! You must rely on outside sources to help yourself stand, but the end of it comes to you. Even if no one else believes you and you have no other proof but a belief, as long as it is yours and you feel it is right, then hang onto it! Nobody was telling Charles Darwin that he was to write the definitive work on Evolution, yet he did. He saw how life adapts to life and changes and postulated a theory, one that is held in the higest esteem.

At the time, Christianity was the "it" thing. To deny the Maker was a big, dangerous step. Yes, there were "free thinkers" out there, but they were not the "in" crowd, nor the Policitally Correct one. This was a major step for him, but he sought out his "evidence" and became convinced that it was true. He held onto his belief and, despite having a religious wife, clung onto it the rest of his days.

No one can tell you what you believe is wrong, they can tell you their opinion of it and show their evidence, but, unless you CHOOSE to believe it, they cannot sway you. A convincing argument might change your mind, but it is still your CHOICE to make

So, in all things, make a choice that means the most to you and stick it. I love Science Fiction, my wife doesn't (ok, well, not a fan of Star Wars); does this mean that I must give it up cause my wife thinks it is childish? Should I give up something I enjoy (video games) because I'm closing in on 30?

Nope! I love video games, I love stories and I love Star Wars. These are things about me that I won't change. I find a soft peace in dreaming of a Galaxy, far, far away. My wife finds peace in crafting and playing with the kiddos. We both are Christians, yet have unbelieving friends. We both are white and love having friends of multiple different ethnicities.

Life changes us, but you must look at what you believe in and a see if it passes through the furnace of life. Sometimes, you must simply state that "this is what I believe and I don't care if you don't!" THAT is freedom!!! That is the joy that comes with not being shackled!!! Don't be shackled any longer. Believe what you believe, accept that people are different and live your life to the fullest, proud and happy that you are exactly who you are!!!!