Here's the thing - I'm not American. I was born in America. I have American citizenship. I'm white and I have very little accent. But despite my appearance, I am definitely not American. I moved to Israel when I was three and spent almost my entire life there. I may seem American, but as far as American society and culture, I'm occasionally clueless. This sometimes leads to great confusion and some awkwardness, as happened in class today.
The class is called "Mental Health Assessment of Children," and it is, as you might imagine, about assessing the mental health of children. At one point in the class the subject of cultural differences came up.
One woman (an American, like the rest of the class - I am pretty sure everyone but me is American) said something about how kids in other cultures receive more care, love, etc as children than American white children, which have more distanced parents. Just last quarter I wrote a research paper about child abuse in the USA and in Japan (see the rest of my blog, it's posted there), and I grew up in Israel, so I know that's not true, at least from what I've seen. Japanese kids and Israeli kids suffer just as much abuse, they suffer just as much from emotionally detached parents, etc. So I pointed out that I grew up in Israel and didn't really notice any significant difference. I also pointed out that in many other cultures, people don't even realize that children are very different from adults. Typically children are NOT treated as the center of the family, etc, as this woman imagined - rather, they're treated as miniature adults. America, in my opinion, is definitely not worse off than most other cultures as far as child-rearing. In many ways, America is better.
So I said all this, and she disagreed somewhat - it was a very quick exchange, the whole conversation was maybe three minutes. And then the instructor cut us off and we moved on and I thought no more of it.
After class though, one of the women involved in this brief discussion came up to me and started talking about how much she appreciates my style of debate. Another classmate, an older man (I am the youngest in the class, I believe...) came up to me as well to tell me that he really appreciated my input, that I'm bold, that I stand up for myself, that he felt my debate added to the discussion.
Wait a sec... what debate? I didn't debate. It was a three-minute conversation. We barely discussed it at all. That's a DEBATE? O.o It was barely a discussion.
So, the kind woman who first approached me educated me about American culture and how Americans debate. She's American, yes, but also Jewish, and that makes a big different in debate, and in being willing to debate things at all. Judaism is very, very big on debating. Check out the Old Testament - all the great Jewish scholars, leaders, etc, debated with God himself. Our holy texts are actually made up of passionate arguments between scholars. During Passover, one of the rituals is when the youngest child at the table gets to ask why - why this night is different, why we celebrate this night. And the adults answer.
Jews - and thus, Israelis, who are mostly Jewish - are very big on debating. Walk into a Jewish-Israeli house in Friday night and you'll likely find twenty people shouting at each other... but hey, it's just a debate, nothing to get alarmed at.
On the other hand, I've tried debating American Christians. The difference is rather startling, to say the least. You have to be politically correct. You have to word things very carefully. When I debate (or say anything, really), I don't like to beat around the bush. I just say what I mean. Apparently this was what was so startling in class... perhaps especially since it came from the youngest member.
But American Christians? They often can't debate at all, because they often aren't allowed to even question. If they ask why, it's sinful. You can't question God and you can't question the Church and you can't question your parents, or any kind of authority, really. You're supposed to just accept everything blindly. You're supposed to trust. Blind faith, something which I think is a terrible and extremely dangerous thing, is actually considered a GOOD thing for an American Christian.
Questioning is bad and dangerous. You might be led off the righteous path. But really... if you don't fully understand that path, how do you know it's righteous? How do you know the authority is telling you the truth - how do you know that the authority KNOWS the truth? How did they get their "truth" in the first place? Someone asked. Someone questioned. Someone demanded explanations.
Try to imagine a moment a world with no questions. A world where people simply have faith in their leader, whether their leader is a person or a god (though often, the lines between human and god become blurred). Where questioning is bad and sinful.
Hm, doesn't that kind of sound like the world of the Third Reich? All those people who stood by watching as their neighbors and friends were packed off to ghettos, were tortured and murdered - they were just doing what they learned to do as good white Christians. They were listening to their leader, their furher, their god.
Religion taught them not to question - God knows all, you must never question God, must never ask why, above all, must never disagree. You must simply accept that what God says is what must be done. You don't ask why. Their upbringing taught them not to question as well. What is a well-behaved a child? An obedient child. A child who does not question. A child who obeys blindly.
Progress is not blindly following authority. Progress is knowledge and understanding so you know who to follow - and when not to follow, but to lead. Never assume you're not as good as any wise man or woman who changed history with their questions. One person can change the world, and there's no reason it shouldn't be you.
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I do not feel pressure to not question about religion. However, I know that if I do question it, rather than just keeping those questions to myself, or shouting them in public, I should go to a local religious leader and ask them, calmly, about what I'm feeling. As should every one else. Once you've done your research, talked to people who really understand their stuff, then go ahead and shout in public if you want.
I learned about apologetics (defending faith on intellectual grounds) when I got to college. I think that had a lot to do with the church I attended being run by Dominicans, which is an order of Catholicism whose members are devoted to learning and has produced philosophers such as Albertus Magnus and Thomas Aquinas.
I admire both these men for establishing a school of Philosophy and Theology, integrating Aristotle's teachings into the school's curriculum, and especially Albertus Magnus, for advocating that science and religion should coexist.
I am not an expert on Catholic teachings. I know most of them, and why they exist--but I haven't studied them to the point where I can debate them for any period of time. I don't even agree with a few of them. But I have been taught enough (by my religious leaders) to know that questioning my beliefs is the only way to learn more about them and grow in my own faith.
Thomas Aquinas teaches that truth is known through both reason and faith, not faith alone. I wish more religious people were taught this.
I really enjoyed this blog. Thank you for sharing it. :-)
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sawaboof
"...There is a crushing guilt that comes with being a Catholic. Whether things are good or bad or you're simply... eating tacos in the park, there is always the crushing guilt."
-30 Rock-
This reasoning is one of my main reasons for being against religion (specifically Christianity, as with most Americans, if you are't a specific religion already, christianity is the kind of the first one that people introduce to you). I am a fairly analytical person, and I can not just give my blind faith to something with no proof or reasons to believe other than faith. I just can't bring myself to believe in that, and I don't like to fake who I am.
I thoroughly enjoyed this blog... keep posting!
Who told you that Christian Americans can't question?
"In a world where we all can't make up our minds, we are definitely too sure of ourselves."
J for the juicy truth
In my and other people's observations, they typically feel unable to. That of course does not mean that ALL Christian Americans can't/don't question.
Although I appreciate the underlying point about having and exercising the ability to question, I'd take umbrage to comparing Christians to Hitler's Germany of the 1930-1940's!
Another point is in regards to your assumptions on the perceptions that Christian's (your debates with American Christians) must be PC, or that they must otherwise follow a straight and narrow path because of their supposed reaction to questions broached, or discussed. This understanding of Christians seems very straight and narrow of an opinion on your part. As you yourself stated, holding cultural differences aside, one persons thoughts, opinions and perceptions are different regardless of where in the world they live. One of the reasons we must question is to learn; and in that learning we realize that there are many things that have no answers... this to many is called faith. Faith is what many Christians believe in with regards to their beliefs and actions. Criticizing faith as an unnecessary or PC version of something or someone begs the questions of whether or not the right questions or answers are being asked and/or learned by all parties.
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http://progressiveu.org/blog/profstevevo
"Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?” (Sun Tzu)
Hm, doesn't that kind of sound like the world of the Third Reich? All those people who stood by watching as their neighbors and friends were packed off to ghettos, were tortured and murdered - they were just doing what they learned to do as good white Christians. They were listening to their leader, their furher, their god.
Read over that again. Nowhere did I compare Christians to the Germans of the Third Reich. In fact, I didn't even say the word "Germans" or "Germany" at all, I was referring to pretty much all the people in occupied Europe.
Certainly there are many exceptions, and many Christians who fully understand their faith, dare to question, and do not follow blindly. However, GENERALLY speaking, they are taught not to question.
Regardless of whether or not you specified German's or Europe, your implications concerning a truly horrible event in the history of mankind with the implications of how Christians are just like them by stating "they were just doing what they learned to do as good white Christians" can be considered ignorance on exactly what the concept of Christianity is, how they act, or even considering what their beliefs are. This disparity is quite obvious on how you compare Christians to others (ie... the Third Reich).
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http://progressiveu.org/blog/profstevevo
"Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?” (Sun Tzu)
Most Europeans were raised as "good white Christians". I believe that the way they were reared (be quiet, be obedient, be "good", don't question, it's a sin and that's just the way it is, always trust adults and authority, etc) was the main reason why they allowed so many atrocities to occur.
That's a bit of a blanket statement. There are plenty of good Christian debaters and plenty of lousy Jewish ones (though a minority lol). It's American culture that I put the blame on. It's gotten kind of apathetic.
(And where do the Italians fit in to all this? If we're talking stereotypes, they're practically identical to Jews.)
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
AMEN!!
"In a world where we all can't make up our minds, we are definitely too sure of ourselves."
J for the juicy truth
Of course it's a blanket statement. Should I have added a disclaimer saying, "Of course, not ALL Christians are like this", etc etc? It's a general statement, I know many Christians who are fantastic debators.
Why is it a stereotype? I pointed out some things in Judaism that encourage questioning and debate, so if it's a stereotype, it's a true one.
Italians are irrelevant...? Although I do have a bit of Italian blood in me, I am not Italian.
I was being jocular.
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
...I don't even know what jocular MEANS. ;_;
Joking.....
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
Um. I assume it wasn't you who put my blog on the front page, but, since you're a staff member - does that mean I get the bonus points for the Defining Progress thingie?
lol. I don't even know how to nominate people. I read it, but forgot. And, no. I have no idea. But don't say it like that. I do like it. :dances:
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
Oh! Okay. :D Yay!
I didn't even notice your tag. I just thought it was a good blog, and nothing had been promoted in a couple days. Also, you won't get anything until after the challenge ends, when we can actually judge all the entries.
~C
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People may try to argue that most christians urge questioning. But what was scary to me was exactly how correct Kiota's statements were. And, these ARE the beliefs of the Conservative, who in turn, are THE biggest mouths on the religious debate. They like to flaunt their power of the minds of their followers and disregard any opposition loudly, openely and without shame in public. So, it's not a matter of being close-minded when saying Christianity requires absolute obedience...it's what's publicized. The smaller amount( or larger) of Christians that have open minds and aren't extreme conservatives have a much smaller voice. I feel that they should be more active and more agrreable. DO NOT be bullied by stubborn ignorance. Just because you worship the same God, doesn't mean you need to agree.
-Monica
how refreshing to hear such forward, simple talk! thank you! thank you! way to risk being controversial! :-)
you have made very just observations of american culture. as an american christian, and as you are accustomed to casual debate, do not be offended at this brief defense of my faith: we ARE taught to question (and as others have commented, some are bolder than others).
We question because: Iyov questioned Adonai, and the prophets cried out to him as he unfolded heavenly mysteries. He invited His people to question: "'Come, let us reason together' ...," (Yesha'Yahu 1:17). Yeshua debated the Prushim (and would teach in a debating, questioning style to his talmidim), frustrating tradition and doctrine. Paul was a Parush who was accustomed to these controversies, and he debated and explained doctrine throughout the new testament.
In addition, I have tinkered with other world views and have found no other god to have such satisfying answers.
I do not know if you are Jewish in the sense that you worship Y_____, but if so, you know that, from many Torah examples, that Adonai, too, requires faith. (Think Avraham, Noach, etc...) Not just Yeshua. (I would even argue, as a side note, that he did not even ask us to "switch gods" or to forget the mitzvot--to start having blind faith in something else. He showed us the heart of Adonai and how to worship Him!)
So I question fearlessly! :-) Thank you for questioning too!
Ok, I'm usually good at figuring out the English names, but Iyov is throwing me off. Help a girl out?
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
Job.
Thanks :)
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
Thanks :)
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
:-h
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"when you have nothing else to say, "Fwonk" is always the perfect thing."
"yeah well, fwonk"
--Devon
Fanaile Essence
Christians aren't allowed to question things? Since when? I'm a Christian, was brought up in a Christian home, even in a Christian school. In all my time of growing up and of going to school both my parents and my teachers have encouraged me to question everything I hear. And asking God why, isn't a sin. I don't like to, but that's me. To question why is to have a working mind. Don't take things for face value when they're told to you, do the research yourself, find out for yourself if it's right or wrong. Questions are good, questions mean your thinking and personally I love to think and I love asking question, it's usually how I argue a point, as may have been noted with my first two sentences.
You said, "What is a well-behaved a child? An obedient child. A child who does not question. A child who obeys blindly."
Most things a parent tells a child should be done, such as "don't cross the street without looking", "don't talk to strangers", "don't sit too close to the TV.", etc. These are told to a child for their own good, now a child may ask why and a good parent shouldn't rebuke a child for these questions, because the child really wants to know. A parent should explain that crossing the street without looking might mean they could get hit, or talking to stranger might mean that that stranger might kidnap them, or even with sitting to close to the TV it could hurt their eyes. These are all things told to a child for their well being. If a child is told to do something that is morally or legally wrong, and they know it's morally or legally wrong, than they should not do if. If they're told to shoot a person just because, they shouldn't, it's wrong. Questions should never, ever be rebuked, they should be considered always. Questions lead the essence of knowledge. How do you think have the things we know to day came about, people wanted to know why and they asked questions.
Trust me, Christians asking questions about our own faith, not wrong. I see it done in the classroom on a day-to-day basis and it usually leads to some great debates. So don't assume all Christians hate questions and questioning, because it's defenitely wrong.
I was speaking of Christians in general and childrearing in general. Obviously there are exceptions.
It is generalisms that tend to get people in trouble...
I have journeyed far in order to discover my own faith. Through all the religions Ive studied Ive found that they all prefer to enfold the intelligent. Not one has ever had an issue with questioning. People, who fear questions, invariably have something to hide. Religions are the same way.
~~~><~~~
"One of the things that draws writers to writing, is that they can get things right that they got wrong in real life, by writing about them"
~ Tobias Wolffe
Not one has ever had an issue with questioning.
And THAT is not a generalism?
I don't see how Christianity, generally speaking, "enfolds the intelligence".
I don't see how Christianity, generally speaking, "enfolds the intelligence".
Enfolds the intelligent (not "ce"), and I was speaking about all religions. Not my own in particular.
Your statement leads one to believe that you have a thoroughly unhealthy view of religions not your own.
Faith can be had by all, true faith only comes from questioning. Questioning the tenets, the practices, and above all the article of your devotion.
I have found that there are ideals in ALL religions that a good person should aspire to uphold.
Also, in regards to:
And THAT is not a generalism?
I didn't say I was above using generalisms, I said they tend to get people into trouble.
:-h
~~~><~~~
"One of the things that draws writers to writing, is that they can get things right that they got wrong in real life, by writing about them"
~ Tobias Wolffe
Well, I agree with you for the most part. Many times [too much] questioning is looked on as bad or a lack of faith in God in my Baptist household. My mother doesn't force religion down my throat, but she once told me she would be devastated if I did not believe in God. That doesn't mean I don't question religion as well as all other things around me, and I believe there are many other Americans and Christians who go about qquestioning the way I do.
The more I read your post, the more I get confused; was this about religion or child abuse? You go from being [not] American to child rearing and then questioning things. I'm confused. Do you think Americans don't question, or that just Christians don't question? What is your reason for not being American [of course, it is your choice on what you are but you seem to stress the point of not being American so much it must be vital to the plot; I'm just unsure of what that is.] Is your argument with the lack of the progressive movement in America or in Christianity?
She's not American because she spent most of her life living in Israel.
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
Well, I want to say first off that I know at least slightly what you mean. I've been to foreign countries before and it's really hard to get down what is ok and what isn't ok. I agree completely with the whole Christian debate things. Whenever I try to talk to one of my friends about my beliefs and lack thereof, they get offended and act as though I am the devil and going to hell. Unlike regular debate, if you don't believe what they believe, then it is wrong. This is one of the reasons I've avoided discussing anything religious in such a long time.
....and there's no reason it shouldn't be you."
Awesome. Especially since you're the youngest in class.
Changing the world might well start with changing one's own. A journey of a thousand light-years starts with a single step. [To paraphrase.]
Making a difference, say, with a single abused child or closed religious-mind 'debater' strikes me as a terrific place to start.
"To be on the wire is life. Everything else is only waiting. " :Joe Gideon