The situation that I experienced conflict between my own values and the values or beliefs of another group I belong to involved my church, St. Ignatius of Loyola in Cincinnati. I knew about this difference in beliefs previously, it just wasn’t talked about or focused on as much in the past. I discovered this difference at a Sunday mass during the priest’s homily. I had always known that the Catholic Church has been against homosexuality and criticized its practice. Personally, I believe that anyone, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, etc., has the right to feel however they want to feel and has the right to express themselves. On this particular occasion, our priest was not shy to talk about, as the church views it, “the evils of homosexuality,” and to talk about it quite vividly. Even to me and my family and friends around me, that do not identify as homosexual, it was uncomfortable to listen to. What disturbs me the most about this is the fact that, the way I see it, to use a colloquial phrase, love is love. It bothers me that the church seems to have so much hate towards two people, of any variety, that love each other, especially since the church has such strong, positive teachings on love. I understand part of the church’s stance on homosexuality, that being that homosexuality is not by itself procreative. However, in some states at least, they have the option of adoption to help build and support a human life. Also, Jesus’ only teachings related to the subject are all positively-centered around love. The irony to me is humorous, that a church that preaches so much on love, loving thy neighbor, and being accepting to others can have so much hate towards two people that love each other. I have tried to delve into this conflict by listening and presenting discussions to people within the church, specifically a very religious teacher of mine in high school. I discovered quickly that, for whatever reason, having this discussion is pointless, as church members and officials do not budge even a little bit on this issue. While this conflict bothers me a little bit, I try to simply hold to my personal belief, and not have it impact my faith or my involvement with the church.
2 Comments
Erin
4/7/2015 10:30:54 am
This was a great example, Adam. This is a perfect example when you value of faith conflicts with your value of love and equality for all people. While you might not be able to reconcile this clash, know that some of your values will be in conflict with one another at times. In these moments, you will need to reflect on how to deal with the situation and which value will prove most important in the situation.
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Sam
4/10/2015 07:00:50 am
Thanks for sharing, Adam. You gave a very clear example of a conflict. I'm glad you recognize that your values are your own and no one can take them away from you. I encourage you to think about your values as you write your philosophy of leadership paper. How do leaders hold their values? There are many leaders who became well known for going against the grain.
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