Recent events on campus pertain to the issue of homosexuality. Historically speaking, conflicts between and within faith communities are not something new on the map. Humans have been dealing with contradictions and alterations in traditions for, let’s see, centuries.
That said, it is necessary to temporarily overlook this philosophical topic and objectively witness the way in which the discourse was ideated. Every community experiences conflict. It is the healthy and lasting communities that grow through such an experience. Remaining stagnant and unresponsive to change is unreasonable, especially in an institution such as a college where social change is welling up and MEANT to happen. If hopeful, full of idealism and hormones, college youth don’t get worked up about something, who will!?!
The blatant events this past week reveal a weakness in our community: the ability to fairly express conflict.
Conflict is not bad. I repeat. Conflict is not bad. It is a part of the process of growth! Change is born of conflict, insert quotes from Ghandi, MLK Jr., Jesus, Paul, etc. Avoiding conflict is not helpful. Passive aggressive “acts” exacerbate, worsen and intensify conflict.
The Gustavus community must learn from the rock conflict mentioned in last week’s Weekly, as well as the Letter to the Editor incident. The rock and the Internet—they are both outlets for communication and pride, creativity and emotion to be released. It is not a mature way to jab at another community, or sub-community. Indeed, speech, direct, intentional, eye- to-eye speech is the best way for the outlet to be made.
As a community based on Lutheran heritage, it is sensible to be open to the complex definitions of these words among students, alumni, professors and members of the Gustavus community. No doubt, the liberal arts education encourages this tension. As my choir director recently put it, it is within this tension that the life is sustained! The challenge of maintaining and developing our ideals and hopes is what keeps us running the race of hope.
I’ve been blessed to witness several conversations around campus about the rock and the YouTube videos. Campus is alive with the discourse. What will we do with that? Will we all quietly tap tap tap our Facebook statuses (Latin chums, is the plural stati?) to reflect annoyance toward humanity, or will we STAND UP, look STRAIGHT and SPEAK to those we have conflict with? Do we have backbones to do that?
Dear Gusties and Gustavians, alumni, etc., peace to you all as this issue exists. May each one of us grow to confront the issue at hand and be willing and able to help as we can. May our words and actions be steps forward toward peace in our campuses, homes, churches and our nation.
“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with all” (Romans 12:18).
If direct, intentional, eye- to-eye speech is the best form of mature communication, why are you writing in a newspaper and on the internet as well?
I suppose your choice of expression and use of weekly.blog.gustavus.edu then means you realize that the use of social media does not reflect a lack of “backbone” as you put it, but a matter of convenience and a way to communicate with an audience.