Chris Beebout Assignment 3

For one species, we humans have developed an astounding amount of cultural diversity. These vastly different ways of thinking manifest in each one of us across the globe, and no two people’s minds, beliefs, or philosophies are the same. Therefore, I tend to see every person in my life as a new library of thought, with a wholly unique system of understanding treasured within. By interacting with people whose brains sharply contrast ours, we can gain invaluable insights that give new depth and perspective to our lives.

One notable example of when I engaged in this mind-opening process occurred just last summer. I was on a mission trip with my youth group in Ashville, North Carolina, a beautiful city with a charming downtown not unlike ours here in Lexington. Our group had walked to a park in the town, Pritchard Park, where the city’s homeless residents gather to eat, converse, and rest. We passed out water to those who wanted it, and we began to socialize with them, putting a particular emphasis on our beliefs. It was under a pure blue sky and within the gentle embrace of a pleasant breeze where I met Ron. A scruffy, greasy-looking man in a bandana and t-shirt, Ron had the gruff countenance and of a guy not to be messed with. But I sat down next to him, and we began a casual conversation easily enough. The topic quickly turned to religion and philosophy, and in Ron, a tattooed ex-con, I found a person strikingly similar to myself. During his time in jail, he had read and pondered his existence extensively, and was keen to compare his findings with mine. Although I was Christian and he was not, we shared the view that differing religions, races, genders, and sexualities have no need to harm each other, just to learn from each other. He respected that I did not preach fire and brimstone to him, and I respected his reservations against some of my Christian compatriots. We both wanted respectful peace and a thirst for knowledge to prevail, not this bitter conflict we see today.

Before this incident, I had discussed and debated my faith with some of my peers, but the concept of “evangelizing” to strangers had always stricken me as pushy and disrespectful. Meeting Ron changed that. I saw that two people, contrary to popular belief, can share conflicting views without any trace of bigotry or insolence. Emphasizing respect has now become my goal when I spread my faith, interact with others, and even engage in class. For I realize that sharing ideas does not mean overpowering others. Sharing is learning, not conflict.