Thursday, May 10, 2012
Thoughts of Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
My daughter, Katie, is in Ireland
When I saw this photo, I was also reminded of our discussions this week surrounding stereotyping and prejudice. The peaceful, serene photo does not reflect the troubled history of Ireland , the hostility and violence that has occurred between the Protestant and Catholic people of Northern Ireland
This hostility between the denominations continues still today to some degree, with Protestantism still representing the continued presence of England in Northern Irish affairs, while Catholicism bears the stigma of being the religion of the poor, the rebels, and the socialists intent on a free Ireland. While I don't fully understand this division, or how Christians of any denomination could ignore the biggest commandment of all, I know that our cultural perspective of Ireland's history is vastly different than their own.
My hope is that one day, stigmas will disappear, that unbiased communication will continue, and that one by one, each Protestant, each Catholic, will take steps to walk across a bridge--perhaps the bridge in the photo--to a better understanding, and a renewed, unprejudiced perspective.
For now, my thoughts of Ireland are centered on my beautiful Katherine Elizabeth, and this great opportunity she has to experience a new culture, meet new people, and share Christ's love with a renewed sense of purpose, and perspective of her own.
To read more about Northern Ireland's History:
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/northireland1.html
This hostility between the denominations continues still today to some degree, with Protestantism still representing the continued presence of England in Northern Irish affairs, while Catholicism bears the stigma of being the religion of the poor, the rebels, and the socialists intent on a free Ireland. While I don't fully understand this division, or how Christians of any denomination could ignore the biggest commandment of all, I know that our cultural perspective of Ireland's history is vastly different than their own.
My hope is that one day, stigmas will disappear, that unbiased communication will continue, and that one by one, each Protestant, each Catholic, will take steps to walk across a bridge--perhaps the bridge in the photo--to a better understanding, and a renewed, unprejudiced perspective.
For now, my thoughts of Ireland are centered on my beautiful Katherine Elizabeth, and this great opportunity she has to experience a new culture, meet new people, and share Christ's love with a renewed sense of purpose, and perspective of her own.
To read more about Northern Ireland's History:
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/northireland1.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)