So I've delved into this "SexGod" book, in the hopes of really liking it despite it's being so popular. And I'm going to try to push through and finish it. But here goes my initial critique. Within the first chapter, Rob Bell is telling you why this book matters. And he goes through all the ways that humanity is connected and how people must be valued and appreciate. And I think that's where it should end. But then he must do the inevitable selling point, apparently feeding off the selfishness of human nature. He says "We don't respect the divine image in others just because we want to uphold their humanity. It isn't just about them.
It's about us."
Why? Why must it be about us also? Repecting humans is an end in itself. The very value of that should not be denegrated by suggesting that it's worth it mostly because it involves YOU, because it is better for YOU.
I know the man is trying to sell something-his book, the idea, his point. But don't do that. Don't take a good idea and then feed into the narcissism of humans by making it about the ME instead of the YOU or the US.
Loving others is the end.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
i agree one million %. (oooh, i like how the percent sign looks in this font!)
ReplyDeletemay i suggest a modification though? loving other is an end unto itself.
"We don't respect the divine image in others just because we want to uphold their humanity. It isn't just about them.
It's about us."
that's so sad. and maybe true-ish in practice... but no less sad for it.
i uphold your humanity!
Hannah... your adoring public misses you...
ReplyDelete:)