I work at a Christian high school. I would be naive to believe my students somehow all share the same beliefs. But I too was a Christian in high school, and my beliefs have changed and matured since then. Part of my mission in serving at this high school is to challenge these students to see the world differently than they have before, or differently than they have been taught. Today I shared this TED talk with a group of them.
Dylan Marron is someone whose political views and lifestyle are very different that what my students are used to. If they are different than yours, watch this with an open mind: What Dylan has to say, regardless of his political opinions, is true. I believe this, and respect him. The respect that he has for those who speak ill of him is admirable.
Here are the questions I challenged my students with and now challenge you:
1. How do you respond to people who disagree with you?
- In person?
- Online?
Is there a difference? Why?
2. How would (do you) respond to online negativity or bullying?
3. "Empathy is not endorsement." What does he mean? How could this talk change someone's perspective?
4. Which person's response is the most Christ-like?
