Am I A Bigot?

I suppose what I am about to write could create a firestorm – as if anyone out there was reading this post – but I can hardly find anyone who is, so let’s see what comes.

I was reading a Ft. Worth Star-Telegram profile from Saturday, November 8th and the person being profiled was quoted as saying, “either you’re a bigot or you are not.” Since I have never thought of myself as a bigot, and I would protest loudly if someone named me as a bigot, I figured I’d best do some research.

It is vital that one understand that I am going to write from a particular and quite singular perspective. I checked the definition of “bigot” in my dictionary (a Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, fifth edition, published in 1936. Hey, it has served me well for a long time, so I just never bought a new one) and here is what it says: One obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his own church, party, belief, or opinion.” 

Hear me carefully! I am obstinately and intolerantly devoted to THE CHURCH, the Body of Jesus Christ, Lord of Heaven and Earth. I believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God. (I don’t have a “party” and I try to avoid having too many “opinions”) I am not remotely interested in tolerating or even entertaining the idea (as inferred by the one profiled in the story mentioned above) that it (the Bible) is a “tradition.” I will not accept the “idea” that “earth-centered” religions, humanism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism (for example) are all equal and valid. Abortion, Homosexuality, Divorce, Murder, Gossip, Slander, Arrogance, Pride, Envy, Deceit, and Malice (for example) are sin. God hates sin, and so do I. While it is true that both God and I are in the sinner lloving business, and God is in the sinner redeeming business, we both are bigoted in our commitment to Truth as He has revealed it.

So does that make me a bigot? Looks like it! You know what? I can live with that!