I think most of us have had negative experiences with certain groups of people (take the MECCA, for example). Which naturally leads to disillusionment. And criticism. And sarcasm. And ironic wit, if you're clever and/or snarky. And thank goodness for that disillusionment! Because it provokes honest conversation about what's really being said/done/expected. Which is how you get bad situations to change.
But sometimes (actually most of the time) disillusionment turns into cynicism. And cynicism doesn't care about improving the situation. It only cares about destroying the situation. Cynicism is not healthy. Nor God-honoring. And I truly, truly mean that. We cannot let disillusionment ferment and fester until it becomes cynicism. Instead, we must boil it down to clear-headed skepticism.
What makes skepticism better than cynicism? Both understand that something is majorly off-key. But the cynic walks away from the situation, essentially damning the community. He assumes that nothing will ever change and therefore alienates himself from the group. Meanwhile the skeptic throws himself back into the situation, desperately trying to alter its course. He constantly hopes for redemption and therefore allies himself with the group.*
That's the difference: Cynicism judges while Skepticism evaluates. Cynicism gives up, Skepticism stays engaged. Cynicism divorces, Skepticism attempts to reconcile.
And that is why I need to admit that my last two posts weren't the most well-written; they had a lot of cynical leanings. I wasn't being careful to posture my thoughts in a way that encouraged consideration and reconciliation. I wrote rather aggressively and offensively. Because honestly, that's how I've felt towards the MECCA for the past few years. Very bitter. Very nit-picky. Very external. I pulled out of the community, but continued to observe and critique it. Which isn't right. If I don't want to be a part of a group, I don't have the right to constantly critique it. I should just move on. And yet I can't help but continue to critique the MECCA, mostly because I feel so strongly about the issues.
Which means that I had better get involved and put those critiques to positive use.
Lord, have mercy.
*Not that the Skeptic is some enlightened guru, coming down to help the mortals see the error of their ways. He is just another guy in the community. With all the normal rights (to speak up and push for change) and responsibilities (commitment to the other members' well being) of a normal community member. Community, man, it's all about community.
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