On Robert Downey, Jr. and the Duggars
I read an article recently about a reporter who brought up Robert Downey, Jr.'s past problems with drug addiction. Downey was there to promote his latest movie. The reporter wanted to discuss his past. Downey got up and left the interview. People agreed. The reporter should have stuck to business.
I now read about Josh Duggar sexaully molesting his sisters when he was fourteen years old. According to reports, the parents sought counseling for their children. (Although there are questions circulating about the type of treatment that occurred). Josh Duggar went on to work for the Family Research Council whose motto is, "Our vision is a culture in which human life is valued, families flourish, and religious liberty thrives." He resigned from his position when a tabloid reported the allegations. People are now condemning Josh Duggar and his family.
So what is the difference between Robert Downey, Jr. and Josh Duggar? Why was the first cheered and the second condemned? Is this an example of liberal media trying to harm a good, wholesome, Christian family? Perhaps our society has just gotten too liberal for its own good?
Or could it be because the first issue was public? Roberty Downey, Jr.'s problems were not hidden. They were there for everyone to see. He also never spoke out against others, condemning them for the exact same things he had done. Perhaps it is because Michelle Duggar took it upon her self to promote laws that could discriminate against others using the idea of "bathroom safety" for her daughters. Perhaps it is because Josh Duggar pretended to live such a holy life that he felt he had the right to judge others through his work.
I believe it all comes down to a mindset - that mask of perfection I write about so often. The Duggars are the perfect example of the mask of perfection. They strive to show their modesty. They strive to show their holiness. They strive to set a holy example. Because this is what they have been taught is right. This is what they have been taught God wants. This is what they have been led to believe is pleasing to God. If something goes wrong, hide it.
In a way, I see the Duggars as victims - all of them. They are victims of our Christian societal expectations. In Christianity today, Christians would not be judged so harshly by non-Christians if they were open and honest about their sins, about their shortcomings. But if they are so open and honest, they lose everything in the Christian community. That's what the Duggars knew. That's what I've experienced. But I've learned it's better to lose what I was not meant to have than to live a lie and consider myself worthy to judge others.
This is the epitome of corruption in the religious world: the mindset that we have to judge, and in order to judge, we have to appear perfect. In order to appear perfect, we have to cover up and hide our sins. Then when we are found out, we lose everything.
Somehow, I wonder if Jesus is disappointed in the religion that bears His name.
I now read about Josh Duggar sexaully molesting his sisters when he was fourteen years old. According to reports, the parents sought counseling for their children. (Although there are questions circulating about the type of treatment that occurred). Josh Duggar went on to work for the Family Research Council whose motto is, "Our vision is a culture in which human life is valued, families flourish, and religious liberty thrives." He resigned from his position when a tabloid reported the allegations. People are now condemning Josh Duggar and his family.
So what is the difference between Robert Downey, Jr. and Josh Duggar? Why was the first cheered and the second condemned? Is this an example of liberal media trying to harm a good, wholesome, Christian family? Perhaps our society has just gotten too liberal for its own good?
Or could it be because the first issue was public? Roberty Downey, Jr.'s problems were not hidden. They were there for everyone to see. He also never spoke out against others, condemning them for the exact same things he had done. Perhaps it is because Michelle Duggar took it upon her self to promote laws that could discriminate against others using the idea of "bathroom safety" for her daughters. Perhaps it is because Josh Duggar pretended to live such a holy life that he felt he had the right to judge others through his work.
I believe it all comes down to a mindset - that mask of perfection I write about so often. The Duggars are the perfect example of the mask of perfection. They strive to show their modesty. They strive to show their holiness. They strive to set a holy example. Because this is what they have been taught is right. This is what they have been taught God wants. This is what they have been led to believe is pleasing to God. If something goes wrong, hide it.
In a way, I see the Duggars as victims - all of them. They are victims of our Christian societal expectations. In Christianity today, Christians would not be judged so harshly by non-Christians if they were open and honest about their sins, about their shortcomings. But if they are so open and honest, they lose everything in the Christian community. That's what the Duggars knew. That's what I've experienced. But I've learned it's better to lose what I was not meant to have than to live a lie and consider myself worthy to judge others.
This is the epitome of corruption in the religious world: the mindset that we have to judge, and in order to judge, we have to appear perfect. In order to appear perfect, we have to cover up and hide our sins. Then when we are found out, we lose everything.
Somehow, I wonder if Jesus is disappointed in the religion that bears His name.
Very well put.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Penny!
ReplyDelete