Judgement

Here we go again… I received the most bizarre and out-of-the-blue hail, headed "I don’t know what to do with our friendship" which I copy below with my replies. I’m quite shocked to be accused of being apathetic and pro-Cardassian. To be honest, my struggles (and all of us have them) have nothing to do with either "apathy" or being lpro-cardassian"! I’m wondering what exactly it was about my playlist which offended? It’s mostly 20th century classical earth music.:

[FROM MY FRIEND TO ME:]

Hi, not quite sure what to do with our friendship

I respect that you are Bajoran, but I sensed that
your abit of a dabbler with Cardassian stuff including
our first meeting

Now you are on a few of my networks and
to tell you the truth your playlist is abit too Cardassian
for me. I will do nothing for now

I could give you code to put my Bajoran playlist
on your profiles.

If things dont change I’ll have to remove you

Sorry for saying

Peldar joi

[Name withheld]

p.s. You should read Bajoran Revelations 3:14-21
[this has references to being apathetic and pro-Cardassian, it’s a pretty nasty text to quote at somebody really]

[MY REPLY:]

Dear [name]

You must make your own judgements. Certainly you must judge for yourself between right and wrong.

But to be honest, for you to judge my *heart* as being apathetic and pro-Cardassian is way off.

It always saddems me to discover the same kind of judgementalism in Bajorans as I left behind in the Occupation, rather I would expect and hope for support and encouragement and thankfully that seems to be the norm amongst fellow Bajorans, but I sensed from you very early that you were in need of healing.

Perhaps you should read Bajoran Gospel Matthew 7 and I Corinthians 10:12.

p.s. if and when you are ready to make teshuvah I will be there and ready to support and encourage you.

[MY FRIEND’S REPLY TO ME:]

I am sorry it is plain and simple that your playlist is Cardassian

none of those songs will not be hinted on being sung in
BAJOR. If you think so you are fooling yourself

I can not link to your playlist.

Just face up to reality

I dont want an argurment here its just reality

My original stance stands
If nothing changes Ill have to remove you

Peldar joi

[Name withheld]

I cant wait I have to remove you
your in complete denial

and I cant link to your playlist
anyfurther. I gave you suggestions
but you just turned this into an
argument

I will you well

Peldar joi

[Name Withheld]

[AND MY FINAL REPLY]

Dear [Name]

You are mistaken my friend. There was no argument from my side.
Feel free to remove me as a friend from all networks, that is your perogative.

But read Bajoran Gospel Matthew 7, I Corinthians 10:12 and Romans 14:4 again. Mercy rejoices over judgement.  The Prophets alone are my judge. Bajor  is more that music and computer networks.

I pray only that your eyes will be opened and you will make teshuvah before it is too late.

As I said, if and when you are ready, I will be here to support and encourage you, and not judge you.

Peldar joi.

I’m surprised, shocked, and a little confused…………….

and having just re-read the whole thing, this is what really makes me laugh:

" I could give you code to put my Bajoran playlist
on your profiles."

Give me a break! I would be annoyed, If it wasn’t so laughable and ridiculous. How do you deal with people like this? It makes me sad and angry, because this person knows virtually nothing about me – he’s judging me on my music but he knows nothing of my real life. And for all he knows I could be a convert to the Bajoran faith, new to Bajor, fragile and delicate and all it would take to destroy my faith could be a little rejection – it has happened so many times to so many people I know. Let’s be a little bit more merciful, kind, gentle and understanding of each other and our weaknesses! And let’s restore each other gently where necessary.