Christians know that God is love and that makes love the most powerful force in the universe.
But the idea that love is weak, insincere, and "for losers" (the ultimate insult, right?), permeates society in the US. (I can't speak for other cultures, but I suspect it's similar.) How did that idea take root?
Is it because no matter how hard we try, our attempts at perfect love fall short?
Or is it an illusion set up by evil?
Or is the aggression that usually accompanies evil mistaken for real strength?
What do you think?
2007-11-01 10:33:01 · 8 answers · asked by Acorn 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think you answered your own question. I would add this to your list tho, that people don't know about love because there are so few decent examples around.
2007-11-01 10:56:07 · answer #1 · answered by FrereJacques 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because most American males are taught from birth to be tough, competitive and aggressive. "Be a man" they are told which means be strong, don't show emotion, don't cry, be tough, hit back if struck first. They are not taught to show love, kindness and gentleness so they view it as weakness. All through life, this is reinforced by other males. This influences the entire culture.
2007-11-01 21:49:45 · answer #2 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of your answers seem pretty plausable. I like #3 the best. I think that evil uses anger, greed, lust, etc. All very energetic emotions that usually prompt people to react right away and with vehemence. That reaction might be mistaken for strength, if people aren't taught any better.
2007-11-01 17:50:12 · answer #3 · answered by Bearcub 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People who do not know love, gentleness and kindness function with evil, hatered, intimadation and being miserable. It is beyond their comprehension to understand because it is something they do not possess. You can't give something you don't have....and therein lies the lie that those who do not thrive for their own constant "self" are weak.....they are as we know ever so wrong...but try to tell them that.
2007-11-01 18:45:08 · answer #4 · answered by Sage 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That beliefe comes from a capitalist, "every man for himself" mindset. The devil may have a whole lot to do with it, as he does with most evil things.
2007-11-01 17:42:04 · answer #5 · answered by bainaashanti 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
being cool is everything to people nowadays. cool means uncaring and blah about everything sad to say. So people think love isn't cool because its caring and excited about stuff. I guess thats why
2007-11-01 17:53:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it all comes down to parents and society teaching that.
A man is supposed to be tough and not show emotions ect.....
It's ridiculous but that's how it is.
2007-11-01 17:41:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't take my kindness for my weakness....
2007-11-01 17:41:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋