Building on last week’s Penn, I hope I’m not a thinkist.  If you missed last week’s Penn, you might be asking, “What is a thinkist?” Well, the short answer is someone who suffers from thinkism.

I discovered the concept of thinkism in a novel by James Grippando, and I am now committed to avoiding being a thinkist. It is no longer acceptable to hate or pass judgment on someone for their gender or race, and that’s a good thing. However, in this age of instant communication, it seems quite acceptable to pass judgment and demonize someone for what they think or say.

I’m not saying that we can’t disagree with someone’s thoughts, but it’s when we personalize it and hate someone for having the audacity to disagree with us that it becomes thinkism.

A few years ago, I wrote a magazine article that was obviously more controversial than I imagined it would be. Online I was branded a liberal by some and a legalist by others. My scholarship and integrity were derided simply because I dared to express my opinion, and that was by other pastors.

And so, I will endeavour to respect the personhood and dignity of those I disagree with and refrain from thinkism. Have a great week, and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.