thank you Karen for sharing this. I am shocked. This is one reason I have such a difficult time communicating and watching the convention and relating with others. I have several Sikh neighbors.
They believe in God and they are good honest loving people.
I could go on, but your explanation is good. I hope others will learn. I am sick of the hating.
I'm really appreciating this corner of the conversation. I am not a Christian. I am (also) adamant about protecting freedom of religion; I include the right to not believe in the God or Gods of others, and with the expectation of moral behavior from all of us. I'm also an old leftist -- from back when the people of the left valued community, connection and care, and the freedoms written into the Constitution. I detest what the left has become: the main mouthpiece for tyrants who would have us become transhuman slaves. The knee-jerk reactions, the quick divide into us v them along with the fear of difference, and the polarization coming down from the visible political top, unnerve me. I hope we can work across differences to find areas of agreement, and to work to tolerable solutions that honor all critically-thinking minds.
I am really glad to read your comment. My hope for Break Free has always been that people of different opinions, faiths, whatever, could come here and share ideas respectfully and intelligently. The best way I can describe myself is a follower of Jesus. Having been canceled by everyone from left to right to Christian to atheists, free speech is extremely important to me.
That’s what America should be about . Tolerance when needed and cooperation when possible , but always striving for maximum freedom . We’ve lost our way.
Diana, your words echo so many others I’ve heard across all forms of social media and even those of some people I know. I honestly believe many of us have not radically changed our beliefs to fit into “The Left” or “The Right” but rather those parties have changed what they espouse.
This has been my belief all along. If you respect the Constitution then you must allow for freedom of religion and worship. You must not demand the nation only worship the one true God. Christians who do so must then demolish the Constitution.
Thank you for writing this about her, Karen. Ignorance is so contagious these days! I am also very sorry you went through that abuse with your husband! I recalled her name, but didn’t know anything about her. So many people are like rabid dogs these days no matter what side. Of course, the left is much worse with all their posts wishing the shooter didn’t miss President Trump. God help our country! What the left really doesn’t understand is that Obiden/Obama want all of us dead not just the right. They won’t be spared by the violent illegals killing innocent people. I asked my leftist brother in law that not long ago if he thought these violent illegals will ask him who they voted for before attacking or killing them and he looked at me like a deer in the headlight. Nope!! They’ll get the same treatment.
I am sorry to hear that! My husband’s side are extreme leftists and no matter how much we have helped them over the years we are still right wing extremists!! I am fortunate that my immediate family is conservative, but our cousins are extreme left too!! There is no getting through to them. I am a give them the facts person, and they don’t care! They’ll take the lies, and won’t even consider the truth! I was an elected Treasurer for 18 years and we would have these extreme left people distort important work we were doing for the community and we had to present all the data over and over because of their lies and distortions to hurt our community, and it was always a battle even when you present the information in black and white! People wonder why you don’t get many really good people running for office….that is one of the primary reasons. It’s such a battle even when everything you are doing is honest, open and communicative. I finally retired after 18 years and I would never go back in the environment that exists now!
yes, I understand the helping part. We have helped them purchase computers phones, phone plans, health plans, and numerous other aspects of savings on daily living expenses. My hubbs and I have done all of the trust and estate work (siblings too cheap to hire a lawyer) etc etc. We have studied learned and explained, we show the work on paper, created the cloud for the records etc.... They still ask the same questions, and there is always that bit of distrust (like, really?.... really?)
.... but we are the stupid people.
I understand completely, your experience with working with others and that battle.. and that relief of getting out of it after 18 years.
Last time I checked, 1A hadn’t been repealed. What better way to demonstrate America’s ideals than to speak and make this sincere offering at a venue that is part and parcel of the process of choosing and forming (peopling) our next government. Kudos to Harmeet and RNC for having her.
I would go one further and suggest someone could offer a prayer to their (non-Christian) god. 1A is most important when it is unpopular speech, just as it is with unpopular religion.
Thank you for this! I don’t know much about the Sikh religion but I find the bit I do know fascinating. And as a Jew, in was thrilled to see a benediction offered in something other than a Christian benediction. Don’t get me wrong—I have no objection to that per se. It just gets tiresome when that’s the only flavor on offer.
Ditto here--mot too & also I know nichts 'bout the Sikhs--but any beautiful prayer is welcome an' a blessing to all who can receive it! An' I hope MOST of those present received it an' that the naysayers are few.... I give props to the stuffy (once? still?) RNC for allowin' a heartfelt prayer from this fine lawyer an' of course it should be in her own faith AND agreed, it's a nice change ta see a little variety.
Many folks still believe this is a "Christian country" (an' needs to "be" that way) an' tho it certainly has been founded on "Christian principles" in the best way possible--it also has foundations that include Iroquois Nation "democratic" tenets AND (many will git their panties in a bunch 'bout this) Jewish judicial structure an' morals too
So tho' I think there might be "a lotta angry" at this point in time if any kind of jewish prayer was to grace the RNC (which used ta be known for not likin' joos hence joos "mostly" voted on the left which "once" was more welcomin'...) -- an' given the undeserved vitriol served this brave lady Miz Dhillon (Esq!)--I think it's a nice step in the right direction of tolerance. ('specially at a time where folks are sayin' NO there ain't no "judeo"-christian values--only christian values as joos have none!--lol, but true they're sayin' this!--'specially since Vance--(I'm actually skeptical of the guy for other reasons)--is pro-Israel....Lordy the jaws flappin' bout that stance that he's just some zionist "shill" (as is The Donald) when my greater concern 'bout the fella is his major ties ta big pharma & big media...that directly affect US internal policy) But that's how the "right" is "rollin'" now... seein' this all over (sigh)
Anywho... I'm with ya fully that it's nice for those of us soooo carefully watchin' the tolerance barometer ta see a pro-America human of another faith be welcomed--with hope that this is a good sign! One day a chewish prayer might be said an' folks won't snap back bitterly that "it's cuz WE own the country an' are drivin' it ta ruin & how dare we, yadayada"... Gad Saad made a speech 'bout that--i.e. that nobody recognizes there are many joos on the "right" or at least who have left-the-left who don't buy inta the sorry state of affairs of the "left"--he says it's like he an' others not "with" the woke agenda are invisible! Thus, may it happen that a jewish prayer or blessin' can--in future--grace any space sincerely an' not be "indicative" of some kinda nefarious takeover. -- I'll hold out fer that if our nation survives that long!
Beautiful, nice work. I think Harmeet missed an opportunity to explain this. Evango Christians having to embrace Sikh prayers without any understanding what you describe is too big an ask. It felt off for a movement that has been birthed and brought to power by dedicated evangelical Christians in large part. Do not reduce this to 'bigotry'. It was a screwup in how it was presented and explained, IMHO...
I’m not sure about that, tbh. The production of the RNC seems quite hamhanded and unprofessional so far. I used to produce small events and just throwing speakers up there without a clear unifying theme or coherent messaging, without really thinking about the audience, is a recipe for failure. I see lots of ‘winging it’ going on. Am I making any sense?
I completely disagree. It’s been very clear to me that the message has been unity and by including people from all walks of life, it demonstrates that the Republican Party accepts all. It has not seemed haphazard to me at all. I’ve seen posts on line where people stated that they tuned in just because of the assassination attempt, even though they were disenfranchised democrats or libertarians, and that they were so amazed at the swelling of patriotism they felt watching. While this convention may not be some slick production, it feels human and patriotic and that is touching people. Who needs another Hollywood production?
Switch to decaf, Judy. Reading your comment, it would seem you agree to me that the production hasn't been 'slick', yes? Why you have to equate that with Hollywood I do not know. I produce my own music and video, and have produced events in commercial settings of different types. In this case, my initial criticism here came after complimenting Karen for writing a great and necessary piece.
My criticism was of the RNC for not putting a more coherent narrative around Harmeet's speech and the meaning of it. How many in the crowd, or those watching at home, even know that Sikhism is distinct from Hinduism? How would any evangelical Christian who busted their butt since the Tea Party days to actually smash the Republican party open, to have a populist party and convention, to only be presented with what they might consider idolatry? Do you know how many Christian churches have been home base for politically organizing a grass roots movement on the Right? I think it's not hard to understand why some Christians would feel the sting of it.
I put that in context with other things I saw that seemed not smooth or coherent. That's all. It's a mild criticism. The message has been unity, yes and this was part of it. But you'd better explain it. Imagine the roles are reversed. A Sikh party has finally gotten into power and is getting real support after decades of work. And they go to their political party convention, and a Christian gets up and does some really devotional Jesus worshipping? Do you not think some of the Sikh's might go, 'Hey, wtf?' Just saying. I think the RNC and Harmeet herself could have done a better job positioning it all and framing a clearer narrative that, for example, made clear that it wasn't an idolatrous prayer. That's a venal, mortal sin for an observant Christian.
No need to justify your statement. I wasn’t attacking you, simply presenting a different point of view. I thought we were allowed to do that. Sorry if I offended you. That certainly wasn’t my intention.
You're perfectly entitled to have your own point of view. That's why we're all here on this forum. I liked your comment; it was positive and full of hope.
Not offended I just think you have more sympathy for Sikh's than you do the evangelical Christians who've been grinding away on the ground for decades to bring about this revolution in the Republican party. Like do you not understand how they believe this is 'their movement' in very legit, real ways, yes? While most Republicans were sitting on their ass for the past 30 years, they have been organizing, busy on nights and weekends at endless rallies, with it all looking hopeless and them fighting despite the odds. Constantly advocating, mostly losing and often dismissed as somehow wrong and bigoted because they thought Christianity was respected and valued as the basis for American virtue.
I'm sorry, I didn't see Sikh temples holding rallies or organizing against Clinton, and then even Bush, and then Obama. I must have missed it. I also detect in you and Karen this strange white American female thing where you are axiomatically excited about anything not American/Christian. Step back and think about it for a second. This is a nation founded on Christian virtues, by Christians who saw the advent of our nation as providential, you do understand this, yes? While we are always tolerant of religious difference, we live in Christendom. Christians indeed have some right to want their culture and values honored and centered.
The Republicans are supposed to be the party that is defending Christians from the endless assault to Christian virtues and Christians themselves. Yet when they go to their convention, they here frikking Sikh prayers?? Give me a break, they have every right to be put off by it.
You ignored the scenario I painted above. Imagine being a Sikh in India and you had to listen to a 2 minute, very devotional evangelical Christian prayer, shoved at you for the sake of virtue signaling diversity at your political parties nominating convention. Ff course you understand. It's just that it's Christians complaining, so you don't give a shit.
Me? I think it was handled poorly and I also think that it was handled poorly signals a fundamental lack of respect for the Christians who built the movement Trump and others ride to victory. Don't ever forget who did the ground work to get us here, as much as I don't like some of the evangelical politics. It wasn't substack writers who brought us to this place of active opposition and real political power, while crushing the old guard Republican scumbags. It was the evangelical Christian who did so.
Do they not deserve some respect for having done so? I think so. I really do.
From what little I have read about Sikh religion, they aren't big on proselytizing. My impression is that she was practicing her faith, openly, but making an effort NOT to proselytize.
Thank you so very much, Karen, for your wonderful work! You are so very on-point with this piece (peace!).
Some demographic info about me: 65 year old grandma, married, Roman Catholic (convert, not cradle). Conservative Republican (former Dem). Middle class, but struggling to pay for my live-in grandchild's education at a parochial Catholic high school in our Diocese (in addition to our huge property tax bill which is nearly as expensive ... plus the not only fed but state income taxes here in Michigan-OUCH!).
Harmeet Dhillon initially had me back on my heels a bit when she began praying. But once I realized that she was obviously not from a violent-political-ideology-disguised-as-a-religion (you know of which I speak), I relaxed and began to listen to the sheer beauty of her prayer. I believe God sends us beauty for many reasons, and in many guises. And then after I was done watching the convention for the evening, I looked up various religions that would have gurus, and easily found info on Sikh religion. Aside from their belief in certain gurus (who I personally know little of), some of their tenets are very neatly parallel with some of the Virtues in Roman Catholicism.
As for those who are outraged at her prayer at the convention: It is heinous for a people who purportedly believe in freedom to look with such antagonism on believers in other (non-aggressively-violent) religions!
Furthermore, my Roman Catholic faith instructs me to try to think the best of people, barring evidence to the contrary!
And speaking of evidence, as Karen's excellent article above points out, Harmeet Dhillon herself has been very energetic in fighting for the rights of our citizens, including me and thee!
Ok, sorry I got a bit rant-y there.
I also want to share my impression of what was going on in your "A beautiful little story about a Sikh man". I suspect he knew of your troubles, and was addressing them in the way he knew best: by giving encouragement in you running/training (as you mentioned above), but also in trying to help you to continue in developing what he probably saw in you even then -- your warrior spirit. My guess is that he probably prayed and meditated a great deal on how to help you, and was doing his part in keeping you from utter despair. In that, I too, though never having met this man, am grateful to him for his benevolent acts toward you.
Maybe I'm wrong about his process, as I've been known to read into things occasionally. But obviously he was a kind soul, as have been all of the few folks I've ever personally known to be of the religious identity: Sikh.
Personally, when I am present at the prayers of a non-Catholic, I simply don't pray the same exact thing as they do. Sometimes I don't pray any of it, if it's inimical to my beliefs as a Catholic. However, it is NEVER out of line, IMO, to silently pray for the person's eyes to be opened the whole TRUTH, and to He who IS TRUTH!
Oh, this actually brought some tears to my eyes. First of all,.I know the joys and challenges of caring for a grandchild and the worries with the bills. Kudos to you for being there for your grandchild.
What you said about the young man who helped me is so insightful. Thank you, your words meant a lot to me.
And many people have said something similar to you, that they felt put off at first and then let their prejudices be put aside and listened with their hearts. Then, looked up to find out more about Sikhs. God bless you!
Karen, thanks for sharing this remarkable woman's accomplishments. There should be no criticism of her making her speech at the RNC. Only stupid, ignorant people will complain about her invitation to talk to convention members.
thank you. there is a rather large Sikh community near me in northern california. i have had only a tiniest bit of contact with any of them. that said, when i think of what i think i might know of them...=) methinks they are a very fine community. and, seem to be a better example of Christ's way of life than most Christians i have encountered. dave
thank you Karen for sharing this. I am shocked. This is one reason I have such a difficult time communicating and watching the convention and relating with others. I have several Sikh neighbors.
They believe in God and they are good honest loving people.
I could go on, but your explanation is good. I hope others will learn. I am sick of the hating.
You're gonna get flack for this. But I have to agree. People who seek peace should not be hated or feared.
That's why I say it! Never one to shy away from speaking out against tyranny in all its forms.
Also why I, a Bible-believing Christian, think that protecting religious freedom must be a top priority. Project 2025 makes me nervous.
I'm really appreciating this corner of the conversation. I am not a Christian. I am (also) adamant about protecting freedom of religion; I include the right to not believe in the God or Gods of others, and with the expectation of moral behavior from all of us. I'm also an old leftist -- from back when the people of the left valued community, connection and care, and the freedoms written into the Constitution. I detest what the left has become: the main mouthpiece for tyrants who would have us become transhuman slaves. The knee-jerk reactions, the quick divide into us v them along with the fear of difference, and the polarization coming down from the visible political top, unnerve me. I hope we can work across differences to find areas of agreement, and to work to tolerable solutions that honor all critically-thinking minds.
I am really glad to read your comment. My hope for Break Free has always been that people of different opinions, faiths, whatever, could come here and share ideas respectfully and intelligently. The best way I can describe myself is a follower of Jesus. Having been canceled by everyone from left to right to Christian to atheists, free speech is extremely important to me.
That’s what America should be about . Tolerance when needed and cooperation when possible , but always striving for maximum freedom . We’ve lost our way.
Diana, your words echo so many others I’ve heard across all forms of social media and even those of some people I know. I honestly believe many of us have not radically changed our beliefs to fit into “The Left” or “The Right” but rather those parties have changed what they espouse.
This has been my belief all along. If you respect the Constitution then you must allow for freedom of religion and worship. You must not demand the nation only worship the one true God. Christians who do so must then demolish the Constitution.
You're so right, Heather!
And even if a nation appears to have enforced a religion, it cannot actually enforce faith, no matter how hard it may try.
Thank you for writing this about her, Karen. Ignorance is so contagious these days! I am also very sorry you went through that abuse with your husband! I recalled her name, but didn’t know anything about her. So many people are like rabid dogs these days no matter what side. Of course, the left is much worse with all their posts wishing the shooter didn’t miss President Trump. God help our country! What the left really doesn’t understand is that Obiden/Obama want all of us dead not just the right. They won’t be spared by the violent illegals killing innocent people. I asked my leftist brother in law that not long ago if he thought these violent illegals will ask him who they voted for before attacking or killing them and he looked at me like a deer in the headlight. Nope!! They’ll get the same treatment.
you are not alone with relatives. Honestly, ALL of mine are leftist.
Hubbs and I are alone and treated like we are stupid people
I am sorry to hear that! My husband’s side are extreme leftists and no matter how much we have helped them over the years we are still right wing extremists!! I am fortunate that my immediate family is conservative, but our cousins are extreme left too!! There is no getting through to them. I am a give them the facts person, and they don’t care! They’ll take the lies, and won’t even consider the truth! I was an elected Treasurer for 18 years and we would have these extreme left people distort important work we were doing for the community and we had to present all the data over and over because of their lies and distortions to hurt our community, and it was always a battle even when you present the information in black and white! People wonder why you don’t get many really good people running for office….that is one of the primary reasons. It’s such a battle even when everything you are doing is honest, open and communicative. I finally retired after 18 years and I would never go back in the environment that exists now!
yes, I understand the helping part. We have helped them purchase computers phones, phone plans, health plans, and numerous other aspects of savings on daily living expenses. My hubbs and I have done all of the trust and estate work (siblings too cheap to hire a lawyer) etc etc. We have studied learned and explained, we show the work on paper, created the cloud for the records etc.... They still ask the same questions, and there is always that bit of distrust (like, really?.... really?)
.... but we are the stupid people.
I understand completely, your experience with working with others and that battle.. and that relief of getting out of it after 18 years.
Last time I checked, 1A hadn’t been repealed. What better way to demonstrate America’s ideals than to speak and make this sincere offering at a venue that is part and parcel of the process of choosing and forming (peopling) our next government. Kudos to Harmeet and RNC for having her.
I would go one further and suggest someone could offer a prayer to their (non-Christian) god. 1A is most important when it is unpopular speech, just as it is with unpopular religion.
Thank you for this! I don’t know much about the Sikh religion but I find the bit I do know fascinating. And as a Jew, in was thrilled to see a benediction offered in something other than a Christian benediction. Don’t get me wrong—I have no objection to that per se. It just gets tiresome when that’s the only flavor on offer.
Ditto here--mot too & also I know nichts 'bout the Sikhs--but any beautiful prayer is welcome an' a blessing to all who can receive it! An' I hope MOST of those present received it an' that the naysayers are few.... I give props to the stuffy (once? still?) RNC for allowin' a heartfelt prayer from this fine lawyer an' of course it should be in her own faith AND agreed, it's a nice change ta see a little variety.
Many folks still believe this is a "Christian country" (an' needs to "be" that way) an' tho it certainly has been founded on "Christian principles" in the best way possible--it also has foundations that include Iroquois Nation "democratic" tenets AND (many will git their panties in a bunch 'bout this) Jewish judicial structure an' morals too
( https://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/judaisms-unique-impact-on-americas-constitution/2008/12/31/ )
So tho' I think there might be "a lotta angry" at this point in time if any kind of jewish prayer was to grace the RNC (which used ta be known for not likin' joos hence joos "mostly" voted on the left which "once" was more welcomin'...) -- an' given the undeserved vitriol served this brave lady Miz Dhillon (Esq!)--I think it's a nice step in the right direction of tolerance. ('specially at a time where folks are sayin' NO there ain't no "judeo"-christian values--only christian values as joos have none!--lol, but true they're sayin' this!--'specially since Vance--(I'm actually skeptical of the guy for other reasons)--is pro-Israel....Lordy the jaws flappin' bout that stance that he's just some zionist "shill" (as is The Donald) when my greater concern 'bout the fella is his major ties ta big pharma & big media...that directly affect US internal policy) But that's how the "right" is "rollin'" now... seein' this all over (sigh)
Anywho... I'm with ya fully that it's nice for those of us soooo carefully watchin' the tolerance barometer ta see a pro-America human of another faith be welcomed--with hope that this is a good sign! One day a chewish prayer might be said an' folks won't snap back bitterly that "it's cuz WE own the country an' are drivin' it ta ruin & how dare we, yadayada"... Gad Saad made a speech 'bout that--i.e. that nobody recognizes there are many joos on the "right" or at least who have left-the-left who don't buy inta the sorry state of affairs of the "left"--he says it's like he an' others not "with" the woke agenda are invisible! Thus, may it happen that a jewish prayer or blessin' can--in future--grace any space sincerely an' not be "indicative" of some kinda nefarious takeover. -- I'll hold out fer that if our nation survives that long!
Thanks for posting this... and helping to break down the walls of prejudice...
Beautifully written Karen. I was thinking the same thing about him being an Angel before I finished reading.
Beautiful, nice work. I think Harmeet missed an opportunity to explain this. Evango Christians having to embrace Sikh prayers without any understanding what you describe is too big an ask. It felt off for a movement that has been birthed and brought to power by dedicated evangelical Christians in large part. Do not reduce this to 'bigotry'. It was a screwup in how it was presented and explained, IMHO...
That's true. But it does illustrate how bruised we have all become and so easily offended.
I’m not sure about that, tbh. The production of the RNC seems quite hamhanded and unprofessional so far. I used to produce small events and just throwing speakers up there without a clear unifying theme or coherent messaging, without really thinking about the audience, is a recipe for failure. I see lots of ‘winging it’ going on. Am I making any sense?
I haven't watched that much of it. Just bits here and there.
I completely disagree. It’s been very clear to me that the message has been unity and by including people from all walks of life, it demonstrates that the Republican Party accepts all. It has not seemed haphazard to me at all. I’ve seen posts on line where people stated that they tuned in just because of the assassination attempt, even though they were disenfranchised democrats or libertarians, and that they were so amazed at the swelling of patriotism they felt watching. While this convention may not be some slick production, it feels human and patriotic and that is touching people. Who needs another Hollywood production?
That's really good to hear.
Ditto!
Switch to decaf, Judy. Reading your comment, it would seem you agree to me that the production hasn't been 'slick', yes? Why you have to equate that with Hollywood I do not know. I produce my own music and video, and have produced events in commercial settings of different types. In this case, my initial criticism here came after complimenting Karen for writing a great and necessary piece.
My criticism was of the RNC for not putting a more coherent narrative around Harmeet's speech and the meaning of it. How many in the crowd, or those watching at home, even know that Sikhism is distinct from Hinduism? How would any evangelical Christian who busted their butt since the Tea Party days to actually smash the Republican party open, to have a populist party and convention, to only be presented with what they might consider idolatry? Do you know how many Christian churches have been home base for politically organizing a grass roots movement on the Right? I think it's not hard to understand why some Christians would feel the sting of it.
I put that in context with other things I saw that seemed not smooth or coherent. That's all. It's a mild criticism. The message has been unity, yes and this was part of it. But you'd better explain it. Imagine the roles are reversed. A Sikh party has finally gotten into power and is getting real support after decades of work. And they go to their political party convention, and a Christian gets up and does some really devotional Jesus worshipping? Do you not think some of the Sikh's might go, 'Hey, wtf?' Just saying. I think the RNC and Harmeet herself could have done a better job positioning it all and framing a clearer narrative that, for example, made clear that it wasn't an idolatrous prayer. That's a venal, mortal sin for an observant Christian.
Just sayin'...
No need to justify your statement. I wasn’t attacking you, simply presenting a different point of view. I thought we were allowed to do that. Sorry if I offended you. That certainly wasn’t my intention.
You're perfectly entitled to have your own point of view. That's why we're all here on this forum. I liked your comment; it was positive and full of hope.
Not offended I just think you have more sympathy for Sikh's than you do the evangelical Christians who've been grinding away on the ground for decades to bring about this revolution in the Republican party. Like do you not understand how they believe this is 'their movement' in very legit, real ways, yes? While most Republicans were sitting on their ass for the past 30 years, they have been organizing, busy on nights and weekends at endless rallies, with it all looking hopeless and them fighting despite the odds. Constantly advocating, mostly losing and often dismissed as somehow wrong and bigoted because they thought Christianity was respected and valued as the basis for American virtue.
I'm sorry, I didn't see Sikh temples holding rallies or organizing against Clinton, and then even Bush, and then Obama. I must have missed it. I also detect in you and Karen this strange white American female thing where you are axiomatically excited about anything not American/Christian. Step back and think about it for a second. This is a nation founded on Christian virtues, by Christians who saw the advent of our nation as providential, you do understand this, yes? While we are always tolerant of religious difference, we live in Christendom. Christians indeed have some right to want their culture and values honored and centered.
The Republicans are supposed to be the party that is defending Christians from the endless assault to Christian virtues and Christians themselves. Yet when they go to their convention, they here frikking Sikh prayers?? Give me a break, they have every right to be put off by it.
You ignored the scenario I painted above. Imagine being a Sikh in India and you had to listen to a 2 minute, very devotional evangelical Christian prayer, shoved at you for the sake of virtue signaling diversity at your political parties nominating convention. Ff course you understand. It's just that it's Christians complaining, so you don't give a shit.
Me? I think it was handled poorly and I also think that it was handled poorly signals a fundamental lack of respect for the Christians who built the movement Trump and others ride to victory. Don't ever forget who did the ground work to get us here, as much as I don't like some of the evangelical politics. It wasn't substack writers who brought us to this place of active opposition and real political power, while crushing the old guard Republican scumbags. It was the evangelical Christian who did so.
Do they not deserve some respect for having done so? I think so. I really do.
Yes.
From what little I have read about Sikh religion, they aren't big on proselytizing. My impression is that she was practicing her faith, openly, but making an effort NOT to proselytize.
P.S. I had to go look it up on Wiki. I knew it sounded like a language from India, so that made it easier to narrow down.
People need to calm down
That's for sure!
Thank you so very much, Karen, for your wonderful work! You are so very on-point with this piece (peace!).
Some demographic info about me: 65 year old grandma, married, Roman Catholic (convert, not cradle). Conservative Republican (former Dem). Middle class, but struggling to pay for my live-in grandchild's education at a parochial Catholic high school in our Diocese (in addition to our huge property tax bill which is nearly as expensive ... plus the not only fed but state income taxes here in Michigan-OUCH!).
Harmeet Dhillon initially had me back on my heels a bit when she began praying. But once I realized that she was obviously not from a violent-political-ideology-disguised-as-a-religion (you know of which I speak), I relaxed and began to listen to the sheer beauty of her prayer. I believe God sends us beauty for many reasons, and in many guises. And then after I was done watching the convention for the evening, I looked up various religions that would have gurus, and easily found info on Sikh religion. Aside from their belief in certain gurus (who I personally know little of), some of their tenets are very neatly parallel with some of the Virtues in Roman Catholicism.
As for those who are outraged at her prayer at the convention: It is heinous for a people who purportedly believe in freedom to look with such antagonism on believers in other (non-aggressively-violent) religions!
Furthermore, my Roman Catholic faith instructs me to try to think the best of people, barring evidence to the contrary!
And speaking of evidence, as Karen's excellent article above points out, Harmeet Dhillon herself has been very energetic in fighting for the rights of our citizens, including me and thee!
Ok, sorry I got a bit rant-y there.
I also want to share my impression of what was going on in your "A beautiful little story about a Sikh man". I suspect he knew of your troubles, and was addressing them in the way he knew best: by giving encouragement in you running/training (as you mentioned above), but also in trying to help you to continue in developing what he probably saw in you even then -- your warrior spirit. My guess is that he probably prayed and meditated a great deal on how to help you, and was doing his part in keeping you from utter despair. In that, I too, though never having met this man, am grateful to him for his benevolent acts toward you.
Maybe I'm wrong about his process, as I've been known to read into things occasionally. But obviously he was a kind soul, as have been all of the few folks I've ever personally known to be of the religious identity: Sikh.
Personally, when I am present at the prayers of a non-Catholic, I simply don't pray the same exact thing as they do. Sometimes I don't pray any of it, if it's inimical to my beliefs as a Catholic. However, it is NEVER out of line, IMO, to silently pray for the person's eyes to be opened the whole TRUTH, and to He who IS TRUTH!
Oh, this actually brought some tears to my eyes. First of all,.I know the joys and challenges of caring for a grandchild and the worries with the bills. Kudos to you for being there for your grandchild.
What you said about the young man who helped me is so insightful. Thank you, your words meant a lot to me.
And many people have said something similar to you, that they felt put off at first and then let their prejudices be put aside and listened with their hearts. Then, looked up to find out more about Sikhs. God bless you!
God bless you as well, friend. And thank you for your diligent work -- it's a wonderful use of your great talent!
Such a great comment. Perplexity!
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Karen, thanks for sharing this remarkable woman's accomplishments. There should be no criticism of her making her speech at the RNC. Only stupid, ignorant people will complain about her invitation to talk to convention members.
Absolutely
I wasn't aware at all what Sikhs are like, I thought it was just another type of Hindu. Thank you, that was very educating.
And you are absolutely right, we have to achieve equlibrium.
Thank you for this. Up until now, I had zero knowledge of Sikhism.
thank you. there is a rather large Sikh community near me in northern california. i have had only a tiniest bit of contact with any of them. that said, when i think of what i think i might know of them...=) methinks they are a very fine community. and, seem to be a better example of Christ's way of life than most Christians i have encountered. dave
Beautifully written, thank you Karen - God's blessings to all. In God we trust ..
Amen. Thank you!