When the dust settles and the pages of history are written, it will not be the angry defenders of intolerance who have made the difference. The reward will go to those who dared to step outside the safety of their privacy in order to expose and rout the prevailing prejudices.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of courage and action in challenging societal prejudices rather than remaining silent and passive.
John Shelby Spong's quote highlights that true change in societal norms and attitudes is brought about by those who are willing to confront and challenge intolerance. He argues that it is not the defensive, angry individuals clinging to their biases who will be remembered, but rather those bold enough to step out of their comfort zones to expose and combat prevailing prejudices, ultimately making a significant impact on history.
In practice
A speaker at a civil rights event can use this quote to inspire attendees to take action against discrimination.
When I grew up in the South, I was taught that segregation was the will of God, and the Bible was quoted to prove it. I was taught that women were by nature in inferior to men, and the Bible was quoted to prove it. I was taught that it was okay to hate other religions, and especially the Jews, and the Bible was quoted to prove it.
The church is like a swimming pool. Most of the noise comes from the shallow end.
Christianity is not about the divine becoming human so much as it is about the human becoming divine. That is a paradigm shift of the first order.
I would like the church to be a place where the questions of people are honored rather than a place where we have all the answers. The church has to get out of propaganda. The future will involve us in more interfaith dialogue. ... We cannot say we have the only truth.
It appears to be in the nature of religion itself to be prejudiced against those who are different.
The cross reveals that we're called to a deeper, fuller experience of what it means to be alive and open to new dimensions of life which our religious boundaries - creeds, atonement theologies - have kept us from experiencing.
I and some colleagues came to the conclusion that as violence in this country was inevitable, it would be wrong and unrealistic for African leaders to continue preaching peace and non-violence at a time when the government met our peaceful demands with force. It was only when all else had failed, when all channels of peaceful protest had been barred to us, that the decision was made to embark on violent forms of political struggle.
Being "fearless" isn't about being unafraid, it's about being TERRIFIED and still going for it.
All our compatriots know that the loss of Mongolia would mean the demise of our country. We would rather resist Russia and die heroically than succumb to Russia and perish shamefully.
You don't need to be straight to fight and die for your country. You just need to shoot straight.
If we had the courage to confront the doubts we timidly conceive about ourselves, none of us would utter an 'I' without shame.
I can survive setbacks, I've survived a lot of setbacks in my life. I don't see them as anything other than the natural ebb and flow of life and politics.
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