Compassion & Confrontation: A Fine Line

I hear a lot of skeptics say that interfaith is all fluff. That it is nothing more than a melting pot of religion where everyone politely nods their heads in agreement to avoid confrontation. Just as there are misconceptions about Islam, Christianity, and just about every religion out there, it is equally true that there are misconceptions about interfaith. What’s even more troubling is that even Muslims have misconceptions about Islam, Christians about Christianity, and so on.

Interfaith is often associated with compassion, and it’s true, compassion is an important part of interfaith. However, what does it really mean to be compassionate? Is compassion enough? These questions were addressed in a blog post on RENEGADE conversations by Ronna Detrick titled “Confrontational Compassion". In her post, Ronna talks about the importance of telling the truth when faced with the realities of “power, idolatry, oppression and exploitation.”

When we become aware of the global impact of such injustices, it can be very hard to feel compassion. When we become aware of the global impact of injustices being carried out in the name of religion, it can be hard to feel compassion.

Now we are faced with a decision: compassion or confrontation?

If you ask me, I wouldn’t choose compassion, and I wouldn’t choose confrontation. I’d choose both. It’s a fine line, a balancing act that we must practice and perfect if we are ever to achieve sustainable peace.

“Honest, direct confrontation is a true expression of compassion…The illusion of power must be unmasked, idolatry must be undone, oppression and exploitation must be fought, and all who participate in these evils must be confronted. This is compassion.” -Donald P. McNeill, Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life )

Very insightful words, but I would like to elaborate on what compassionate confrontation means to me.

Honesty is important, and ignoring wrongful doings doesn’t make them go away. In a perfect world compassion would be enough, but that simply isn’t our present reality. So yes, confrontation is compassion. However, just as it is important to clearly define compassion, such as the Charter for Compassion did so beautifully, we must have a clear understanding of what confrontation means and what motivates it; the latter especially.

For confrontation to be constructive and noble, it must come from a place free from ego and in the best interest of all of humanity. Most confrontation is born from a place of pure intention, but too often it is abused and influenced by outside agendas – political or otherwise.

For confrontation to be constructive and noble, we must take it upon ourselves to be educated and realize that no one knows everything about anything. Confrontation requires an open mind.

Lastly, confrontation never justifies violence or slander. To affect positive change though confrontation, we must learn to harness our anger and frustration and channel that energy for good. This is where compassion comes into play. Lead by example and treat all the way you wish to be treated; with honesty, compassion, and respect.

Namaste.

Website: www.ronnadetrick.com