Better late than never! 🥳
I understand where you’re coming from but you need to think of this situation as someone who broke free of cult brainwashing. As someone who was raised conservative evangelical Christian, I can tell you it absolutely is. I felt guilt from not trying to convert people. I was told people different than me were going to hell to burn for an eternity from a young age. Manipulation tactics were used for me to believe in miracles and that the world is in a holy war against satan. Then the sentiment was retold over and over for close to two decades. It took a similar incompatibility as the man in the article for me to finally see that maybe different ideals and viewpoints weren’t evil after all.
He didn’t “see that different ideals and viewpoints weren’t evil”. His own child was affected so it was him that was affected.
He never thought or cared about others outside his own family. That’s why we aren’t congratulating him. He still hasn’t demonstrated any empathy for others.
In this case he changed his viewpoints for very selfish reasons, 100% agree. The point I’m trying to make is someone like this typically doesn’t exist in a vacuum. There’s an entire support group to reinforce and validate the bigotry and ignorance of their beliefs. Even if it’s for selfish reasons, changing a viewpoint like this can be a catalyst for even bigger change and personal growth down the line, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Also it’s not entirely selfish, many fathers would have disowned their daughter when they came out as trans and remained as close minded bigots. This sort of change should be celebrated.
Refraining from being an asshole doesn’t make someone a good person. It’s the bare minimum for being a normal non-hateful person. It’s good for his personal journey and his family, but I don’t have to fete and applaud him.
I’m happy for you that you escaped.
Then the sentiment was retold over and over for close to two decades.
This reminds of a salient question I encountered. I wish I could remember the author and book to quote directly but here’s my best approximation of their meaning:
Why is it that you need to go to church every week and study the same book over and over to understand god’s message? Once you learn 1+1=2 you’re done, no need to read the same thing over and over.
