On Human Dignity and Ronda Rousey

This morning as I was perusing Facebook I came across a clip of Ronda Rousey fighting. Whoever had posted it expressed how great she was and my curiosity was peaked. However, after a couple seconds of watching Rousey literally demolish her opponent with face punches and grappling, then finishing her off by dislocating her arm, I couldn’t handle any more. After watching that video I couldn’t help but think of the general loss of human dignity in our culture. Not convinced? Allow me.

A few weeks ago a young man I know made a comment along the lines of, “If you’re going to dress like a whore, don’t be surprised when you’re treated like one.” Now, this comment wasn’t directed at me, but this young man, who considers himself a Christ follower, was offering this very derogatory comment to a young lady who apparently dresses without much dignity for herself. So he was determining to treat her with little dignity, as well.

Here’s another example: As I was driving home from church today a vehicle in front of me slammed on their brakes (with no brake lights) to make a turn. As I also slammed on my brakes to avoid hitting them I muttered, “You idiot”, under my breath. Obviously this lack of respect for my fellow man is creeping up in me, too.

Another thing, 90% of babies diagnosed with Downs Syndrome in utero are aborted. They never get the chance to experience life, breath, or the wonder of colors, simply because we have lost the value of their life and dignity.

Now back to UFC and MMA fighting. Maybe you watch it and enjoy it and find nothing wrong with it. Maybe you think it’s silly to stop watching it. But I challenge you to look beneath the surface and realize that you are taking pleasure in something that underplays the value of human beings. We were created in God’s image, we are image bearers of the invisible God. I’m not saying this so that you will put yourself on a pedestal. My objective is the opposite. I say these things so you will treat others with dignity. America didn’t just magically get to this point of millions of abortions and suicides and murders overnight. No. It happened because over time we have lost respect for each other and we no longer treat each other with dignity.

Genesis 1:27- “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.”

I Corinthians 5:6-7- “ Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”