The silver lining of controversy is its capacity to inspire discussion. It reminds us not only of what we believe, but also that we believe at all. In that spirit, I want to consider the ubiquitous disgust with the recent use of the word "pagan" to describe homosexuality "Prospective students: Choose Bowdoin to confront intellectual conformity," April 10). Why was the Bowdoin community so disgusted by it? Simply, because we believe that homosexuality is not wrong. This is our conviction. We believe it to be true—and rightly so.
Yet, paradoxically, I have heard condemnations of affirmative beliefs all too frequently in my years at Bowdoin: "What right do you have to tell me that I'm wrong?" or the oft-repeated "Well that's just your opinion." As if opinions were something arbitrary, informed only by our circumstances and not based on independent judgments!
Well, Bowdoin community, how do you know that homosexuality is moral? Is it just your opinion? If you say yes, then what right do you have to condemn the use of the word "pagan" to describe it?
You have every right to condemn the use of "pagan" to describe homosexuality. Just because you believe something to be true does not invalidate the possibility that it is true. Unless Bowdoin wishes to understand itself as devoted merely to high-powered vocational training, our purpose in coming here must also include the reasoned examination of our beliefs and the pursuit of the truth about them. None of us should rest contentedly with the superficial notion that I have my values and you have yours. You believe your values are better—that's why you hold them. The purpose of the conversations we have in class is to determine who among us is right. Be generous and help me improve my own values.
So often people act ungenerously and claim that all values are equally valid. But do any of us, deep down, believe this? As much as we assert that one cannot know the truth, we all think we do. That is what these opinions of ours are: assertions of what is true—absolutely, eternally, and universally. By default, we hold the opposite of our belief to be false.
If you were an actual nihilist and you thought that there were no better or worse values, then why have you ever stood up for anything, condemned anything, or, to take it to the greatest extreme, done anything at all? Are you solely a product of your circumstances? I would like to think I have some rational agency apart from my upbringing. For example, I think that homosexuality is absolutely not wrong. Many of you agree with me. And in so doing, we believe this to be true absolutely—not just for us, in our lives, but for everyone.
Let us take this opportunity to remember what it means to hold a conviction. Affirm what you believe to be true. Tell people they're wrong, and defend it. Opinions do matter, and the noble thing is not to discount opinions but to try to acquire better, more informed ones. If you disagree with someone, so be it. We may not know the whole truth, but surely we can strive to come closer to it. In the meantime, with open ears and a bit of chutzpah, perhaps we will change our views, proving to ourselves that we are not outgrowths of historical circumstance but free, rational beings. I have my beliefs, you have yours, and let us educate ourselves as to which one of us is right. Every one of us believes there is truth. Let's act like it.
Ben Stern is a member of the Class of 2009.