As a kid, I was too into comic books. As a teenager, I was too into civil rights. As a college student, I was too into critical theory. As a young adult, I was too into deep thinking. As a priest, I’m too into theology.

Forever a nerd. Always told that I’m “too into” something. Something I like, something meaningful, something important.

That is totally ridiculous. You can’t be “too into” things. Things which bring beauty and joy into the world.

Obsessions and addictions are one thing. That isn’t being “too into” something. That’s brain chemistry and genetics and sometimes mental illness.

Being into something means you actually like it. You actually want to see beauty in the world and are willing to make it happen.

Being into things isn’t a problem to be solved. It’s a good thing.

In fact, many of my friends don’t seem to be into much of anything.

So, here are some examples of those people who should never be told they are “too into” something.

Geeks and Hipsters

Liking things and wanting to see how they work is not a sin. Neither is learning something old or unique. You may look down at the personal farmer using his backyard to make artisanal cheeses, but since when is knowing how to do something the rest of us don’t a problem? People with knowledge shouldn’t be the object of ridicule.

Whether it is fixing a computer, homebrewing, or sewing costumes for cosplay, the fact that they know how do something I don’t is pretty freakin’ cool.

Lovers and Romantics

We often criticize the romantic for always talking about love, or writing sappy poetry. But since when is demonstrating the core theme of Christianity a problem? In a world of hate and cynicism and my generation’s native language: sarcasm: being able to see the world through the lens of love is an asset.

Whether it is the hopeless romantic or the one devouring romance novels or watching romantic comedies at the end of the day, there is no such thing as being “too into” love. Right now, we need more people who are into love.

Fans of TV Shows, Movie Franchises, and Books

Love your LOTR or Star Wars? Awesome! Have your commander’s uniform you break out to represent with other Trekkers? Bully!

Let he who has the highest wit cast the first stone against a nerd.

Making stuff; recreating medieval weapons and reenacting historical events; this stuff takes brains and brawn. It takes skill and intelligence. It takes concentration and devotion. High school jocks don’t have the market cornered on commitment.

Love Isn’t the Problem!

The problem is ignorance and nastiness. It’s the cult of cool. Or the power and the need for control.

For some, it’s the Pauline obsession with humility and self-control.

And some people are super serious and struggle to lighten up.

But none of these is reason why loving something is a problem. In fact, the problem is theirs, not yours. It isn’t that any of us loves our artisanal cheeses and craft beers too much or want to see what happens if we grow a righteous beard. It’s that other people are “too into” telling their neighbors to stop doing what they love.

The Exception That Proves The Rule

is trolling. Some people love trolling.

As Joel Stein’s piece for Time, “How Trolls Are Ruining The Internet” highlights, there are some people who can’t help but sow chaos and fuel a caustic form of free expression. From #Gamergate to Reddit to White Supremacist sites, there are some who seem to be “too into” free speech, or in this case, aggressive speech, abuse, and outright bullying.

But notice the important difference. It isn’t just the difference between love and hate. Or building up and tearing down.

It is the difference between what is only about you and what hurts, destroys, and abuses other people. Especially the vulnerable.

This isn’t a case of being “too into” free speech or being “too into” internet trolling. It’s a case of justifying abuse. This is a case of bullying and injustice.

You Can’t Be Too Into Good Things.

Things which uplift and motivate and propel you forward. Those things which encourage your mind and compel you to help others. You are not too into doing good.

Be proud of your Friends collection or your movie posters; your Warcraft characters and your dungeon mastering. Tell great stories and seek out other geeks who are into the things you are into. Let us define ourselves by the awesome things we love, rather than irony and indifference.

Make loving and learning and laughing what we are known for. We can all make room in our lives for more meaning and hope. And fun.