The Borg Spirit

The Borg Spirit

“Resistance is futile.”

This article went a much different way in hindsight than I expected it to. It was in retrospect, after sharing with my online bible study, that I began to have illumination. You see, rationalism and logic should not be my go to’s. I should not depend on them or fall back on reasoning as my defense. Because I think my view might be in error or have a less legitimate foundation of thought? No. Because I might be outnumbered in certain forums of public opinion? No. Because of the militancy of those who hold different or even faulty views? No.

The Lord of Hosts made me. Jesus, God’s very son, bought me, with his life. He is my life, and I am His. God is my strong tower, and it is to Him I must look for my defense in all things. Indeed, not just look, but to enter the tower and reside there.

Is there a place for reason, rationalism and logic? Yes, without question. However, my defense is not my own. It is the Lord’s. I should not lean on my own very limited understanding. There are both spiritual issues and spiritual forces at work in this world, of this I am more than certain. These are entirely dismissed and discounted by those who sneer at the existence of God and proclaim science and humanism as the ultimate source of moral and intellectual authority. I’m no Francis Schaeffer, and his calling to the intellectuals is not mine.

That being said, I have decided not to engage in further fruitless discussions with those who insist on cloaking themselves in a self-righteous cause. People seek meaning, and in the absence of God, they attempt to fill a God shaped hole in our hearts with other things. I remember learning that from Bob Becknell as a teenager. It rings true today more than ever.

In reading Proverbs 18 today, I was struck by the importance of spiritual discernment. That being said, below is the discussion that started my considerations, and led to my thoughts and resolution on the matter.

This discussion emphasizes the idea of groupthink. That an entire generation can adopt an ideology which casts hatred against any who do not share it. It is one that plays the martyr and falsely equivocates any disagreement in thought as a heinous sin.

The conversation was brought back to mind with today’s bible reading from Ephesians 4. Ephesians 4:2-3 ² with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, ³ endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The spirit shown below did not originate from the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 7:6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

[Thread starts, posted by a friend named Danny. All names have been changed from the original post.]

Headline: Scottsdale councilman shares false info claiming COVID-19 means 'Chinese Originating' virus

Glenn: While I don't think it is racist to refer to a virus by its place of origin, I do dislike it when politicians -on both sides- skew ideas to cause bias. (laughing mocking responses/emojis)

Connor: Fun fact: the first known case of "Spanish" flu was reported in Kansas in 1918. It became associated with Spain because, as a neutral power in WWI, their national media was the only one not being heavily censored.

Tamara: Also what he said was "Hate to break it to all the *morons* who call themselves journalists but". Dangerous for a politician to spread mistrust of the media, and to be so wrong AND disrespectful while doing it is not a fit public servant.

Glenn: I agree here. While many journalists bait Trump into over-hyped reactions in order to generate news and further a biased agenda (on both sides) he should not stoop to playing into the get back game. While his anger towards the media (I feel) is justified, his reaction is not. There are better ways to deal with media questions than name calling.

Annie: it’s inarguably racist and inexcusably ignorant to refer to a virus by its “originating” country. The country where a virus is first identified tells you absolutely nothing about the virus itself and is meaningless beyond sewing racist discord.

Annie: It’s a reporter’s job to ask hard questions. Being pressed by white house correspondents on his outright lies is hardly “baiting.” They would not be doing their job if they were not pressing the PRESIDENT about PRESIDENTIAL POLICY. He has relentlessly attacked journalists, magazines, news papers and abused his power to assuage his ego.

Glenn: Okay I edited that last comment because it was not nice. I apologize, Annie. However, this is the reason why I don't like arguing with PC wokeness. It's sheer baloney imo.

Annie: if you consider frank discussion of racism “PC wokeness” and call facts baloney, you need to sit with your entitlement to niceties. No one owes you “nice” in response harmful conduct or in the pointing out of harmful conduct. Integrity requires a person being accountable for their actions and accepting responsibility. Refusing to do so by deflecting to PC wokeness, which implies the act of someone calling out your harm is somehow the greater problem, is incompatible with taking responsibility for your hurtful actions.

Glenn: Political correctness... facts... no, it’s a philosophy, a flawed one, imo. My hurtful actions and harmful conduct- okay, we are done here. Ideas must always be open to critical thinking. People, less so. The concept of a person having a line of thought or an opinion is not a hurtful act. Rather, I would say refusing to allow any "diversity" in thought is rather isolationist and against the ideology which you claim to promote.

By the way, when you use the term racist, you are wrong. Racism refers to eugenics in that some races are inherently superior to others, as espoused by the Nazis. What you refer to is bigotry. Look it up.

Annie, painting a really bad world situation as much worse than it may possibly be in the future in order to influence public opinion is not presidential policy. It's spin.

When I tried to agree towards the top of the thread, people laughed. I thought I was being rather neutral about it. Danny, I'm sorry. Tried to make it work, but your small gang of rather intolerant friends won't even allow for the slightest of deviations from "approved thought."

I don't accept certain philosophical ideas just because they are approved and demanded by the masses.

Danny: no Glenn it is not. Look I have family members who have been the object of racist behavior because of the origin nonsense. It is time that the president be held accountable for encouraging and enabling racist behaviors. Glenn. I see the effects of the white privilege everyday. Seriously, dude get a clue. Tell me how you approach is so different from the story of the good Samaritan... specifically the non-Samaritans.

Danny: Those who you are calling intolerant on a regular basis work to help "unto the least of them" on a regular basis.

Danny: Tell me Glenn how big is that beam in your eye?

Glenn: Danny, I'll reply to this once, then stop. I'm sorry your relatives have been subject to any bad, angry or bigoted behavior. At all. This discussion must strike a sore point with you. And for that I apologize.

Your feelings and those of your friends here are not invalid. I'll be honest. I don't feel the phrase "chinese virus" has the weight of other slurs that are used derogatorily against people because of bigoted prejudices.

I did not use the word intolerant until I began to be attacked, over and over again, just because of what I think. You may notice these attacks continue below.

With regard to the story of the good Samaritan. To compare not holding a philosophical view and demanding conformity in all thought is not the same as leaving people on the side of the road to die. I dedicated my life to helping children. You have dedicated yours as a therapist to helping people who need serious help, which is admirable. If your friends here that criticized and attacked me work to help the least of them on a regular basis, I think that is wonderful, honestly.

I think there is danger in this new philosophy that has risen in my adult life that demands ideological conformity.

But more than any of this, regardless of what one thinks of the president or any political idea, I think it’s important that we all work to try to get along more. The epidemic that is raging across the world should get the center of our attention. I am concerned about the human toll and loss of life that is occurring. Toward that end, I have sequestered and isolated in place since the beginning of the month and will continue, probably past the recommended guidelines

Danny: Man... you don't get it, by choosing to not see that this behavior encourages racism. Because it is a type of racism.

Danny: Considering the good Samaritan. The point I am making is. You are the one who is walking by a problem staying oh because I don't think it is a problem it must not be a problem.

Sam: He could politely ask the virus if it speaks Chinese and find out. Just make sure to lean in very close, as the virus is hard of hearing.

Danny: hehehe killing it Sammy

[via instant message]

Glenn: Hi Danny.

I have been giving the conversation that happened on your thread a lot of thought.

A lot.

I’ve been trying to see from your point of view. Been trying to wrestle with it. Certainly, issues of grievance (with regards to bigotry,) especially when one has been personally affected causes feelings of animosity and resentment. I suppose that extends to anyone who supports said bigotry. I do not.

I think that by enforcing a “I hate this, therefore you must hate it too” view goes too far. For example, I view drug smugglers of narcotics as modern day slavers. This includes the “pain clinics” who push the drugs. I despise the practice. Yet there are many who consider drug sellers to be convicted of victimless crimes. I strongly disagree. Yet, I don’t call out, belittle or make fun of those with a different opinion.

In the post made by Sam, he made a joke out of my catching the coronovirus. You supported this jest. Good one, haha. Maybe this was done out of anger towards me. I don’t know. Regardless, friends don’t make jokes of other friends catching this horrible, horrible disease. That was totally uncool.

Therefore, in the interests of getting along and making peace, I am going to unfriend you. I truly wish you and your family well in this difficult time of world crisis.

Danny: Dude you are missing the point. Hear the Samaritan reference. If you need to unfriend because you got called out on passive bigotry, ok. I think you are a nice guy. But my friends tell me when I miss something. That is the difference between a friend and a yes man.

Glenn: Danny, I don't mind debate. Indeed, I like to get alternative views because that way I can make better decisions about what I believe and why. Rather, I didn't like the name calling and ganging up. Did not like getting made fun of. And I think the joke about my getting the virus is what tipped me over.

I don't like getting people upset. I thought I was being nice by trying to approve of some things at the top of the post. Your other posts, some of which I disagree with, I don't bother to comment on. After all, everyone is entitled to an opinion, right?

So, I think it would be good if we just let it be. I really, honestly don't want to antagonize anyone, especially with this great issue hanging over all our heads. I think that were I to post on any more of your topics, your buds would jump in and call me a racist, even if said comment were benign. So, I wish you well. I hope that in the future people will be more willing to understand one another. You did tell me years ago you would read A Golconda Story. I hope someday that you do, and when you do, you enjoy it. Kindly, Glenn

[End discussion]

The spirit in which these attacks were made was not the Holy Spirit. Rather, it is the groupthink. The one that replaces God with nature, and demands conformity. The one that hates God and Christians for what they represent and for perceived slights.

The concept was further reinforced for me with today’s reading by verse 14. Ephesians 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting….

Now that being said, I ask the question “what if?” What of there was a world wide event, one that was devastating? One that reinforced the idea of groupthink physically? How would that look? “How dare you Christians group together?  How dare you form a church? How dare you hug one another?”

Now, don’t get me wrong. I think that for now, it is very important we follow the social isolation and washing guidelines. I’m doing it myself. However, I am concerned for the lasting consequences of the physical requirements of groupthink and what they portend.

Coronovirus Seinfeld

Coronovirus Seinfeld

Yesterday on an acquaintance’s thread, someone came up with the epic idea of a Coronovirus Seinfeld episode. I thought the idea was so fantastic, I wrote two scenes. Here they are- enjoy! 

Scene: George is in his apartment playing City of Heroes, with the social isolation quarantine in effect. Jerry is also playing online in his apartment. They type at one another in team chat.
George: Hahaa! Now we have him where we want him!
Jerry: Just be careful. As the healer, I am responsible for your ass.
George: Nothing can stop us, Superheal! I'm the tankiest tank that ever lived! Major T-Bone is the best!
Jerry: Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just do your job.
(a passerby hero named Captain Megatron happens upon the scene. He kills the enemy they have been fighting with one blow and continues on)
George: Did you see that Jerry? Captain Megatron stole our bad guy! He STOLE IT!
Jerry: There are more to defeat.
George: (typing furiously) There's no way I am going to let him get away with this! I'm activating the NeoNano Matrix trainer!
Jerry: But George, that hacks the mainframe of the game. It's cheating.
George: He cheated us first!
Game Master Positron: You have been caught cheating by using a game hack. Your accounts are now banned.
George: MEGATROOOOOONNNNN !!!!!

Scene: Jerry is in his apartment. He goes to answer the knock on the door.
Newman: (disdainfully) Hello, Seinfeld.
Jerry: (with remorse) Hello, Newman.
Newman: There's a piece of certified mail for you. You'll have to sign for it.
Jerry: Contracts from my agent, probably. (as he signs)
(Newman hands over the package and exits the door)
Jerry: Oh Newman! (he calls nicely, causing him to turn just outside the door)
(Newman turns around just as Jerry slams the door in his face)
Jerry chuckles to himself and turns back to the TV. Shortly, there is another knock on the door. Jerry gets up and opens the door, only to find it is Newman again, who pushes himself into the apartment.
Newman: I was ordered to come back inside by the police. It seems the quarantine now extends to mailmen.
Jerry: That means... oh my god, no. That means you are stuck in here with me!
Newman: (delighted) Yes, Jerry! (he grabs a bag of potato chips from the cabinet and starts devouring them) Mahahaha! (he laughs with a mouth full of food)
Jerry: The way things are going with email, mailmen will be out of work soon, anyhow.
Newman: You underestimate the POWER of the US Mail Service!
Jerry: Amazon has their own delivery service. And then there is FedEx, The United Parcel Service, the list is growing. And the US Mail is shrinking.
Newman: (with an evil look) Alright, Seinfeld, (he says as he seats himself on the couch with the potato chip bag) you have forced my hand. Open that package I just delivered to you.
Jerry: Whatever. (he opens the package and retrieves the papers inside) What?? This can't be! All my bookings have been cancelled!
Newman: That's right Seinfeld! With the coronovirus there will be no more shows, no more stupid jokes! No more comedy. But it gets better. (Newman smiles)
Jerry: (continues reading) Kenny Banya is replacing me with taped performances?
Newman: Hahahahaaaa! THAT is the true joke.
Jerry gives Newman a look then goes over to the phone to call George.
Jerry: Hello George? Yes, I have to talk to you about.... (pause) No. No, George, I told you never to tell anyone about my stash of toilet paper on the balcony.
(Newman makes a dash for the window. Jerry hangs up the phone quickly)
Jerry: No, wait! You can't get my stash!
(Newman clambers out the window onto the fire escape)
Newman: Hey. I don't see any stash out here.
Jerry: No, you don't. (as he slams the window shut and locks it)
Newman: Hey! You can't do this to me!
(Jerry smiles and pulls the cord on the blinds, then turns back to the TV)

(Bass riff)

The end

On "The Christians Making Atheists"

On The Christians Making Atheists

The original article by John Pavlovitz can be found here: https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/06/04/the-christians-making-atheists/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=John+Pavlovitz&fbclid=IwAR32-mxGQDqCuVf-4CvjiazxyBtuTGir14m8f2xb-d1PatBg5Y-Ajn7GQGQ

I read this article. While after college (a Christian college at that,) I walked away from my faith for a few years, I was drawn back to my faith, by I believe, the Holy Spirit.

So I can see his argument. I can see how rejecting the faith of youth is in a manner of speaking, part of our distancing from our parents and growing and separating ourselves from that identity.

However, I have some issues with the article. To me, they are glaring.

Pavlovitz gets a number of things wrong. First is his definition of faith. To reflect the character and love of Jesus is not faith. Faith is the hope and belief in God, and (to me) his son and my savior Jesus. It is not a standard of living. It is not some outward display, or some attempt to sway others. It is not a list of codified rules, which was one of the reasons I felt dissatisfied after my college experience. While the list he defines as faith are part of the Christian experience, they are *NOT* faith.

He gets it wrong again, and this is part of 21^st century philosophy. “People outside the Church will tell you: love is no longer our calling card. It is now condemnation, bigotry, judgment and hypocrisy.” The problem is his definition of love. What is love? That you agree with me completely and unequivocally on all my views and have no dissent in any form, shape or fashion. If you don’t, you are a bigot. A racist. A fascist. A transphobic, homophobic, ethnocentric, Islamophic, misogynistic, white male jerk.

So if I were to say that I disagree with the redefinition of words in order to promote a certain idea or ideas that would squarely place me in the bad category. Really? How dare you think differently than that which is espoused on social media! How dare I indeed. 

Pavlovitz goes on. “People outside the Church will tell you: love is no longer our calling card. It is now condemnation, bigotry, judgment and hypocrisy.” By the definition of whom? This is what the media is saying. Indeed, I would counter, this is what the world is saying. And this is to an extent, what the public is buying. That does not necessarily make it true. While I freely admit that our society has become very spoiled in its demand for instant gratification and this is true in the Christian community as well, one thing I do affirm: Christ in me, the hope of glory. 

“With its … constant venom toward diversity, it is giving people no alternative but to conclude, that based on the evidence of people professing to be Godly—that God is of little use. In fact, this God may be toxic.” I believe what Dr. Martin Luther King believed, in that people should not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. People are just people. That’s it. There will be no skin color or race in heaven. I contend, and this may be a shocker, but if the people who advocate diversity were honest and true in their beliefs, they would ask for, no, they would demand that all public and private institutions in the US reflect the population. Therefore, 49% of the NBA and NFL would be Caucasian, 24% would be Hispanic, 13% would be African American, 8% would be Asian and the rest would be multiracial or other. That is not happening there or other places. It only occurs in groups where an advantage is given to certain classes. How about just giving the job or position to the best people qualified, regardless of heritage, class or gender?

Also, God is of little use? God is toxic? I wonder where the origin of this thought comes from. (Here is a hint, I do not believe it comes from man.) 

“With every persecution of the LGBTQ community….” This I agree with whole heartedly, especially in cases of job security and physical injury. However, calling marriage a civil union or refusing to create art that abides by a philosophy the artist does not follow does not rise to meet the standard of persecution. 

“…with every unprovoked attack on Muslims…” Pavlovitz did not have time to google Islamist terror attacks per year. Any citation of grief by one part must be accompanied by an objective view of what group is responsible for a ridiculous number of terror attacks, murders, honor killings and suicide bombings. Yes, I firmly agree and hate that the mosque in New Zealand was the target of a zealot. I hate that those families lost loved ones. I hate it. That does not mean I use blinders to shield my eyes from what is happening in the rest of the world in order to promote a viewpoint.

“Meanwhile the celebrity preachers and professional Christians publicly beat their breasts about the multitudes walking away from God….” Celebrity preachers certainly get the most exposure. I understand that thoroughly. Heck, I was part of it. Remember the mid 80’s? The Moral Majority? I was there, front and center. I even went to the Baptist Fundamentalism ’84 convention where Ronald Reagan was the keynote speaker. But I have a question: what percentage of pastors in the US are celebrity preachers? Further, what about the rest of them, Pavlovitz? Are you not using the Creflo Dollars of the world to paint all other pastors in a negative light? This sounds to me like something familiar. Something the left is supposed to stand against. I wonder what it could be. (I no longer consider myself Baptist or fundamentalist, but rather a simple, rather flawed, kinda messed up Charlie Brown Christian. I do not have room to judge others with so much on my own plate, but ideas, unlike people, are fair game.) 

“No, the reason the Church soon will be teetering on the verge of extinction and irrelevance, will be because those entrusted to perpetuate the love of Jesus in the world, lost the plot so horribly, and gave the world no other option but to look elsewhere for goodness and purpose and truth.” Wrong again, although there is some truth to the spoiled nature of the people of our age. Here are two thoughts with which I will conclude. 1. “God's power and majesty is constant, occurring day after day and night after night. Humans are constantly reminded of God's existence” –Don Stewart. Nature itself speaks of God’s existence. To replace Creator with creation is in error. While life grants both pain and joy, to use pain (in Pavlovitz’s and in my case, pain from experience in organized religion) as an excuse to claim God does not exist is a misplaced ascription. 2. From Matthew 24 ^“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Scripture prophecies that man will fall away from God in the last days. This is *exactly* what we see happening. This is not occurring so that doom may befall all, but that the love of God, which is greater than any words may describe or minds comprehend, might be seen in a greater light. From A Golconda Story: “When the darkness of our lives threatens to consume us, the light of love shines out all the more clearly.”