Official Dog Crap . . . Oops! Dogma!

Blanding's Turtle

It seems these days that anyone who takes a stand for freedom of thought runs smack into a wall of official dogma.  More and more I see authorities using "law" (quotes intentional because the Supreme Court is not a law-making body under our constitution) to intimidate dissenters and to discourage citizens from thinking for themselves about everything from "global warming" (quotes intentional indicating that said concept is absurd) to fiscal responsibility, a government of the people, for the people, and by the people, all the way to the "theory" (intentional) of evolution.  Yes, we have laws saying that only Darwinism may be taught in the schools.  However, we got those laws from the Supreme Court, not the legislature.  (Those of you who are already up in arms need to read the constitution.  I DARE you!)  Anyway!

That 1987 decision by the Supreme Court held unconstitutional a Louisiana state law that attempted to require balanced treatment for creation and evolution in the public school classroom.  Of course the majority decision said that a state may not require that the "religious viewpoint that a supernatural being created human-kind" be given fair treatment as an alternative to evolution in science classes.  Basically that means that the opposite opinion – that mankind was created by a purposeless natural process–would be taught as unchallengeable fact.  Really?  Yes.

Bog Turtle

Only Justice Antonin Scalia argued in dissent.  According to his words people of a state, "including those who are Christian fundamentalists, (Don't you love how they label us?) are quite entitled, as a secular matter, to have whatever scientific evidence there may be against evolution presented in their schools."  The majority of justices disagreed emphatically.  Only "evolution" (intentional) may be taught in the schools.  I borrowed this word from John Grisham.  Thintelligence.  That is what I see happening all around me when it comes to official dog crap!  Oops!  Dogma.

Sadly, because of thintelligence evolution, like so many other subjects, has become the focus of a culture war instead of a subject that can be discussed constructively in educational institutions or in the political realm of negotiation and compromise.  Right here in Southern California we've seen a similar situation played out.  A young woman wore a T-shirt with the Republican Romney depicted.  She was ridiculed (really) and told that her school was a Democratic school, and wearing that shirt would be like the teacher (an African American) wearing a KKK T-shirt.  I kid you not!  Silly little terrorist!  What was she thinking?

Chicken Turtle

The debate a few nights ago is another great example!  If Romney made the kind of poor showing that Obama did the press would be painting him stupid, moronic, an idiot, unworthy of the position to which he aspires.  So what was the excuse for Obama.  THE ALTITUDE?  Really?  Welcome to the world of thintelligence.  I'm quite sure that global warming played a part as well.  Oh!  So did evolution!  Romney has evolved into a much more intelligent debater than our esteemed president!

Does anyone see where things are heading?  When a scientific establishment starts to act like a governmental body with an official ideology to uphold it is no longer scientific.  When a political party starts to act like it is government with an official ideology to uphold it is no longer a government of the people, for the people, and by the people.  (I'm such a radical!  No!  Now I'm a terrorist!  I probably have a plan to destroy the embassy in Lancaster, California!)  There's a high price to pay for our science community and political community to hold this position.  They are defending things they shouldn't be defending with methods like doubletalk, intimidating threats of legal action, and public ridicule.  Eventually this leads to mass hypocrisy and self-deception.  (Sounds a lot like an established religion, doesn't it?)

Florida Cooter

One also loses the ability to think critically about his or her own beliefs in thintelligence.  Unable to admit that people have valid reasons for objecting to the materialist philosophy presented in the name of science or party these individuals set themselves up for embarrassment and humiliation.  If one is going to be honest instead of a dogmatist, that means beginning to deal honestly with those objections.  Unfortunately for those blinded by thintelligence this is all but impossible.  It shouldn't be, but it is.

Here's the rub.  I can be as dogmatic as the next person!  Exhibiting thintelligence is not exclusive.  You think not?  Did not Jesus pray in John 17 that the church would be one, as He and the Father are one?  And is the church one?  Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I rest my case.  It's fun to ridicule others and pretend that I am wiser than they!  So let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall!

River Cooter

 In all of this there is only one thing we can do that makes any sense at all.  Rejoice.  Never stop praying.  In every-thing give thanks, for this is God's will for your life in Christ Jesus!  Don't get your grapes wrinkled over what people say.  One tends to end up looking like a raisin!  And don't be a dried old prune!  Let your light shine in such a way that when others see your good works they give glory to God!  I'm not going to be able to influence anyone until my own heart is full of God's light and mercy.

Don't talk about the parties, or candidates, or propositions without utmost respect.  Let's not divide over such silly matters.  Instead, talk about God's Word!  Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you as you speak to one another and admonish one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs!  Note that the words are not mine, but His.  May the Lord be with you as you face these end times, with the mockers and haters of good.  The ride may be bumpy but the destination is worth it!