I've been wanting to write a lot about the themes for these 2 months, but just have not felt inspired… I'm sure there are images and Bible verses that I could come up with and make a fancy and catchy blog post, but that will have to wait till later… (though since I originally posted this I did add a couple images and Proverbs 17:15 ties in nicely to the below thoughts).
But since I started these Monthly theme posts about 12 years ago and took a several-year break between month 4-5 and then another couple years until I posted month 6, I figure I can set my sights on completing these two and the rest (September-December) some later date – maybe after the pandemic is over… ha!
Speaking of that though (the “pandemic"), and all that has been going on which has had a polarizing effect on most people over the past year and a half, here's something I wrote on a note in a moment of inspiration — Enjoy!
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Condoning vs. Condemning w/r/t Controversial Concepts (e.g. Conspiracies & Corruption)
I have noticed recently the hesitancy of those who consider themselves Christians and are left leaning to condemn things like homosexual behavior, or governmental over-reach just to name a couple controversial concepts, while they are also quick to condemn arguments against those 2 things or any theories used to explain the corporate corruption so apparent to some. On the other hand, with respect to those leaning more to the right, I have seen individuals quick to condemn things like open borders policies and radical Islamic terrorism, but not quite as vocal regarding the distrust for institutions and a conspiratorial mindset which some on their side exhibit.
The reasons for these differences in priorities of focus are manifold, but I think it’s worth pointing out that when the “right" sees the “left" failing to condemn something they themselves are quick to condemn (and vice versa regarding the “left’s" perception of the “right"), what is usually concluded by each is that a condoning disposition is being held by the other – even if the other side doesn't necessarily condone the things they decide not to condemn.
I think it’s important to recognize that perception is never reality when perceptions are wrong, but I also think it’s helpful to realize what perceptions people have and how you are either reinforcing or countering them based on your words and conduct (or silence and inaction).
A couple more examples to illustrate this polarized state involves the most talked-about virus and various reactions to it. Those on the “left” do not seem to condemn mandates from government, whether they be to wear a mask or inject one’s body with an experimental drug which has received emergency use authorization by a governmental agency but which the pharmaceutical industry has already or at least has the potential to profit from (even though many on the left despise big businesses for the the totally absurd amount of money they are making from this). On the other hand, those on the “right” take a more extreme approach to individual liberty and do not seem to concern themselves with the very real dangers of the virus (even though many believe it is a genetically modified bio-weapon developed through well-funded gain-of-function research, and therefore could have long-term, negative health consequences if one gets infected – cognitive dissonance is fascinating, isn't it?!) Complicating matters even more are those who might be on the “right" for some issues while maintaining ideas from the “left" as well – think of the fiscally conservative but socially liberal individuals…
Because disagreeing with someone usually makes you more firm in your views – as you devote time and effort researching and finding others who agree with you – the art of agreeing to disagree has been lost and, in my opinion, is one of the first things that needs to be found. All sides should primarily concern themselves with truth and try to avoid becoming a useful idiot to either side… which is basically what someone becomes when they simply parrot a party line without doing their own research with an open mind, and at least attempting to see the merits of an opposing viewpoint.
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Well, as A. D. Robles says at the end of his videos:
I hope some of you found that helpful!
Peace,
Adam
PS: I went ahead and recorded a video of myself reading the content above so it can be absorbed more quickly and efficiently… sorry Mark Dice, I forgot to hold the phone sideways!
PSS: The recording was prior to several edits to add some clarification, so what you'll hear is the original note I wrote and it differs a little from what is written above!