What is Postmodernism?
In this post, Postmodernism mainly refers to the belief that all truth is relative. It is, in essence, a 'live and let live' philosophy - at least, one of the forms of it.
Unfortunately, this philosophy is not very well built at all, and I hope to show you why.
Postmodernists say "What's true for you is true for you. You have your truth, and I have mine. It's all good." They deny that there is only one true worldview or only one way to interpret facts.
The problem is, this cannot work. First of all, if this is true, then postmodernists cannot do science, education, religion, anything. They shouldn't be agreeing on anything. Why is there a set education system if truth, fact, is relative? Why do we teach that one plus one equals two - isn't that forcing our truth on other people? Why do laws exist?
Perhaps the postmodernist answers "That's because these truths are true for a lot of people. They're true for me, too."
How very convenient. But what if a leading scientist decides that the truth of one plus one isn't for him? Are you going to accept his scientific observations as true? What if a world leader rises up and declares that genocide is good in his truth? Why should you object? Because it's not in yours? If you use the 'what's true for you isn't true for me. Live and let live' philosophy only when it suits you to get out of arguments you don't like, or situations you find uncomfortable, then it shows you don't practice what you preach.
Second, postmodernism slices its own throat by declaring that 'truth is relative'. Truth, by definition, is a set value. In logic, a statement of fact must either be true or false. If I say 'the moon is blue', and you say 'no, the moon is white', then one of our statements is true, and the other is false. Postmodernism tries to ignore this and say that it's okay, you can believe what you want. If you think the moon is blue, then it's true. If I think the moon is white, that's true too. But statements that directly contradict each other cannot both be true.
Third, Postmodernism may say that 'truth is relative', but it doesn't practice what it preaches. In fact, it cannot. Postmodernism cannot be true if what's true for you isn't true for me. I don't think Postmodernism is true. But it has to be either true or false, as we've just discussed. If you say Postmodernism is true, then I can come right back and say no, it isn't - and according to Postmodernism, I'm also speaking the truth. Therefore, Postmodernism is self-contradicting. It tries to use the rules of logic to assert itself, but in the process it sticks a sword through its gut.
Now, let's step back a little and take in the base philosophy behind Postmodernism - 'Live and Let Live'. This philosophy takes on many similar forms besides Postmodernism:
"Why force your beliefs on other people? All religions are essentially the same. They all believe in the same god, and we're all going to end up in the same place."
"I don't believe in anything. You have your views, that's fine. You do your thing, I'll do mine."
And there's more. But just like Postmodernism, Live and Let Live causes its own death, and here's why.
Let's deal with the two specific statements I just gave. First of all, all religions are not essentially the same. There are vast differences between them. A person who says they are the same has not done enough research, or is generalizing in a huge way. To show just how general the statement is, here's a similar (and perhaps even more general) one: "All worldviews are the same, because they all hold something to be true."
Second, you cannot believe in nothing. By saying 'I don't believe in anything', you are making a statement of belief. You believe that there is nothing to believe in. Also, by saying 'you do your thing, I'll do mine', you are telling me what to do. You just violated your own stance. You not only believe in something, not nothing, you also believe that people should leave each other alone and believe what they want. But by telling people what they should do, you aren't leaving them alone, nor letting them believe what they want. You're telling them how to live and what to believe. The stance defeats itself.
Hopefully by now you've seen that this philosophy of 'Live and Let Live' just can't, well, live. It kills itself each time it makes an appearance. If a person still clings to such a philosophy after that philosophy being so blatantly exposed and defrauded, then they are deceiving themselves and there is nothing to be done to help them, beyond praying for their soul.
If you find this confusing to comprehend, don't worry. You may have to read it a few times - circular reasoning makes my head spin, too.
I hope you found this helpful, and until next time:
Ta and good luck.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Family Bonds
Happy Father's day, my friends.
Family. Something we all have. Some of us have more than others. Some of us have brothers and/or sisters, others are single children. Whichever category you fall into, I hope these words of encouragement help you - and they're not only for kids, but parents also.
Boys:
You're the men of the household. Act like it. This doesn't mean pushing your siblings around, or having bravado to the point of foolishness. Be discreet and wise.
Respect your mom - respect, respect, respect. You don't question a thing she tells you to do - given that it's within scriptural bounds of behavior. She's the one who nursed you as a small child, changed your dirty diapers, loved you when you were quite unlovable. Hold her in a special place. Her gentle hand will always be there, until you or her meets Death.
Your dad is your example to follow. Learn to be a handy man - girls love guys who know how to do stuff. (wink wink)
As for your sisters, they deserve your respect as well. Don't stare at me like that - they are women, just as your mom is. Cherish them. Girls are precious flowers - and while some of them are quite tough flowers, they nonetheless only bloom with love and care. Protect them with your lives. If you see another boy picking on her, you give that sucker one warning. If he doesn't stop, you have my approval to call in the big guns (a.k.a. parents), and if even they can't deter him (which is unlikely) then you have full rights to light that predator up.
Remember, all this is training for if/when you get married. Get romance tips now, when you can!
Girls:
Gals, I'm male, and I am not the one to dictate how you should behave. I understand what is required of you in biblical standards, however. Be modest and gentle. Don't nag (that is VERY IMPORTANT). Your mother is your example. Learn to take care of younger children. Learn to be a good cook. Seriously, we boys have a lot of 'girls in the kitchen' jokes, but when it comes to that sort of thing, most of us would burn salads. We can't live without your cooking skills - honestly. If/when you get married, your husband will be head over heels for you if you are a good cook.
Also, support your brothers in their protective roles. Allow them to be chivalrous and gentlemanly -encourage such behavior. It's their duty, and should be their pleasure.
Dads:
You're the anchor of the family - without you, everyone is lost. Your strong hand guides your family's path - for good or ill. We boys look up to you, whether you think we do or not. Be good examples! We learn from you, so please be patient with us. Your girls love you; you're their shield and strong pillar. Keep a firm, loving hand on their shoulder. It goes a long way.
As I'm writing this on father's day, let me take a moment to thank you so much for your hard work. You supply your families, lead your wife and children, and take care of technical difficulties when they spring up. It's a tough job. We salute you - and love you. Keep up the awesome work!
Moms:
Moms are the chain that holds the boat to the anchor. Without it, the anchor is quite ineffective. Your selfless sacrifice - on duty, 24/7, for good or ill, is the highest of callings a woman can have. You have more time at home than Dad, and thus in some ways influence us children more.
Keep that patience handy. We children blow it quite frequently - I would know! It's such a good example when you can bear with it and keep smiling as you clean up our mess. But as a different side to that, please don't get slack with discipline. That might sound weird coming from a kid like me, but when sentiment trumps love, children get rebellious. Don't take disrespect, ever. We kids are to respect you and Dad, and when that doesn't happen, sin is involved. I recommend one warning before you discipline, for graciousness' sake. Thanks so much for your gentle hand guiding us as we grow up - no one can replace you, Mom.
Parents, I am very sorry if I sound at all commanding here. I recognize that I have much to learn - and these are just my recommendations. They are fueled by biblical teachings (thanks Mom and Dad!), however, and I do think they warrant a little consideration. We children love you and need you. Thanks again for all you do.
Fellow children and siblings, I hope you'll take my advice to heart. I want only what's best for you - and remember, your parents do too. Don't hesitate to ask them about difficult things. They have a wealth of information, and they'd love to share it with you. Oh yeah, and in case you didn't get it, RESPECT THEM. That's R-E-S-P-E-C-T T-H-E-M. They know better than you do. I'm looking especially at you, teenagers. They know better than you. Do not think they're outdated, or not with the times, or whatever. 'Cause to be honest with you, the times are pretty stupid.
Family. Something we all have. Some of us have more than others. Some of us have brothers and/or sisters, others are single children. Whichever category you fall into, I hope these words of encouragement help you - and they're not only for kids, but parents also.
Boys:
You're the men of the household. Act like it. This doesn't mean pushing your siblings around, or having bravado to the point of foolishness. Be discreet and wise.
Respect your mom - respect, respect, respect. You don't question a thing she tells you to do - given that it's within scriptural bounds of behavior. She's the one who nursed you as a small child, changed your dirty diapers, loved you when you were quite unlovable. Hold her in a special place. Her gentle hand will always be there, until you or her meets Death.
Your dad is your example to follow. Learn to be a handy man - girls love guys who know how to do stuff. (wink wink)
As for your sisters, they deserve your respect as well. Don't stare at me like that - they are women, just as your mom is. Cherish them. Girls are precious flowers - and while some of them are quite tough flowers, they nonetheless only bloom with love and care. Protect them with your lives. If you see another boy picking on her, you give that sucker one warning. If he doesn't stop, you have my approval to call in the big guns (a.k.a. parents), and if even they can't deter him (which is unlikely) then you have full rights to light that predator up.
Remember, all this is training for if/when you get married. Get romance tips now, when you can!
Girls:
Gals, I'm male, and I am not the one to dictate how you should behave. I understand what is required of you in biblical standards, however. Be modest and gentle. Don't nag (that is VERY IMPORTANT). Your mother is your example. Learn to take care of younger children. Learn to be a good cook. Seriously, we boys have a lot of 'girls in the kitchen' jokes, but when it comes to that sort of thing, most of us would burn salads. We can't live without your cooking skills - honestly. If/when you get married, your husband will be head over heels for you if you are a good cook.
Also, support your brothers in their protective roles. Allow them to be chivalrous and gentlemanly -encourage such behavior. It's their duty, and should be their pleasure.
Dads:
You're the anchor of the family - without you, everyone is lost. Your strong hand guides your family's path - for good or ill. We boys look up to you, whether you think we do or not. Be good examples! We learn from you, so please be patient with us. Your girls love you; you're their shield and strong pillar. Keep a firm, loving hand on their shoulder. It goes a long way.
As I'm writing this on father's day, let me take a moment to thank you so much for your hard work. You supply your families, lead your wife and children, and take care of technical difficulties when they spring up. It's a tough job. We salute you - and love you. Keep up the awesome work!
Moms:
Moms are the chain that holds the boat to the anchor. Without it, the anchor is quite ineffective. Your selfless sacrifice - on duty, 24/7, for good or ill, is the highest of callings a woman can have. You have more time at home than Dad, and thus in some ways influence us children more.
Keep that patience handy. We children blow it quite frequently - I would know! It's such a good example when you can bear with it and keep smiling as you clean up our mess. But as a different side to that, please don't get slack with discipline. That might sound weird coming from a kid like me, but when sentiment trumps love, children get rebellious. Don't take disrespect, ever. We kids are to respect you and Dad, and when that doesn't happen, sin is involved. I recommend one warning before you discipline, for graciousness' sake. Thanks so much for your gentle hand guiding us as we grow up - no one can replace you, Mom.
Parents, I am very sorry if I sound at all commanding here. I recognize that I have much to learn - and these are just my recommendations. They are fueled by biblical teachings (thanks Mom and Dad!), however, and I do think they warrant a little consideration. We children love you and need you. Thanks again for all you do.
Fellow children and siblings, I hope you'll take my advice to heart. I want only what's best for you - and remember, your parents do too. Don't hesitate to ask them about difficult things. They have a wealth of information, and they'd love to share it with you. Oh yeah, and in case you didn't get it, RESPECT THEM. That's R-E-S-P-E-C-T T-H-E-M. They know better than you do. I'm looking especially at you, teenagers. They know better than you. Do not think they're outdated, or not with the times, or whatever. 'Cause to be honest with you, the times are pretty stupid.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
The Lone Ranger Gets Shot, In The Head, With A Silver Bullet
"The laaaaaaaand of the freeeeeeeee....and the hoooooome of the braaaaaave."
And, now that I think about it, the lone ranger philosophy.
What is this philosophy? Basically, it's individualism. A friend of mine wrote about this earlier - and if you happened to read that post, you might assume I'm talking about the same thing. Well...not really.
Over the years, America has cultivated an immensely saturated picture of men who lead by their strength, who overcome the odds by their own will and perseverance; heroes. This is nowhere more apparent than the superhero comics, where 'one man against a million' is actually feasible. Let me name a few examples.
-Batman (regular god)
-Superman (god.)
-Iron man (comedy god)
-Spiderman (haha)
-Thor (actual god)
-Captain America ('Murica)
And let's not forget the Lone Ranger, who has the honor of being murdered horribly in this post's title. You get the idea.
We have been so immersed in the idea of one man taking on the odds and winning that we've incorporated it into our very society and lives. It manifests in how we deal with challenges, trials, obstacles. It shows in how we attempt to lead other people. It is apparent in part of our definition of 'manliness' - "the ability to muscle your way through any difficulty without nobody's help".
This act can't last forever. The lone wolf cannot stand against the pack and hope to survive. One man cannot move a mountain. That's common sense.
But what about a host of wolves? What about millions of people instead of just one? Multiply the strength of one man by a nation...all of a sudden, that mountain's toast.
The truth is, individualism is rather arrogant. God created us to be social beings, to help and rely on each other (this is especially obvious in marriage). When we reject the necessity of that, when we say "No, I can shift this mountain myself," we sound as stupid as our president does when he says he's increasing budget cuts.
When you are falling on hard times and it seems you can't hold on, God has provided the best help you could possibly have...Himself. How big does that mountain look compared to the God who spoke the universe into existence?
Not that big, I'll wager.
And, now that I think about it, the lone ranger philosophy.
What is this philosophy? Basically, it's individualism. A friend of mine wrote about this earlier - and if you happened to read that post, you might assume I'm talking about the same thing. Well...not really.
Over the years, America has cultivated an immensely saturated picture of men who lead by their strength, who overcome the odds by their own will and perseverance; heroes. This is nowhere more apparent than the superhero comics, where 'one man against a million' is actually feasible. Let me name a few examples.
-Batman (regular god)
-Superman (god.)
-Iron man (comedy god)
-Spiderman (haha)
-Thor (actual god)
-Captain America ('Murica)
And let's not forget the Lone Ranger, who has the honor of being murdered horribly in this post's title. You get the idea.
We have been so immersed in the idea of one man taking on the odds and winning that we've incorporated it into our very society and lives. It manifests in how we deal with challenges, trials, obstacles. It shows in how we attempt to lead other people. It is apparent in part of our definition of 'manliness' - "the ability to muscle your way through any difficulty without nobody's help".
This act can't last forever. The lone wolf cannot stand against the pack and hope to survive. One man cannot move a mountain. That's common sense.
But what about a host of wolves? What about millions of people instead of just one? Multiply the strength of one man by a nation...all of a sudden, that mountain's toast.
The truth is, individualism is rather arrogant. God created us to be social beings, to help and rely on each other (this is especially obvious in marriage). When we reject the necessity of that, when we say "No, I can shift this mountain myself," we sound as stupid as our president does when he says he's increasing budget cuts.
When you are falling on hard times and it seems you can't hold on, God has provided the best help you could possibly have...Himself. How big does that mountain look compared to the God who spoke the universe into existence?
Not that big, I'll wager.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Christ is Risen
He is risen; He is risen indeed.
The entire Christian faith, as agreed upon by all true Christians, is centered around Jesus and the story of the Gospel. The coming of Christ as a human child, growing up as a man, living a perfect life, and dying on the cross for our sins.
At least, that's where many people stop. Often we forget that after Jesus died, He was raised from the dead - and that without this fact, the entire Christian faith would just be another religion following some dead prophet who taught good morals.
Because Jesus is alive, this changes everything.
Did you get that?
Because Jesus is alive, this changes EVERYTHING.
He is who He claimed to be; God in human form. His teachings are not guidelines; they are laws. His commands are to be obeyed. His example is one to follow. And because He is God, our sins are well and truly nailed to the cross, and we bear them no more...praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul!
My heart throbs with a mixture of pain and joy as I look at the Cross. I can't imagine what it would be like to be so punished for something I didn't do, something I didn't deserve.
Oh, I was there at the Cross. I was there yelling insults and profanities, screaming in delight as the nails were driven into Jesus's flesh, laughing as He cried out "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" I jeered and taunted, shaking my fist in His face and spitting on Him.
What a fool I was! The wrath that boiled in the heavens that day, crashing down as a thunderbolt on this God in man's form, was meant for me. But that man whom I mocked and rejected was the one who took it in my place, and now I am struck dumb, speechless. As the song says,
"Why would You adopt
And take as Your own
Those who had crushed Your one precious Son?
Why mercy and grace
Towards Your enemies
Your name they have cursed, and Your throne they have shunned!
Oh how could you choose to show kindness to these
The ones who would mock You and hate You
The ones just like me?"
And the atheists mock Christians for blind devotion to an imagination in the sky.
...sorry, I need to go recompute.
He is risen!
The entire Christian faith, as agreed upon by all true Christians, is centered around Jesus and the story of the Gospel. The coming of Christ as a human child, growing up as a man, living a perfect life, and dying on the cross for our sins.
At least, that's where many people stop. Often we forget that after Jesus died, He was raised from the dead - and that without this fact, the entire Christian faith would just be another religion following some dead prophet who taught good morals.
Because Jesus is alive, this changes everything.
Did you get that?
Because Jesus is alive, this changes EVERYTHING.
He is who He claimed to be; God in human form. His teachings are not guidelines; they are laws. His commands are to be obeyed. His example is one to follow. And because He is God, our sins are well and truly nailed to the cross, and we bear them no more...praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul!
My heart throbs with a mixture of pain and joy as I look at the Cross. I can't imagine what it would be like to be so punished for something I didn't do, something I didn't deserve.
Oh, I was there at the Cross. I was there yelling insults and profanities, screaming in delight as the nails were driven into Jesus's flesh, laughing as He cried out "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" I jeered and taunted, shaking my fist in His face and spitting on Him.
What a fool I was! The wrath that boiled in the heavens that day, crashing down as a thunderbolt on this God in man's form, was meant for me. But that man whom I mocked and rejected was the one who took it in my place, and now I am struck dumb, speechless. As the song says,
"Why would You adopt
And take as Your own
Those who had crushed Your one precious Son?
Why mercy and grace
Towards Your enemies
Your name they have cursed, and Your throne they have shunned!
Oh how could you choose to show kindness to these
The ones who would mock You and hate You
The ones just like me?"
And the atheists mock Christians for blind devotion to an imagination in the sky.
...sorry, I need to go recompute.
He is risen!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Trust Only One
The last post I put up argued for trusting no one, as this world is full of deceit and lies. Well, here's the counterpart to that argument; trust only one.
If you're a Christian, the object of that trust is obvious: God. Who else?
It's amazing to find how often we can say 'trust God and He'll take care of you' or 'do such and such', but our lives don't reflect that. I personally can testify that when I find myself pursuing earthly things with more vigor than my Bible reading and memorization and the pursuit of the One who snatched me from the jaws of sin and death, I feel rather mortified.
The truth is, we are completely and utterly helpless by ourselves. Against sin, we can do nothing but give in. As Christians, however, God has granted us the ability to beg for grace to fight temptation and faith that what God has said, He will do.
Ultimately, when we sin, it is because we mistrust God. We look at sin and tell God "You know what, God, I think you're lying to me. This over here will give me much more pleasure and satisfaction. I don't need you to be my all in all. You're a liar."
How close-minded we little humans are! Who are we to tell the CREATOR OF ALL THINGS, the ONE WHO CAN SPEAK THINGS INTO AND OUT OF EXISTENCE, "You aren't sufficient." By all rights, He should vaporize us on the spot for our insolence. But He forgives us?! He is patient with us?! And then, soon after we repent from our sin, we do it again?! And yet He's still merciful!
What even. I can't find words to describe such a thing, language is so inadequate. It's as the song goes:
"I can't comprehend
Your fathomless love
I'm gripped and amazed
At what You have done
Why would the adored
Become the despised
To bear all the furious wrath that was mine?
How awesome this mystery
Of your fathomless love for me..."
Who better to put your trust in than the one who has all things in His control? In such a view, what have we to fear? Terrorists? Disease? Criminals? Death? While these may befall us, it is of no matter if our ultimate goal is the glory of the Creator. For everything He does or allows, He orchestrates for His glory.
If you're a Christian, the object of that trust is obvious: God. Who else?
It's amazing to find how often we can say 'trust God and He'll take care of you' or 'do such and such', but our lives don't reflect that. I personally can testify that when I find myself pursuing earthly things with more vigor than my Bible reading and memorization and the pursuit of the One who snatched me from the jaws of sin and death, I feel rather mortified.
The truth is, we are completely and utterly helpless by ourselves. Against sin, we can do nothing but give in. As Christians, however, God has granted us the ability to beg for grace to fight temptation and faith that what God has said, He will do.
Ultimately, when we sin, it is because we mistrust God. We look at sin and tell God "You know what, God, I think you're lying to me. This over here will give me much more pleasure and satisfaction. I don't need you to be my all in all. You're a liar."
How close-minded we little humans are! Who are we to tell the CREATOR OF ALL THINGS, the ONE WHO CAN SPEAK THINGS INTO AND OUT OF EXISTENCE, "You aren't sufficient." By all rights, He should vaporize us on the spot for our insolence. But He forgives us?! He is patient with us?! And then, soon after we repent from our sin, we do it again?! And yet He's still merciful!
What even. I can't find words to describe such a thing, language is so inadequate. It's as the song goes:
"I can't comprehend
Your fathomless love
I'm gripped and amazed
At what You have done
Why would the adored
Become the despised
To bear all the furious wrath that was mine?
How awesome this mystery
Of your fathomless love for me..."
Who better to put your trust in than the one who has all things in His control? In such a view, what have we to fear? Terrorists? Disease? Criminals? Death? While these may befall us, it is of no matter if our ultimate goal is the glory of the Creator. For everything He does or allows, He orchestrates for His glory.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Trust No One
You might be scratching your heads, but let me assure you, you read that right.
Call me a nerd, but I've watched all six Star Wars movies, read the books for them, and read a heap of in-between episodes literature as well. Yeah, okay, I'm a nerd. And happy for it.
One quote that has stuck with me from Star Wars (admittedly, not many did) was Jango Fett's motto - "Trust no one." While you might call that drastic at first (and I would certainly agree), hold the rum and let's ask a question...why not?
The world we live in is chock-full of lies, deceit, and people primed and ready to lead you around by the nose until you hit their trap. Advertising is, perhaps, the foremost perpetrator of deception; the entire purpose of the industry is to make a product look appealing, sound like a deal, and feel good, so that you will spend your money on it. Without fail, the product in question is always not as good as in the advertisements, by whatever margin.
A second glaring example is politics. Dictionary.com defines 'politician' as a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles. (Italics are mine for emphasis.) Politicians will lie, cheat, steal, do whatever it takes to keep their position, and there are numerous scandals and examples, stretching throughout all of history. In fact, 'politician' and 'professional liar' have almost no difference in meaning in our society today.
The two abovementioned examples are the most obvious reasons why 'trust no one' might be a good dictum. But it's not only they who are the problem.
Media is, in my opinion, the giant among these causes of evil. No matter where you look, there is always a subliminal message wanting to squirm into your mind; its mission, to slowly wear down your morality and destroy your sense of good and evil. Nowhere is this object more seeded than the movie industry, where producers use the emotion and situations available in the movie to present their point in the most appealing way possible. Music is also this way; though its gambit for corruption is a bit more obvious than movies, given that most popular artists and their songs are complete and utter trash.
And, lamentations upon lamentations, books are also filled with lies, messages, evil waiting to wrench the principles out of your heart and take their place. I often wish I could spend hours in the library, but now my reasons have changed; I just can't find a good book, so I have to look longer and harder. Even when I do find one, it's usually only passable.
The common denominator to all of this, of course, is people. (That's why this is 'trust no one' instead of 'trust nothing'.) People are born in sin, and to sin they cling. From that sin is spawned all assortments of evil; it's why the entire world has a crust of lies covering it, barely concealing the sin trying to hide beneath. As Christians, we cannot, ever let down our guard, not when surrounded by such evil. We are constantly in a war, constantly fighting for righteousness, supported by our brothers and sisters around us in the battle line, drawing on the power of the Word of God.
As I said in the beginning, 'trust no one' isn't something to be taken literally. That would be a bit extreme. We cannot help but give trust. I am trusting in this seat to hold me. I am trusting in this house to shelter me. By that trust, I am extending my faith to the builders of these materials, trusting they did their job. But in our personal relationships, from heart-to-heart, we cannot let down our guard, not for a moment. Even with other Christians, we must always be aware; while we love and support one another, we must be wary of sin that has perhaps infiltrated the life of one of our companions, and help them eradicate it.
Oh be careful little heart, what you love.
Oh be careful little mind, what you think.
For world all around, with sin always abounds;
Oh be careful, little heart, what you love.
Call me a nerd, but I've watched all six Star Wars movies, read the books for them, and read a heap of in-between episodes literature as well. Yeah, okay, I'm a nerd. And happy for it.
One quote that has stuck with me from Star Wars (admittedly, not many did) was Jango Fett's motto - "Trust no one." While you might call that drastic at first (and I would certainly agree), hold the rum and let's ask a question...why not?
The world we live in is chock-full of lies, deceit, and people primed and ready to lead you around by the nose until you hit their trap. Advertising is, perhaps, the foremost perpetrator of deception; the entire purpose of the industry is to make a product look appealing, sound like a deal, and feel good, so that you will spend your money on it. Without fail, the product in question is always not as good as in the advertisements, by whatever margin.
A second glaring example is politics. Dictionary.com defines 'politician' as a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles. (Italics are mine for emphasis.) Politicians will lie, cheat, steal, do whatever it takes to keep their position, and there are numerous scandals and examples, stretching throughout all of history. In fact, 'politician' and 'professional liar' have almost no difference in meaning in our society today.
The two abovementioned examples are the most obvious reasons why 'trust no one' might be a good dictum. But it's not only they who are the problem.
Media is, in my opinion, the giant among these causes of evil. No matter where you look, there is always a subliminal message wanting to squirm into your mind; its mission, to slowly wear down your morality and destroy your sense of good and evil. Nowhere is this object more seeded than the movie industry, where producers use the emotion and situations available in the movie to present their point in the most appealing way possible. Music is also this way; though its gambit for corruption is a bit more obvious than movies, given that most popular artists and their songs are complete and utter trash.
And, lamentations upon lamentations, books are also filled with lies, messages, evil waiting to wrench the principles out of your heart and take their place. I often wish I could spend hours in the library, but now my reasons have changed; I just can't find a good book, so I have to look longer and harder. Even when I do find one, it's usually only passable.
The common denominator to all of this, of course, is people. (That's why this is 'trust no one' instead of 'trust nothing'.) People are born in sin, and to sin they cling. From that sin is spawned all assortments of evil; it's why the entire world has a crust of lies covering it, barely concealing the sin trying to hide beneath. As Christians, we cannot, ever let down our guard, not when surrounded by such evil. We are constantly in a war, constantly fighting for righteousness, supported by our brothers and sisters around us in the battle line, drawing on the power of the Word of God.
As I said in the beginning, 'trust no one' isn't something to be taken literally. That would be a bit extreme. We cannot help but give trust. I am trusting in this seat to hold me. I am trusting in this house to shelter me. By that trust, I am extending my faith to the builders of these materials, trusting they did their job. But in our personal relationships, from heart-to-heart, we cannot let down our guard, not for a moment. Even with other Christians, we must always be aware; while we love and support one another, we must be wary of sin that has perhaps infiltrated the life of one of our companions, and help them eradicate it.
Oh be careful little heart, what you love.
Oh be careful little mind, what you think.
For world all around, with sin always abounds;
Oh be careful, little heart, what you love.
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