| IncarnateBodies.com |
|
by Georgie Márquez-André October 11, 2004
ABSURD', a. [L. absurdus, from ab and surdus, deaf, insensible.] Opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with reason or the plain dictates of common sense. An absurd man acts contrary to the clear dictates of reason or sound judgement. An absurd proposition contradicts obvious truth. An absurd practice or opinion is repugnant to the reason or common apprehension of men. It is absurd to say six and six make ten, or that plants will take root in stone.
If this sounds familiar... it should. A couple of weeks ago we talked about oxymoronic thinking. And then, it happened again! This past Friday we had a second debate between the two men who would be president. And, amazingly enough, one of the most oxymoronic statements has not only gone unquestioned, but, according to my local newspaper, it has been named by more than one person as this candidate's "best point."
The statement? "I can't take what is an article of faith for me and legislate it for someone who doesn't share that article of faith."
FAITH, n. In theology, the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. BELIEF, n. A persuasion of the truth, or an assent of mind to the truth of a declaration, proposition or alleged fact, on the ground of evidence, distinct from personal knowledge; as the belief of the gospel; belief of a witness. Belief may also by founded on internal impressions, or arguments and reasons furnished by our own minds; as the belief of our senses; a train of reasoning may result in belief. Belief is opposed to knowledge and science.
So, here is a man who says that he has faith and belief in certain issues that many would consider absolutes. HOWEVER, he will set aside those beliefs, when faced with major, life and death, and ethical issues, in order to not base his decision on beliefs others might not share.
Oh, please, someone explain that one to me!
So, if someone does not base his decisions on their beliefs, then on what will they base them? On someone else's beliefs? And how does one decide that those other beliefs will be correct? If they don't hold them as true, why would they be even considered in the decision making? Am I missing something here?
Maybe the issue is that we don't want absolutes. But in matters of life and death, what do we want to base our choices on... feelings... moods... the flavor of the week? It would be funny if it wasn't so maddening. But that the man made the statement, and that it has been embraced by some listeners as a "best point;" now, that is absurd.
Indeed, "The wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, 'He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness'." - 1 Cor. 3:19
Have a blessed week! All definitions taken from Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary. Sign up now for Georgie Márquez André's Motivation of the Week e-zine. Receive inspirational thoughts, Bible studies, fitness tips and just general motivation to grow in body, mind, and spirit in your email box weekly. Yours FREE!! Here is a sample of the motivational messages you'll receive:
Complete the Form Below to Subscribe IncarnateBodies has a zero spam tolerance policy. We will never sell or rent your contact information to any third party, for any reason. |