Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
- From 2 Corinthians 12
It has gotten hard to take any argument seriously. Everybody goes to Snopes to debunk everything. We can't wait to tell others they're wrong. And some people particularly relish the correcting of their elders, a rather despicable attitude.
They go after you with "facts." They will claim that "Science" or "History" is on their side. Lacking that, they deploy ridicule and scorn. They will establish a definition of "cool" that ensconces them securely within it's confines, and you, out.
They will resist "bullies," but celebrate their own bullies. They bemoan Groupthink, but rush to participate in this week's mob march.
Every point seems carefully devised to place themselves on solid rhetorical ground. Or if not that, on the emotional "right side" of the dispute. Whatever the case, at all costs, they must win a debate that seems to hinge on maintaining some good feeling, or emotional high, for themselves.
But what is lacking is any sense of moral and human dignity. They do not value empathy, unless they are demanding it from you. They do not care to listen . . . but will yell in your face to be heard.
Facts or Fake? Who really knows? It has come down to bias and opinion. We all have them. We all have our reasons. There is no reputable and reliable source for fact. Even Science facts are suspect. And we will all come at some issues based on values . . . and values are higher than fact. Values and principles trump Science. Values are invisible things that cannot be validated Scientifically. Values inform Science and Science is the servant of values. And this is where the rift begins.
The Apostle was a learned, credentialed man that nevertheless was ridiculed and scored, and worse. He was insulted . . . and what greater insult is there, than "You got your facts wrong"? That's pretty much an assertion of "You're an idiot." But Paul bore has travails well. He looked weak, but was his spirit held up, in super-human ways.
The current conflict is built around the strategy of breaking the spirit of the people of God. One of the tactics is to challenge "facts." But it's a tactic, that's all. Hold to your values. And be strong.
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