What is Truth?
Where Truth is Not a Factor
As I’m theologically wary of hymns and praise songs that begin with the word “I” -- “I sing a song of the saints of God” is almost an exception, but not quite because it is a selfie from start to finish: cute, trivial, in our Hymnal 1940 it was appropriately among “Children’s Hymns” where it belonged and should have been left -- just so, to begin with “I” violates my writing modesty so I won’t.
But I don’t know what to do, and with a national election campaign heating up it will get worse. I don’t know except to ignore politely as if they had passed gas at Mass — not wishing to embarrass them (and worse it does not embarrass) — when Facebook entries and email are unmitigated skybalon (look it up) filth hate lies, veiled racism; untruths that they could have checked out on Scopes before passing along. But were either too ignorant or too filled with malice to do so. Is it malice or ignorance.
Sadly, it isn't ignorance, and hatred is blinding, and racism is so indelible that it is undiscerned and hotly denied. C. S. Lewis said that passing along a falsehood is not ignorance. Lewis said this is proved when their mistake in passing along a falsehood is pointed out and they are not relieved that it was all a lie but are disappointed, unphased, and go on to the next inexcusable and unforgivable. And yes, ignorance is forgivable; but malice is theologically unforgivable, don't expect absolution. Lewis said passing along falsehood is malice, not ignorance. They are only concerned, as John McCain said of The Donald, with firing up the crazies.
Some come to church, sign the Cross, parrot the Creed, eat and drink the κρίμα, and go forth. How Jesus can stand them, I do not know. They are from the same dark cell of buffoonery with Dylann Roof holding the Confederate flag.
Why do seemingly decent people do these things? Because all is not as it seems.
If the crow fits, eat it.
TW