I have been very confused by recent events in our nation. I have watched with horror as Mr. Potato Head was made a Eunuch. Dr. Seuss has been labeled as undesirable and may be subversive in nature. Mark Twain had been scrapped previously for being too faithful to the era from which he wrote. Amazon removed a book that dared to present another opinion regarding transgenderism. I see raised fists from whatever ethnicity is a symbol of unity while standing for the National Anthem is a sign of one’s lack of understanding of this unique historical period.
I am a well-traveled person on five continents and have lived here in the USA, England, and the Philippines. I know languages change, and things are even different in other cultures. In one nation, the American okay hand sign is equivalent to the American middle finger. Imagine the obvious faux pas of signing okay from the pulpit. In another country, touching a woman’s elbow is a big NO; it is considered a sexual advance. In another nation I have visited and ministered, you never shake with the left hand or raise the left hand. The left hand is of the devil and is used, well, for sanitary purposes. So confusing. In another nation, I was told not to look at the chief’s daughters directly in the eyes, or you may get married. Wow, I never saw that one coming. They were not exactly dressed modestly to American standards. In another country, I was told not to hold my arm up to hail a cab; it meant I wanted a woman. Always call the cap swinging the arm downward. So very confusing.
I have watched great journalists lose their jobs for words they spoke while inebriated years ago. I have watched journalists perform such verbal gymnastics that my head spins both ways! My uncle used to call me a cracker, I am glad he is in heaven now, or he may have lost his teaching job. Jack usually followed cracker, but my name is Jim. I have watched journalists get passes because they said abusive things about the right people. I am so bewildered. There are good journalists and bad journalists. Most of us in America just want fair journalists. But I feel sorry for them. If they had just sung the words, it would be okay. Song lyrics are exempt from censure. Even art used to be. Before I would tear down a statue, I would toss out the photograph of a crucifix in a small tank of the artist’s urine.
Things change with each administration. What was in is out. What was out is in. Americans are confused. I suggest a government task force be established with at least 500 on the committee: Marxist, conservative, liberal, progressive, cowardly, brave, indifferent, moderates, and every sort of person. They need to come up with a list of acceptable words, acceptable books, proper gestures, proper art, acceptable in every area of life. They should agree on the list by a 2/3 majority to get it passed. Those violating the list will be banned from all social media and a poster of their picture posted in the Post Office with the letters NC across it (non-conformist).
I know I have rattled on here, and I think I have waxed eloquently. But what kind of wax is eloquent? I will wait for the committee. By the way, once High School baseball starts, you can ignore what I said. My mind will be on the games.
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Dr. James D Allen
Dr. Allen served as a seminary VP, pastor, and as a trustee on a Christian mental health Board. He has earned a BA, MA, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry. Dr Allen has also preached on 5 continents, lived in 3 nations, and so has a diverse Christian experience. He has a distinguished career of being a pastor, consultant, author, and educator. MY FIRST LOVE--Being a Pastor and encouraging others!