Bullet Monday: American Hucksters

• June 28, 2020 photo: I hosted seven friends on Facebook for the first time. My visual backgrounds are still inconsistent and a source of humour. Once again we were graced by the comedy routine and intellectual wit of the Norwegian Benny Hill.

• June 28, 2020 photo: Sadly, Facebook has ignored my several requests for a dialogue on why my second Blogger website Satire Und Theology has been banned from posting on my Facebook Business Page Russell Norman Murray, PhD, since March. 

Prayerfully and in consultation with wise friends,  I have filed a formal complaint with the United States of America, Federal Trade Commission (FTC). I have an official claim number.  See link for the article in question where I acted ethically.

The article that led to the block from March 14, 2020

• June 28, 2020 photo: It might seem strange for a Canadian to complain to the American government, but I have done so in years past. Charles Nelson Chuckles, several years ago now, suggested I look at online opportunities selling websites for websites businesses (prior to Amazon and eBay being obvious online standards to use). I signed with one 'training group' for a while and soon realized that these American Hucksters had lied and were not keeping my information confidential. This company was sending my name and information out to third parties which called me acting as if they worked for the main business, the entity I paid the fee to for 'training'.

I soon realized that the main business from the main business, was taking the initial payment from the client (AKA the sucker) looking for a business opportunity and training, and then selling the client, side 'essentials' from third parties that claimed to be part of the main business for 'training'.

 I asked for appropriate refunds and my refund of my initial payment was denied by the main company. I emailed several Attorney General Offices from American States. These various State governments claimed that there was nothing that they could do. 

A few years later, I received a cheque (check) from the United States Department of Treasury (USDT) related to payment for these questionable practices. The United States government receives much bad press, but I respect them for seeking out a 'foreigner' to provide me reasonable compensation.

Quote: There is a God, and it is not you

Photos from Zoom: June 26, 2020

The lead quote is from a former pastor of mine.

You and I are not God or god, as we are, with two key points
 not infinite and eternal. As far as the existence of God, on
this website in archives I have approached that subject from:

a) Bible and theology
b) Philosophy and philosophy of religion

These Zoom effects are due to inconsistencies with
the Zoom application and my continued responses.
My attempt at using the background
application is for it to look similar to my friend's excellent
version that is to the left. But I am left with comedy, as can be
viewed with previous photo captures shared on this
website, as well.

My friend joked that I looked like some type of god in 
the heavens. I replied, perhaps from a British
comedy.

The Red Hand appears once again...

Makes me think British science fiction and/or comedy.

Here my red hair matches my Red Hand and
Chuck's (MIA) Red Dome. 

I am stylish and the eyebrows match the hair.

Friday Bullets: Social distance service animals

Facebook

Amazing Things: Facebook

 

• For clarity, I am a biblical Christian, and moderate conservative, politically. I rely, by God's leading on the reasonable analysis of propositions and arguments and documentation from rational, reasonable, sources.

• I do not accept undocumented, conspiracy theories as fact.

• I do not think the pandemic is a hoax. For example, I do not reason that the hundreds of medical professionals I have viewed and heard from media are frauds. If the pandemic was a fraud, many of the actual health professionals would be in opposition to the fraud, such as my very fine physicians, nurses and researchers. They have local cases.

• Conspiracy theories such as this one with COVID-19 and related, mean that the powers that be would almost have or would have, hidden totalitarian power already. With the support of the police and the military they could rule the opposition.

• The pandemic is primarily a medical issue, but has sadly been politicized, especially in the United States of America.

• As an academic, I can acknowledge that there are many ways to medically and politically deal with a pandemic. These measures vary from region to region.

• I agree with Tucker Carlson, from my Canadian perspective, for the sake of democracy, the preservation and maintenance of law and order is essential, and I agree with him that there should be 'color blindness' in regards to justice. 

• I also agree with Carlson that the rioting protesters are (in my words) primarily revolutionaries and Marxists with socialists goals. Yes, many of the protesters are legitimately protesting for reform, and I have been consistently against racism in my writing. 

• I am not going to attempt to parse the numbers in regards to rioters versus peaceful protesters, across many cities in the United States of America and the world. Are there accurate numbers?

Again two key New Testament sections that guide my worldview:

• Galatians 3: 28: English Standard Version 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

• 1 Corinthians 12: 12-13 English Standard Version 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves[d] or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. d 1 Corinthians 12:13 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface

Interesting question...

Facebook

To be clear, I take COVID-19 seriously and take reasonable precautions.
 However, I like the musical question. My answer will be in comments.
Please feel free to add your answer. Thank you.

Slippery slope III

Courtesy J.C. Zombie: Las Vegas

Slippery slope III

Related articles

Monday, August 27, 2018: Slippery slope argument and the ridiculous conclusion that amuses my friend

Friday, August 04, 2017: The Slippery Slope: Stepping off a skyscraper 

June 22, 2020 article, edited for an entry on academia.edu on August 18, 2022.

Madsen Pirie on the slippery slope fallacy

I have discussed the slippery slope argument, considered fallacious by British, philosopher Madsen Pirie with the two links above.

The fallacy assumes that a single step in a particular direction, inevitably means that the whole distance will be covered. (189). But, the truth is, sometimes a single step leads to another and there are cases when it does not. (189). I agree with Pirie where he reasons: 'There is a limited class of cases in which someone is doomed after a first step...' Stepping off a skyscraper being a good philosophical example. (189). 

Based on the author's example: (189). If we lower the legal drinking age from 21 to 18 years of age, soon there will be a call in society for the legal drinking age to be lowered to 16 years of age. This is unlikely as in the 21st Century, the standard age of adulthood is typically 18 years of age. Therefore, it is doubtful there would be societal calls for the legal age of drinking to be below 'universal' adulthood. The fallacy fails to differentiate between far-reaching actions and limited actions. (190). The author opines that most proposals would lead to disaster if taken too far. 

My examples: 

If one smokes marijuana, it will lead to cocaine use. This is true at times, marijuana being documented as a gateway drug, but it is not always the case in every instance. As it is written it is fallacious. If one smokes marijuana, it may lead to cocaine use. Reasonable. (I have no interest in recreational drugs or in the abuse of pharmaceutical drugs.) 

I can accept that slippery slope is fallacious because a single step in a direction, does not mean that the whole distance will be covered. (189). In fact, there could be steps forward and steps backward.

Slippery slope with ridiculous example

From my 2018 entry, the sermon mentioned was stating that the modern Christian trying to be cool, ends up in a slippery slope of degrading moral thoughts, acts and actions. A Christian trying to be cool and relatable to people in the world system, drinks alcohol a bit, gets a tattoo and smokes a little marijuana and soon is hooked on drugs, alcohol and fornication. In other words, the Christian wanting to be cool, ends up living in a very similar way to the non-believer. 

To highlight Pirie's view of the slippery slope argument as fallacy, I added the satirical, humourous example. The premise being that actions described by the pastor can ultimately, in my satirical words, lead to 'orgies.' The ridiculousness of this imagined, formulaic, chain of moral thoughts, acts and actions, demonstrates the fallacious nature of the idea of the slippery slope argument. Being somewhat cool, in a social situation, may include the limited use of alcohol and most moderate drinkers do not end up alcoholics. It is not a slippery slope. It is not universal or even typical.

For balance

For balance though, philosophical and worldview trends do need to be considered. Moderation and reason is key in regards to social and political movements supported by those within the Christian Church prayerfully, desiring to be true to the scripture. This whether of the moderate left or the moderate right. 

Do advancements by the social and political left in our societies mean that Canada and the United States will eventually end up, Marxist, socialist states? No, as on this website, I agree with philosopher Pirie and reject the slippery slope argument. Some advancements where the left are involved, are actually in agreement with a New Testament worldview, such as a more focused social and political opposition to racism (Galatians 3: 28, 1 Corinthians 12: 12-13). 

But I can conclude that governments that embrace radicalized views will generally produce radicalized government. In my humble opinion, the radical left, given enough power will 'cannibalize' the moderates on the left. As the radical right, given enough power, would 'cannibalize' the moderates on the right.

(I support neither the radical left or radical right, but view a rise of the radical left, more likely in western societies, at present)

Theoretically, if the radical left becomes more mainstream, a scenario where biblical Christianity, biblical Christian institutions and biblical Christians run ethically and legally, afoul of governments, and societies because of political correctness, is reasonable and not far-fetched. New Testament sexual ethics, reasonably interpreted in scriptural context, for church members, one example.  

PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London.

Courtesy J.C. Zombie

Stop sending me this

This is obviously satire and not a true likeness.

Pastor Osteen teaches a prosperity gospel, also known as health and wealth gospel. But, a full (more complete and accurate) gospel message and its 'bloody cross' and the associated positives and negatives from the biblical gospel, for humanity, are not likely as profitable to preach, today. 

I have heard Osteen preach the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is capable of preaching a basic gospel message and God's sovereignty, which are decently accurate by my Reformed standards. 

If Pastor Osteen preached biblically, far more, instead of  presenting presumptive theology assuming a prosperous, divine, 'destiny' for people, he might gain a little credibility with some critics.

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BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

CONWAY DAVID A. AND RONALD MUNSON (1997) The Elements of Reasoning, Wadsworth Publishing Company, New York.

COURSON, JON (2005) Application Commentary, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.

PAPINEAU, DAVID (Gen. Ed) (2016) Philosophy: Theories and Great Thinkers, New York, Shelter Harbour Press.

PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London.

LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York. (Philosophy). 

SAMPLES, KENNETH (2014) How to Evaluate an Abductive Argument, Reasons to Believe, Covina, California.

SZUDEK, ANDY & TORSLEY, SARAH (2018) The Little Book of Philosophy, Landau Cecile (Ed), London, DK Publishing.

WALTON, D.N. (1992) Slippery Slope Arguments, Clarendon Press.

https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/logicalfallacies/Slippery-Slope

Epigraph: An alternative

The Babylon Bee: August 18 2017

The cited article is satire. 

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Rather than replacing a statue, in general, I would prefer that a statue would have a written explanation, an epigraph, which would provide an attempt at an objective, historical account in regards to the subject (s) of the statue.  

But this approach requires cooler heads, more interested in truth than the reactionary, political agenda of the day. By the way, eras from now, some of our present western views may be exposed as less than good, by many. Certainly, in the culminated Kingdom of God (Revelation 20-22) this realm and world system will be condemned as being infected with problems of evil.

Theologically, keeping past statutes and allowing the public presentation of past worldviews, formerly embraced by a society, or at least, aspects of a society, demonstrates that humanity is less than perfect. I acknowledge there have been improvements in our world from previous eras in many ways. But, apart from the religious history, such as within Genesis in the Hebrew Bible, prior to the fall, humanity has been imperfect by nature in every era. History documents this as fact, despite human evolution and progress (non-Darwinian, in my view).

Humanity is universally corrupted through sin, and there has been a fall of humanity (Genesis 1-3, Romans 1-3) which greatly damages, God to human relationship and fellowship and human to human relationship and fellowship. There obviously exists racism and other human to human evils. Presently we have imperfect, tainted people and imperfect, tainted, human philosophy, theology, politics and worldview. According to scriptural revelation, this can only be ultimately fixed through the atoning and resurrection work of God incarnate, Jesus Christ, applied to persons (1 Corinthians 15).

Quote JCZ: Russ, you are outnumbered three domes to one

Zoom 1

Zoom 2

Zoom 3

Zoom 4

In Zoom 1, John looks like a guru. My Red Hands photo makes me think 'warped Moving Pictures' cover.

Rush, Moving Pictures, 1981

Brief Bullets: If a person eats plants, does he/she have a plant nature?

Ernest Hepnar photo: Italia

• My good friend, J. C.Zombie was visiting. He was showing me You Tube videos. He came across a famous, late guru that taught that his followers were vegetarians, because (paraphrased) if one eats animals, one takes the animal nature upon self. 

• J.C. Zombie stated: (paraphrased) 'If a person eats plants, do they have a plant nature?' Good point, I said.

• One of the interviewers of the guru suggested that his view would be challenged as unscientific, by scientists.

• The guru replied (paraphrased) that this belief was fine for his followers as long as they have peace with the view. 

• The guru noted (paraphrased) that such conflicts and intellectual challenges, add confusion.

• For me this belief and explanation from the guru highlights a classic difference between his religious view and biblical Christianity, especially within a Reformed tradition.

• Reason is important in order to analyze and know truth. Christianity is a revelatory faith and philosophy, but this divine revelation from scripture is to be rationally understood and theologically developed, while simultaneously the Holy Spirit of God is required as aid in understanding the truth. Illumination with reason should be requested of God.

• 2 Timothy 2:15 King James Version (KJV) 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 King James Version (KJV) 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

• 2 Peter 3:14-16 King James Version (KJV) 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

---

• A good friend from Europe, a little older than me, sent me a photo of a much younger woman that was also much thinner than him. He stated that she contacted him and that she might be interested in him.

• I opined that as long she was legally an adult and biblically available as single, and they related as Christians, it was fine. He opined that she was probably after his money. 

• I replied that he not bother with someone that wants to exchange 'beauty for money'. I received such offers often. The conversations are always pathetic.

• Real potential romantic, friendship and love, while seeking the perfect will of God, is friendship and love of mutual, spiritual, intellectual and physical compatibility. It should not be of social games based on market value and market value dating.

• These market value approaches to dating, at least risk, sin; I cannot judge the motives and mind of any person.To be clear, that is up to God (2 Corinthians 5: 10). But, there is significant sin, in general, I reason.

• I opine that many people in the Christian Church are single, divorced, etcetera for embracing views related to market value dating and market value marriage and as well many promote these views as being socially enforceable for others in the Church.

• This can be a Christian and evangelical form of political correctness. 

• On this issue, I often state that there is enough sin going around from everyone concerned, including from myself. The Church requires biblical guidance through the Holy Spirit. The Church needs reason from God.

BOICE, JAMES, MONTGOMERY (1981) Foundations of the Christian Faith, Downers Grove, IVP Press.

ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

ERICKSON, MILLARD (2003) What Does God Know and When Does He Know It?, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

THIESSEN, HENRY C. (1956) Introductory Lectures in Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Brief Bullets: My temperature was 34.8 C

Greek Islands, Facebook: That 
water would have been nice today.

• My temperature was taken at the dental office today...

• The dental assistant stated my temperature was 34.8 Celsius which is 94.64 Fahrenheit. I had taken a short drive to the dental office.

• In agreement with the dental assistant, that stated the normal temperature was 37 or so, Mayo Clinic.org writes: The average body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). But normal body temperature can range between 97 F (36.1 C) and 99 F (37.2 C) or more.

• The dental assistant said my temperature was just fine. I am not concerned about a mildly low temperature.

• I suppose 'once and for all' we can agree that I am 'kool'.

• So, if I reach 98.6 C in temperature, could I have a fever? Just asking.;)

• What is a peaceful protest? It is just a protest without rioting? Does a peaceful protest include protesters intimidating the police and vice versa?

• Would acting like Mr. T in Rocky III within a protest situation be considered just fine as long as no rioting results?

• As a biblical Christian, viewing the calls to be subject to governing authorities (Romans 13)(1 Peter 2), it seems to me that obeying governing authorities does not include intimation or 'getting in the face' of police or government officials. It also does not include intimation from the governing authorities and employees of the people, onto the people and/or protesters. 

• To me, maintaining, law and order is key. Justice for all, is key. Yet this present realm is fallen and in sin (Genesis 1-3, Romans 1-6).

• Romans 12:18 English Standard Version (ESV): 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Quote said to me on Zoom: 'You are a freethinker'

Carmarthen, Wales, The University
of Wales, Trinity Saint David, photo

Quote said to me: 'You are a freethinker'

Preface

A good Christian friend of mine, that is a teacher and intellectual, stated to me: 'You are a freethinker'.

This was said to me in the context of contrasting my views with that of the politically correct in British Columbia and Canada.

I think I understood his point, although my thoughts when he stated 'freethinker' were the definition of one that rejects religious dogma for supposedly 'free' thinking apart from religion. 

A Definition

Neither my Cambridge nor Oxford philosophy dictionaries provide a definition for 'freethinker', but I found an accurate definition from a different Oxford source. 

THE CONCISE OXFORD DICTIONARY (1995) ‘Freethinker’, Della Thompson (ed.), Oxford, Clarendon Press. 

'freethinker' (539)

'a person who rejects dogma or authority, esp. in religious belief.' Listed as a noun. (539). 'freethinking' is listed as a noun and adjective. (539).

Intellectual considerations

I do not reject Christian dogma, I hold to Christian, biblical dogma within the Reformed tradition and present and review other dogma and philosophies from other worldviews. I do not reject authority. I attempt to reasonably submit to relevant authority, especially, governments (Romans 13, 1 Peter 2). I attempt to submit to my church leadership (1 Timothy 3, Titus). I attempt to submit to what is reasonable and true within academic disciplines, including academic disciplines for which I have expertise, and within academic disciplines where I do not have expertise. I attempt to submit to practical truth and common sense.

I do believe in reasoning out, by God's guidance, premises, leading to a proposition/conclusion within an argument, and whether or not an argument is sound, with all correct premises. If an argument is not sound, how true or false are particular premises? If just a proposition is provided, how true or false is it?

It appears my initial reasoning on the definition of 'freethinker' was correct. I am not stating that my learned friend was incorrect with his definition. His definition is broader. I am definitely not a 'freethinker' as is commonly defined, today.

In an unorthodox sense, as my intellectual conclusions and worldview will not agree with some politically correct thought, I am a freethinker, I suppose. I also would be a non-conformist, but not anti-establishment in regards to significant cultural, political and religious thought. 

A second person is accused of being my Dad

Sesame Street

A second person is accused of being my Dad

June 13, 2020

Paraphrased

On the phone:

Bobby Buff: Hey, I saw you and your Dad today walking into your building (my condominium complex, my add).

Me: No, that was Zombie.

Bobby Buff: The other man was slightly taller.

(Charles Nelson Chuckles and Zombie were visiting; Charles Nelson Chuckles mocks Bobby Buff with a muscle pose as his head goes red)

Me: (Thinking: I am obviously taller than my Dad)

(Thinking: Zombie is two years younger than me. At least Charles Nelson Chuckles is two years older than me)

Me: No, that was Zombie, what do I look twelve years old or something?

Saturday, February 09, 2019: Is that your Dad!? (Uncle Chuck) 

Recently, I had mentioned to the Strata President and his wife that my Dad might be moving into the condominium in a few months, for awhile...

The renovations (flooring, furniture, appliance) are completed, but my academic books and the annoying photocopy binders are a major task in themselves.

Uncle Chuck and I were in the garage taking out recycling and trash...

Paraphrased:

Strata President: (To me, looking at Chuckles) Is that your Dad!?

Me: No that is Chuckles, my friend Howard, you have met him before, he is helping me move.
Uncle Chuckles!

Strata President: Uncle Chucko?

Strata President Wife: You are Russ's Dad!?
---

The Rage: Chuck needs a dome!

Me: Well,'The Rage' told you, Mr. Hooper...

Quotes: We don't return evil with evil/There are different types of socialism

Quotes: We don't return evil with evil/There are different types of socialism

We don't return evil with evil

Thank you to Mr. Vern Haskell for sending me this link. I think Mr. Burgess Owens is an intellectual, with many reasonable and good insights. I agree with Mr. Owens (paraphrased) that the murder of George Floyd was morally wrong.

Quoting Mr. Owens in regards to the murder of George Floyd:

'There is no doubt about it, it was brutality, it was evil,  but what we don't do, is we don't return evil with evil. We have rule of law in this country.'

I can grant as Mr. Owens states that there exists in western colleges and universities, a very significant Marxist-Socialist ideology taught via professors. Radical Marxists and Socialists are seeking to overthrow western democracy, I reason. (Radical rightists as well, but with less of a voice in western institutions, it seems to me). 

However, I am a moderate conservative, theologically and politically. I am not a liberal or a socialist. My 'bread and butter' of support for my online websites is those that are moderate conservatives and moderate liberals. Intellectual, thinking types that are not radicals. I certainly understand that not all that identify as liberal or even identify as socialist are radical Marxist-Socialists that would support a revolution and overhaul of western democracy. Quite simply, I need to be fair and objective in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:25-32 King James Version (KJV) 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

There are different types of socialism

When I was a child and my parents were in the Amway business, one of the American, Diamond Direct Distributors and a considerable intellectual and conservative (that was a Christian missionary, last time we had contact), named Hank Gilewicz told me (paraphrased):'There are different types of socialism'. In other words, there are various, radical and moderate forms of socialism.  

I am a Provincial Conservative Party voter, but for example, our socialist NDP (New Democratic Party) Premier in British Columbia is a continual example of a moderate, rational, reasonable, leader, even when I disagree with his views. Again, I vote Conservative, but as a Christian scholar, I need to objectively evaluate political views and approaches accurately.

Many politicians, including social-democrats, and also some conservatives, attach themselves to politically correct positions for the sake of popularity and votes. I would reason that often, there are more of these liberal politicians, as opposed to the minority, with radical left-leaning political ideologies. (Our Prime Minister comes to mind as a liberal (Liberal Party) that embraces the politically correct)

I appreciate Mr. Owens' comments on the issues of 'Defund the Police' and White privilege'. In my mind, 'white privilege' is too presumptive of a term. There is significant diversity of privilege, prosperity and related between 'white people' in the west. 

Chuck, well-done with the Manson reference

The Fraser River: Recently

Facebook: June 11, 2020

Facebook: The postmillenial.com

Facebook: June 11, 2020. I apologize for the cited swearing, but it is relevant for context.
Please click for a larger view.

Sad but true. The linked article below has the most pageviews of any of my posts, from either Blogger website, since I began my online research and writing, website work in 2004.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014: Manson Marriage?

My statement

Yosemite Sam and Elmer Fudd: Gunless

Yosemite Sam and Elmer Fudd: Gunless

Elmer Fudd Doesn't Use Guns in the 'Looney Tunes' Reboot and Twitter Isn't Impressed: He carries a scythe instead>>>By Allie Gregory Jun 07, 2020 

Cited 

Classic Warner Bros. cartoon Looney Tunes recently got rebooted at HBO Max, which means the return of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam. The nostalgia-heavy series is operating much like it used to, but with one small difference: the latter antagonists have to operate their devious plans without the use of firearms.

Cited 

The rebooted series, titled Looney Tunes Cartoons, has all its usual violence and weapons including dynamite, booby traps and anvils — but apparently, executive producer Peter Browngardt has drawn the line at cartoon gun violence, according to a new interview with the New York Times. "We're not doing guns," Browngardt told the publication. "But we can do cartoony violence — TNT, the Acme stuff. All that was kind of grandfathered in."

Cited

While a small group of people are happy to see the guns removed from the cartoon, others are outraged at the violation of Fudd and Sam's second amendment rights. The middle-ground protestors, meanwhile, are accusing HBO and Warner of hypocrisy at the removal of firearms when so many other weapons remain. Nearly everyone is confused with the decision, to say the least.

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Here kiddies, no more firearms but here is a scythe and plenty of dynamite.

Looney Tunes

I reason parents and legal guardians, if it is not inherently, innately obvious, to these minors, should teach these children that there is a difference between fictionalized violence and violence in the real world of non-fiction.

Personally, I find Fudd with the scythe more off-putting than any firearm or explosive from my childhood viewing of Looney Tunes, but that is just me. It seems more fictionally, potentially, bloody. If one of the characters is blown up with a firearm or dynamite they quickly recover. But what is the recovery from a scythe beheading? Just place that head back on, like a hat, perhaps?

I suppose just another quick recovery would occur from an injury from a bladed weapon.

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Justice, Peace, Law and Order

While embracing the New Testament and biblical teachings, and through philosophical considerations, I support the maintenance of law and order from governments (Romans 13, 1 Peter 2) as being sanctioned by God, even in this fallen realm (Genesis 1-3, Romans 1-3). 

This present realm and the world system are corrupted in human sin and are as well fueled by demonic powers of darkness (Ephesians 6). Law and order, at best, somewhat tainted in administration.

I support reasonable, relevant changes, for greater fairness, within Western systems of justice. I absolutely, do not support the overall weakening of law and order. Almost universally, while allowing for God's sovereignty to provide justice and peace in rare exceptions without law and order, justice and peace will not exist without the maintenance of law and order.

The Orthodox Study Bible: Peace

The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

Continuing with my review of this useful and informative biblical tool, within the Orthodox tradition (my tradition is Reformed, but I appreciate this academic work).

Glossary from Reverend John W. Morris, Ph.D. 

Peace

(Hebrew: shalom). (804) This is tranquillity, harmony with God, with self and other persons. (804). This is made (theologically, my add) possible through Jesus Christ. (804). It is then noted that this work of Christ, unites human beings to God and to humanity. (804). New Testament references provided.

Romans 14:16-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be [a]spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Footnotes: Romans 14:16 Lit blasphemed 

Galatians 5 explains that a 'fruit' of the Spirit,  includes peace. Ephesians 2 describes Jesus Christ as himself the peace of believers. Philippians 4 connects prayer and requests for peace with God in Christ.

Philippians 4:6-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all [a]comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Footnotes: Philippians 4:7 Lit mind

Theological considerations

Within the Ephesians 2: 13-18, the Orthodox Study Bible explains that Jesus Christ reverses the separation caused by the fall (Genesis 1-3, Romans, my add). This is internal human separation, between persons and also the external separation from humanity to God. This creates a 'unified humanity', the Church. (442). God raises this unified humanity to God. (442).

Interestingly, the text opines that the incarnation of Jesus Christ led to the creation of a unified humanity. (442). While the death and resurrection (atoning work and resurrection, my add) led to the raising of a unified humanity. (442). 

The New Testament incarnation of Jesus Christ provides the groundwork for his divine atoning and resurrection work. Divine incarnation made the gospel work pragmatically, possible. God incarnate was and is, both the infinite God, to outlast finite sin, and a perfect human being to serve as the perfect sacrifice.

I can grant, in part, the point made by Orthodoxy. But, I still connect the applied gospel work of the death and atoning work of Jesus Christ and his applied resurrection, as that which primarily unites humanity to itself and God, in peace. The incarnation in itself would not suffice to bring humanity together in peace without his death and resurrection. This peace leads ultimately to the culminated Kingdom of God (Revelation 20-22).

Sunday: Norway's Benny Hill shares his brilliant comedy as he describes his work
history, including with the Norwegian military...

I doubt I will ever need this product, but if one is serious about security

Happy little theodicy...there (PhD Edit)

Happy little theodicy...there (PhD Edit)

Preface

From my recent trip, The High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, 20240403

This article from my PhD was originally published on 20200606. Slight format changes for an entry on academia.edu on 20240518

I have quoted ‘Theodicists want happy endings.’ from the late D.Z. Phillips in my Doctoral thesis, on my website.  A classic quote from an interesting thought-provoking author.

Are solutions to problems of evil false happy endings through developed theodicy?

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: Ph.D. thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

Saturday, September 19, 2020: PhD Full Version PDF: Theodicy and Practical Theology 2010, Wales TSD

Restoration?

Yet sovereignty approaches believe that God would ultimately culminate his Kingdom of God[1] and eliminate the problem of evil.[2]  As Phillips notes, ‘Theodicists want happy endings.’[3]  Feinberg admits the difficulty with his approach because it defends God allowing the problem of evil in his creation for a time period that is unknown to human beings,[4] and at the same time claims that God would eventually restore his creation.[5]  He notes that free will and evolutionary theistic approaches to the problem of evil also assume that God would restore his creation, and so this was a common theistic assumption.[6] 

The fact that his sovereignty approach accepts restoration of the creation within it in no way makes his presentation internally inconsistent.[7]  Phillips explains that this general type of approach views God as compensating persons for the sufferings in life.[8]  Evil and suffering is therefore redeemed in some way.[9]  Evil and suffering would be worthwhile within a Christian worldview where Christ prevails.  Phillips warns that at its worst Christianity can push one to back the right supernatural force,[10] as in not backing Satan.[11]  Phillips suggests that no one wants to back a loser and so Christians should logically, within their worldview, back God and not Satan.[12]  God becomes a means and not an end within this type of Christian approach.[13]  It should be interjected that Christianity should not be primarily about being on the winning side, rather it should be concerned, for the most part, with doing God’s will obediently in love.[14]  Phillips views it as problematic that Jesus stated his Kingdom was not of this world and yet in the Second Coming establishes his Kingdom on this earth.[15]     

Feinberg thought it was not his objective to answer why God allowed the problem of evil and would eventually bring restoration, and I view this as a weakness.[16]  Rather, Feinberg believes he was successful in presenting an approach that showed God was good,[17] as was his creation.[18]  Calvin writes that God would begin anew in humanity by abolishing the fallen will, leaving the human will in its original state.[19]  God would turn evil to good, according to Calvin,[20] thus bringing a new humanity which was a new creation.[21]  This human restoration and rebirth, Calvin (1552)(1995) notes,[22] would lead to the culmination of the Kingdom of God, and the ultimate blessing of immortality.[23] 

Within a sovereignty approach, I deduce a theoretical, possible and suitable reason why God created a good world and allowed human beings to rebel against him.[24]  My theory is that human beings that are saved through Christ with the use of compatibilism will eventually have greater spiritual maturity than Adam and Eve did prior to a fall from God.  If the idea of a literal Adam and Eve is rejected, as was mentioned by Jackson and Fretheim[25]. 

It can be reasoned that those within the culminated Kingdom of God will surpass those first persons in spiritual maturity as well.  This would be so because those God saves will have experienced their own sin, death, and the atoning work of Christ and his resurrection applied to them.  These would be citizens of the culminated Kingdom of God.[26]  Persons cannot be created with experience, even if made with a level of initial maturity.[27]  Those within the culminated Kingdom of God would not possess the initial inexperience and immaturity of the first persons. 

It is reasonable to deduce that the problem of evil is possibly God’s means of developing certain individuals to eventual Christ-like stature,[28] not sharing Christ’s divinity in nature[29] but becoming like Christ in a mature and moral manner, combined with an unbreakable devotion to God.[30]  It is believed that Christ will be God’s lieutenant in this godless world[31] and bring about, through his crucifixion and resurrection, the promise of a better future, which includes hope.[32]  The Kingdom of God was present in Christ and this has been defined in history.[33]

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[1] Mounce (1990: 368-397).

[2] Feinberg (1994: 141).  These theories are often viewed with ideas of optimism and progress.  Phillips (2005: 82).

[3] Phillips (2005: 247). 

[4] Feinberg (1994: 141). 

[5] Feinberg (1994: 141).  Phillips doubts a notion of life after death makes sense.  He uses as example comparing death to being asleep or unconscious.  Phillips (2005: 85). 

[6] Feinberg (1994: 141).

[7] Feinberg (1994: 141).

[8] Phillips (2005: 81).

[9] Phillips (2005: 81).

[10] Phillips (2005: 247).

[11] Phillips (2005: 247).

[12] Phillips (2005: 247).  A decent point is made, however, in light of Reformed views on compatibilism, Christians are not going to primarily choose God, but are chosen by God.

[13] Phillips (2005: 247).

[14] For example, Matthew 22 and Mark 12 has Christ instructing the reader to love God first and foremost, and others as much as self. Jesus in John 15 tells his disciples to love one another just as he loved them. 

[15] Phillips (2005: 247). Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this temporal world, not of this present realm.  The world shall be changed and restored.  Mounce (1990: 368-397).

[16] Feinberg (1994: 141).

[17] Feinberg (1994: 141).

[18] Feinberg (1994: 141).

[19] Calvin (1539)(1998: Book II, Chapter 3, 6).

[20] Calvin (1539)(1998: Book II, Chapter 3, 6).

[21] Calvin (1539)(1998: Book II, Chapter 3, 6).

[22] Calvin (1539)(1998: Book II, Chapter 3, 6).

[23] Calvin (1552)(1995: 13).

[24] This is logical and reasonable and also open to refinement in the future.  But I reason this explanation is a superior approach to Feinberg’s non-explanation.

[25] Jackson (1941)(2006: 1).  Fretheim (1994: 152).

[26] Moltmann (1993: 256).  Calvin (1552)(1995: 415).

[27] God can create a perfect person, but God cannot logically create a perfect person with experience as such. The act of creating implies newness and inexperience. Admittedly, God could hypothetically create a being with false memories of a perfect life, but this would not be the same as having experience.  I deduce the results would not be the same.

[28] Finite moral perfection and goodness but not infinite, God-like moral perfection and goodness.

[29] Isaiah 43 makes it clear there was no God formed before God and there will be no God formed after.  Isaiah 44-46 make similar statements.  The New American Standard Version Bible (1984: 816-821).

[30] By the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

[31] Moltmann (1993: 256).

[32] Moltmann (1993: 256).

[33] Moltmann (1993: 263).

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CALVIN, JOHN (1539)(1998) The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book IV, Translated by Henry Beveridge, Grand Rapids, The Christian Classic Ethereal Library, Wheaton College.

CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

CALVIN, JOHN (1552)(1995) Acts, Translated by Watermark, Nottingham, Crossway Books. 

DAVIS, STEPHEN T. (1981)(ed.), Encountering Evil, Atlanta, John Knox Press.

FEINBERG, JOHN S. (1994) The Many Faces of Evil, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House.

FRETHEIM, TERENCE E. (1994) ‘Is Genesis 3 a Fall Story?’, in Word and World, Luther Seminary, pp. 144-153. Saint Paul, Luther Seminary.

HUME, DAVID (1739-1740)(1973) ‘A Treatise of Human Nature’, in Paul Edwards and Arthur Pap (eds.), A Modern Introduction To Philosophy, New York, The Free Press.

HUME, DAVID (1779)(2004) Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, Lawrence, Kansas.

JACKSON, JOHN G. (1941)(2006) Pagan Origins of the Christ Myth, New York, Truth Seeker Co. http://www.nbufront.org/html/MastersMuseums/JGJackson/ChristMyth/ChristMythPart1.html

MOLTMANN, JÜRGEN (1993) The Crucified God, Minneapolis, Fortress Press.

MOLTMANN, JÜRGEN (1999) ‘Perseverance’, in Alan Richardson and John Bowden (eds.), New Dictionary of Christian Theology, Kent, SCM Press Ltd.

MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1990) The Book of Revelation, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 

PHILLIPS, D.Z. (1981) Encountering Evil, Stephen T. Davis (ed.),  Atlanta, John Knox Press.

PHILLIPS, D.Z. (2005)  The Problem of Evil and the Problem of God, Fortress Press, Minneapolis.

ROTH, JOHN K. ‘Introduction’ (1892-1907)(1969) in The Moral Philosophy of William James, John K. Roth (ed.), Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York.

ROTH, JOHN K. (1981) Encountering Evil, Stephen T. Davis (ed.), Atlanta, John Knox Press.

The original local photo for this article (2020).