Blessed are the Cynical

Cynicism rears its head at times in my thinking.  Most of the time I want to dialogue about serious issues in order to bring about understanding so that at the end of the day, even if there are disagreements, everyone walks away having learned something.  Then there are other times when it's almost better to just answer with the buzzer.

I have developed a skill at finding clips on Youtube that relate to conversations on social media (read: Facebook).  The work has already been done for me as some wise soul has created a short (under 20 second) clip of a video that offers the right sort of commentary when used in a proper context. Believe me, there are plenty to choose from. I use just one as an example.

The Jim Rome Buzzer takes the place of comments such as:

• "That statement was so ridiculous this can be the only reply."
• "What you just said cannot be substantiated anywhere on this earth."
• "You do realize that that goes agaist the very fabric of the universe."

It is cynicism, true, but there are enough ridiculous statements floating around that giving a nuanced answer will just float away into space.

I've thought about a few of those statements. Of course, it's only my opinion, but I think a strong case can be made for using the buzzer.

The Old Princetonians were steeped in Scottish Common Sense Realism.

These Emergent writers are some of the most clear-headed, well-researched writers I've ever encountered.

Science is the foundational basis for all forms of human knowledge.

Q: From what country did you get that necklace? A: Africa

There is no contradiction in being against human sex-trafficking and supporting the choice of women to pose for Playboy or work at a "Gentlemen's" Club.

The foundations of biblical inerrancy developed from Enlightenment Rationalism.

We must make the world safe for democracy.

The new Cosmos on Fox is awesome!

The Singularity is coming!

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American solider. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

All (American) Christians should embrace Theistic Evolution in order to be relevant.

A bit of clarification on the last statement.  Theistic Evolution isn't exactly the main discussion on the lips of Christians in other parts of the world, thus the word "American" being in parentheses.  I also have not come to a restful certitude on the subject.  I think the universe is very old, created by an eternal God: the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, who, with the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God forever and ever. Amen.

But it seems some feel that there should be more certitude on this matter from Christians, even to the point of not holding to a historical Adam & Eve.  "You hold to Intelligent Design? You crazy fundamentalist!  Don't you know the movement to teach ID alongside evolution in public schools has been rejected by several federal courts?"

Yes, that is true. But keep this in mind: