The Danger of Cynicism
Posted by ThirstyJon in Freedom Ideas, tags: Civility, Cynicism, News Commentary, Open Mind, Politics
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I still remember Rush Limbaugh and “America Held Hostage.”
I’ll admit it, I laughed at some of his “entertainment.” It was nice to hear a conservative voice in the midst of the chaos.
But I was concerned. I was concerned then, and I’m concerned now.
About what?
Cynicism. Negativity. Stereotyping “liberals.”
I thought to myself, “we are going to pay for this.”
Even reading the comments on my own site here, I see it.
We have gotten used to “Liberals are all whackos.” “Right-Wingers are all evil.” “George Bush is a liar.” “Bill Clinton is a womanizer.”
I think this is what is happening. Many Americans have accepted a cynical heart attitude. If someone is charged with a crime, they must be guilty. The side of the argument other than my side must all be “crooks” and “liars.”
So what do I propose? It is possible to think analytically and critically without having a judgmental attitude of anger and cynicism! It is even possible to confront “evil” with love and truth instead of negativity.
The apostle Paul called it “speaking the truth in love“
It is good for us to question. It would be a serious error to believe everything the government or the media says. I definitely don’t believe everything I hear! But we can maintain a loving and positive attitude while doing it.
It can be done.
And I am not talking about “can’t we all just get along and be nice.” I am talking about love here. Jesus even teaches us to love even our enemies! I’m not talking about trying to make people feel ok.
I submit that cynicism is as much of a threat to Freedom as ignorance or blind allegiance. Because if the public is cynical, they can so easily be manipulated by their fears! If we become so convinced in our heart attitude that our opponents are wicked, the conversation is over!
Now, it is possible for someone to behave wickedly! No doubt about it. Let’s love our enemies! Let’s confront with truth, but in love. Let’s be humble about the “truth” we confront with and when shown to be an error admit it.
However, if we become gullible and in the name of “not believing everything we hear” we actually believe everything bad we hear about our opponents, we have become vulnerable to manipulation by agendas. Everyone has agendas.
Freedom requires vehement disagreement, intense discussion, public confrontation, etc. But we can always treat our fellow human beings like what they are. Created in the image of God as our equals. Even those “liberal whackos” were created by and are loved by God!
ThirstyJon
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Not only that, but Paul continues… “17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, … so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.” Isn’t it what some of our politicians have become over the years?
I find it hard not to become cynical when, for the sake of diversity one group revendicates “special” rights because they feel alienated in a strange land. Right now, our Canadian government is reviewing an election law that allows veiled women to vote. I was appalled to hear people surveyed say that it did not bother them at all because our society is rapidly changing and we must do everything in our best possible to accommodate them. Hum! ACCOMMODATE!
A few years ago, one frustrated parent got upset at his daughter’s school because she was “exposed” to the morning prayer. He even threatened to sue the school board if that did not change. Talk about cynical…Our countries have a set of laws and customs and they should not be changed just for the sake of diversity. Like you say, we are to love our enemies and confront them with loving truth. But that is a catch-22. Europe for one is now facing serious problems with that attitude. France in particular opened its arms wide many years ago with the result that the Islamic culture is now taking over.
In an article entitled “Eurabia- That’s not Funny”, which appeared in Breakpoint October 2, 2006, Chuck Colson writes: “Not only is Europe ill-prepared to wage a “clash of cultures,” it is not even willing to admit that it is in one! European elites thought that secularism — renouncing its Christian heritage — and solicitude for Islamic positions would buy peace.
They were wrong. Appeasement only emboldens those being appeased, as Europeans ought to have learned by now. And replacing even a “pseudo-culture” requires a viable alternative, something Europe doesn’t have.
And so people are being killed over, of all things, cartoons.”
So, is cynicism all that bad? Perhaps it is, perhaps it’s not. In many ways, some have become so politically correct that they would be willing to just become complacent and regard the changes as “wonderful” opportunities to get to know our fellow men. Isn’t that great? In that case, I would probably be cynical, because when it comes to defend the foundation on which our forefathers have built our countries, and I am not willing to sacrifice it all just for the sake of accommodating diversity!
As for the news, I will most likely see what’s new on CNN tonight but not believe everything I hear or see!!! I’m a big girl and can make up my own mind.
A la prochaine!
Response to Lyne G:
My only point is that we speak the truth in love and in humility. I don’t think we should cease to speak the truth.
Nor do I suggest that we fail to defend our ideals, our freedoms, or our borders!
To balance my post somewhat, I think there is some room for creatively expressed “cynicism” to make a point. I am more concerned about our attitude.
It is possible to know that someone is deluded or seriously in error and still treat them like a human being. Not all ideas are worthy of respect, but all humans are.
I should write my own version of how to speak with a liberal or a conservative! Maybe it would be about how to express your ideas with great strength and conviction and without compromising your ideals, but still treating your opponents as if they were created by God. Because they were!
“”I still remember Rush Limbaugh and “America Held Hostage.” I’ll admit it, I laughed at some of his “entertainment.””"
“”We have gotten used to “Liberals are all whackos.” “”
So who started this Jon? I can’t listen to Limbaugh for 10 minutes because the man basically insults me for a living. O’reilly, Hannity, Beck, Coulter, Malkin. These people criticise us on the left in vile terms. They’ve done it for so long that “Liberal” is practically an insult.
Coulter’s books – “How to talk to to a Liberal (if you must)”, “Godless – the church of Liberalism”. And conservatives made this dreck best sellers! She writes this porno for radical rightists and they go out and buy it. And now you, a “conservative”, want to lecture on being less cynical and loving your opponents (like many of us on the left always have – and got kicked in the teeth for). Good luck with that.
I tell you this, it’s going to take a lot of years of uncharacteristically reasonable behavior on the part of many rightists to change my point of view. Right now, when I see and EIB bumper sticker, or a Buch.Cheney ’04 bumper sticker (not so many of those around anymore, hmmm) I think “psychotic idiot”. This point of view was taught to me and earned in spades by a radical right that fought ferociously against me and everything I believe in for years using the most vicious tactics imaginable. Earned in spades.
Here’s the funny part. It cost your side a potential vote! I’m a reasonable individual, I tended to vote for the candidate, not the party. I’d much rather see a president Paul, or maybe Huckabee, than another president Clinton. But next November I will vote for whatever the Democrats put on the ballot, because I cannot support any republican. This was earned by Limbaugh, O’reilly, Hannity, Malkin and Coulter (especially Coulter). Buy another book…
XOXO Your pal, Casper
After I heard Rush Limbaugh ranting for months I decided the bits of truth I was receiving were not worth it. George Washington was against party politics and I can see why. Unless we can get to the principles that we do agree on the hatred will only continue.
Response to Casper:
I thought my post used conservative cynicism as its main example of “the problem.” I am not sure where you are coming from. My point was that I am concerned about the whole approach of Limbaugh, etc. I am not sure if you got the point. It sounds like you think I am agreeing with those tactics. I am suggesting that we all (including conservatives) shy away from it. Maybe even “flee” from it.
ThirstyJon
Response to Renae:
Renae, that is so how I felt! I remember the good points made, but I was very concerned about the attitude. It was almost refreshing to hear the boldness in a world of liberal media, but troubling to hear the negativity. I remember thinking ” we will all pay for this.”
I am merely being honest with my humanity. My choice is to treat those who disagree with me with respect, even if I have a difficult time respecting their thinking or their ideas.
We won’t influence the world with our values if we don’t approach things with some humility.
I refer to my post: freedomthirst.com/2007/09/09/humble-christian-government/
ThirstyJon
Response #2 to Casper:
Just for the record, I do not own, nor have I read any of those books or authors you listed.
I could count on 1 hand how many times I have seen Rush Limbaugh (maybe 2, not sure). Again, I rejected that approach. My comment about laughing at his entertainment was a mere confession of my own humanity and the tendency of my “flesh” (to use some “Christianese” language). I chose otherwise, and did not continue to participate.
I have had very little exposure to Melkin or Coulter. (I rarely watch television). I have seen both of their blogs once or twice, but I do not subscribe and don’t even remember their content very well. It did not interest me.
For the record, I have also read the DailyKos. In fact, the “main guy” had some great advice for bloggers that has caused me to write differently and be a bit less lazy in my posts. (still more work to do there.)
I cannot deny that my beliefs would sound to most people as “conservative.” However, I do not hate people that come from a liberal point of view. I have loved ones (even family) that are “liberal.” I know Christians that are “liberal.” I usually disagree, but I do not hate and I try to listen.
I don’t intend to lecture you here. I am just trying to show a bit about who I am.
I am sad that many will not be able to listen to my concerns and thoughts because they have been mis-treated. I am annoyed sometimes that I have to be so careful not to offend people.
I would like to say “I disagree with Islam,” (for example) but it would only offend. It could be a productive and mutually beneficial conversation with a Muslim. I am not offended when people disagree with Christianity. If they haven’t encountered the Christian God personally, I understand why they would disagree! It makes perfect sense.
I believe that I can disagree without hate. I believe it is possible to strongly disagree and still treat one another well.
I would even go so far as to say it is possible to believe another’s point of view is dangerous or harmful but still respect them as a soul that is created by God.
Ok. I am going on and on now. This is the kind of discussion that I love.
I believe that Jesus is real. I don’t believe He is a Republican. I believe he even loves liberals. I hope he will forgive us conservatives for some of our issues. I wonder if any of those Pharisees (the Conservatives of his day) were ever reconciled to His heart?
One more thing, for the record. I am not deluded into thinking that because I follow Jesus and strive to see things from His point of view, that therefore all my ideas are the definition of God’s ideas. It is only a goal. My objective is to bring the ideas of Jesus and the ideas of God into the world, as well as to bring the Knowledge of their Love and their Goodness. But I am just a man. I long to know God’s thoughts and speak them. I try to remain humble and open.
God Help Me!
ThirstyJon
Well, I suspect he does love Liberals, for several reasons. He loves all children of his father, He’s a Liberal himself, lotsa reasons.
It is easier to label and dismiss than it is to actually engage in a rational debate.
Most people want the same things, they just have a different idea of how to go about it. And sometimes it isn’t even that. My grandparents are conservative to the core. All of their values and how they live their lives are conservative. So why do they vote Democrat in every election? They lived through the Great Depression and felt that FDR saved them, their farm, their country.
Response to Dana:
You are right! Rational Debate can be mutually beneficial.
I wonder. Are your parents right about FDR? (Do they eat Sweet Potato Pie?)
Maybe FDR was wrong. Hmmmmm.
“Mr. Roosevelt are gonna save us all…” Song of the South
Response to Casper:
Didn’t a wise man once say that he wasn’t trying to get God on his side, but he was trying to make sure that he was on God’s side?
ThirstyJon
Whether or not FDR was right is a difficult question. With the knowledge we have today, there is plenty of evidence that he may have actually prolonged the depression. But at the time? He was a remarkable leader, if for the wrong things.
And he did hold the country together at a time of immense crisis. To think what that generation went through makes our petty problems almost laughable. There is no comparison between the economic problems then and now, the war then and now, etc.
Unfortunately, his greatest “legacy” was completely changing the way we view government. Now we welcome the “nanny state.”
Response to Dana:
Excellent insight!
I also see FDR as a great leader in a time of Crisis. I wish he hadn’t helped change our view of government though.
He was also a part of changing our view of freedom to “freedom from want, freedom from fear, etc.”
It is hard for me to understand how anyone who has worked with people could conclude that it is best for freedom to have people dependent in any way on the state.
Freedom is the internal power to do what is right before God. External Freedom involves a government that acknowledges each person’s right and responsibility to follow their own conscience and do what is right.
I’m not trying to get anybody on my side, I’m just talking about the man’s ideas.
Give to the poor,
Turn the other cheek,
Render unto Caeasar the things that are Caesar’s,
It is easier to get a camel through the eye of a needle than to get a rich man into the kingdom of heaven,
Does this sound more like William J. Bennett, or FDR?
Jesus wanted to people to care for one another, and he changed the world for the better, like a Liberal.
The people who want to keep things the way they were are always “Conservatives”, conserve, keep unchanged, that’s what the word means. They were the ones howling to see him nailed to the cross.
“” Even those “liberal whackos” were created by and are loved by God! “”
Thanks!
Responses to Casper: (maybe a few new ideas thrown in as well):
The definitions of “liberal” and “conservative” are very interesting. I have often identified myself as a conservative, but mostly because that is the “label” most would put on me if they heard my beliefs.
The truth is, though, there would have to be great change for the things that I believe to take place!
*End Social Security
)
*End the IRS
*Not sure what to do with the Federal Reserve yet.
*End the Welfare State
*End an activist court system and replace it with strict constructionists (it doesn’t matter if they are conservative or liberal, just that they defend the constitution instead of make stuff up.
*Create a military that is more based on local groups freely desiring to participate in the defense of the common good. (How about a “well regulated militia?” – that is from the constitution from those of you who don’t know)
Truthfully, most of what would need to happen could not even be done through the government.
1)Every person who is willing to listen gains a thorough understanding of the hope and life offered by Jesus.
2)A generation is offered the opportunity to study the Bible in it’s historical context and make practical application to every area of life and society.
3)Those ideas are effectively communicated and offered into the public debate about government policy and other policies.
4)Christians reach out to help the poor and needy, wherever there are those who are willing to receive such help. (William Booth of the Salvation Army was a hero of mine. I’ll never forget his rebuke of his own mission “how dare you offer me dinner when there is someone in my city without food and shelter tonight!)
I think most people would call those things “conservative.”
I am not at all motivated by “I want to go back to how good apple pie was when my Grandpa was a little boy.” I want to go forward.
I am aware of the great influence of Mighty Men of God throughout America’s history. But I don’t want to go back to “when America used to be Christian.” (and when America owned slaves, mistreated natives, etc.)
I want to go forward to a new America. Some of the principles from our past will help us get there, but what we need is foundational Christian Thought to be re-submitted for consideration to a “secular” “materialistic” world.
As far as liberals wanting to change the world for the better, I don’t doubt it. But just like calling oneself a “Christian” doesn’t mean every idea you have will work, so declaring intention to do good doesn’t mean a given philosophy would do any actual good. Even good intentions can produce disastrous results.
And for the record, there is plenty of evidence that many so-called “conservatives” are more active in “doing good” than others. Not that a comparison matters. But for the sake of your argument about Jesus being “liberal” because he want to do good, consider this article from abc news. (I think it originally was from the show 20/20)
So I propose that when we can find common ground about good that needs to be done, “liberals” and “conservatives” work together. When there is disagreement, let us keep releasing, discussing, and debating our ideas before a watching world.
And, while I believe in the Mercy and Goodness of Jesus with all my heart, I also believe with total abandon that Jesus will literally return to earth to judge all men. I suspect we will all be found guilty because we all are.
But Jesus offers forgiveness, and an ever-increasing ability to change from the inside out.
Now isn’t that nice?
ThirstyJon
One other response to Casper:
And by the way. God even loves “crusty conservatives.”
ThirstyJon