Yesterday I visited with a pastor/friend who has a special gift of rhetorical spin on issues of theology. His spin covers up his logic which I view as 'schizophrenia' (we could say theological schizophrenia). What is my definition of this disorder: Schizophrenia is characterized by thoughts or experiences that seem out of touch with real-time reality, including disorganized speech and/or behavior. The key word is NOW reality. NOW reality often reveals the illogic of many 'spin' artists.
My pastor friend uses this theological concept called the 'hypostatic union' to support his theology on this person we call the Historical Yeshua (Jesus). Yeshua (according to him) had TWO natures (Divine and Human) at the same time. This pastor seems to portray this same mentality with his theological rhetoric. He will 'spin' words so that God is Jesus (in one context) and also NOT Jesus (in another) to confuse the listener. Jesus is supposedly God and joined (hypostatically) with his Godhood even as he is also FULLY human (in real-time). Very schizophrenic IMO. It's actually impossible to be God and Human at the same moment in time!
Today, Sunday, I talked with another pastor of a local Christian church (called The Bridge Church) which had a similar theological mentality (as my prior friend who was mostly of a Baptist persuasion). This pastor viewed Jesus as God (and also the Father) simultaneously. There is only ONE God, said this pastor, and his God was Jesus and the Father (simultaneously). They are ONE spiritual entity even as this pastor uses TWO different 'words' to identify this singular God. Is this a sign of theological schizophrenia?
When I mentioned that I have a local female friend (down the block from me) who views herself as Christian (but a Jehovah's Witness) he immediately responded that JW's are NOT Christian. Again, this pastor wants to maintain his superiority (theologically) over anyone who challenges his logic on the issue of God. My view is that most PASTORS have a special GIFT of theological 'spin' on issues of theology. I have noticed this for decades.They must maintain their logic on this issue (of is Jesus God) as being absolute...even as they 'spin' words which many would view as confusing and illogical (to support their 'spin').
Personally, I view most of these PASTORS as gifted 'spin' artists who can FOOL their congregation with their select WORDS (spin). These pastors will use scripture (selectively) to support their theological 'spin' (which I view as a form of 'schizophrenia'). As a philosopher myself, I can also use 'spin' to support my viewpoint. The difference is that I present my viewpoint as a private individual (with no desire to gain followers). Our 'spin' pastors seem to DESIRE followers who bow to their charisma and illogic. Is any of this an example of spiritual humility? The pastors will deny that they are LESS than humble servants of God.
My sense (after visiting and listening to thousands of these 'spin' artists over many decades) is that human nature wants AGREEMENT on these important issues of reality. Reality, is basically a spiritual operation. Words are spiritual entities. Human nature (within politics, religion, education, and science) seems to desire followers. Most followers are very intelligent but not discerning of the real meaning when it comes to theological issues. This situation, allows pastors (with rhetorical spin abilities) to confuse/fool/ and deceive the masses. Amazing!
Take the time to read about the various ecumenical councils which established the Christian theology. Read the Nicene Creed which started all this JESUS is GOD theology in 325 A.D.. Then move forward to the BIG convention called the Chalcedon Council of 451 A.D. At this council the 'hypostatic' union concept emerged. This concept split many thinkers (bishops at that time) as they thought about the logical of this concept (that the historical Yeshua (Jesus) had TWO natures. Some thought he did and some said absolutely not!
My sense is that this theological concept of 451 A.D. is at the CORE of most theological schizophrenia today. Pastors (within all denominations of Christianity) want to maintain the viewpoint that JESUS is GOD. They then 'spin' their theology so that this outcome can prevail. Their thinking congregations are LEFT in total confusion to challenge their thinking. If fact, most denominations PROHIBIT any real challenge! Word 'spin' can be used to confuse and deceive almost EVERYONE. Amazing!
Soon this CHURCH AGE will end. My sense is that it will END when a body of thinkers (the public) recognize the deceptions within all these Christian denominations. Theological spin and theological schizophenia will then END. Pastors are deceived IMO but do not KNOW this. They are nice people who THINK they are doing the WILL of God Almighty. They gain followers in the millions as they grow in their theological 'spin' ( which I call theological schizophrenia). BEWARE these thinkers is my advice. LISTEN TO each thinker with DOUBT.
Real truth emerges when the PEOPLE think for themselves. Human Nature is very deceptive. At the core could be this DARK force which operates 'invisibly'. Yes, Satan is real! We all must be AWARE of the words which we espouse. Words create behavior. Words create beliefs. Words create theological spin. Words create real-time deception, and words are key to growing in wisdom and understanding. My advice is THINK for yourself. Get yourself educated. Spin will stop as masses of people discern reality ON THEIR OWN. Have a great day!
I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com. Also, http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com.
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