GDW Does Not Communicate In Words

"I said a jigger is like a cup."

(Ellen S Wilds, c. 1962)

The above quote refers to a childhood incident when a servant asked me to explain a punch recipe, in particular to define a "jigger" (measurement for 1 ounce of liquor).  When I said it was "like a cup" I meant that with childish literality.  Perhaps I should have said "it's like a glass."  To me a jigger was a very little cup.  I might have also meant a jigger is like a cup in that both are used to measure liquids.

Language has always been a problem to understanding.  Not only are there many languages, but even in a single language not every word is going to be understood the same way.  I can only draw on my own experience, but when I meditate I feel the presence and sense the intent, but I'll be damned if I can put it into words.  No matter how grand the vision it completely fails to impress when reduced to a verbal description.

This past week we had yet another Rapture Hoax wherein some seriously deluded people gave up their possessions and livelihoods on the word from a South African preacher speaking via Tik Tok.  I remembered the Harold Camping fiasco of 2011.  Camping announced Rapture on 21 May 2011 based on his interpretation of the codes hidden in Biblical texts.  No one asked which texts?  in what language?  in which version?   The Bible may have a lot of great stuff in it, but every syllable was created by humans.  

Perhaps I should have more sympathy for the devout who fleeced themselves in this latest hoax, but no one made them believe this stuff.  They are just hopelessly gullible and hence they are victims.  But their chosen actions in prepping for the Rapture show a serious failure of theology.  Many were convinced they would be ascending physically through the air, so were frantic to be outside so they wouldn't be trapped against the ceiling.  A few were seen standing outside completely naked.   A young black woman filmed herself preparing all the hair care products she will need in the Beyond.

There was general panic over leaving ample supplies for the children who will be left behind, a mother weeping because she doesn't want to be raptured without her newborn, leaving their phones unlocked and of course, off-loading earthly possessions.  During the 2011 Rapture Hoax families quit their jobs and went on wild spending sprees.  They cashed out their savings and the kids' college funds and bought non-sensical things like sportscars and yachts.  Forgetting that they can't take it with them.  If there ever is a Rapture -- a belief I do not share -- it will be spiritual, not physical.

I can not accept that a loving God would choose only 144,000 out of eight billion, dividing families and leaving heartache and suffering in their wake.  Further I think it is perfectly obvious that anyone so certain of their own righteousness is unlikely to make the cut.  No sign of the necessary humility.  Further any mother who worships a deity who would divide her from her baby is asking for heartbreak.

The evilangelical community has never squared the Jesus in the Gospels with their focus on material gain and political power over any faith in god.  Christianity has some excellent principles.  Sadly few are actually practiced.