Pages

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Opus 2011-243, How Will People Quote You?

Misquotes are common.  When we hear something we like we try to act like we are quoting Abraham Lincoln or Jesus.  When we don’t like it we pick our favorite specter and give it to them like people attribute Joe Biden foolishness to Sarah Palin.  Usually we are not concerned because we don’t care who said it, it makes sense.

Misquotes attributed to Benjamin Franklin are legion.  It works both ways.  Often when people quote the Bible they are really quoting Franklin.  In case you did not know, the Bible does not say,
“God helps those who help themselves.”
Let me suggest some reasons people quote.  The first is because what is being said has value.  The quote is put in a pithy and clever way that grabs your attention and delivers a message.  In this case it is not always important who said it, it is still true.

The second reason is to add clout to what you want to say.  If you are talking about physics and can quote Einstein, you are half way home.  If you are talking about morality and can quote Jesus you have made your point with some people and destroyed it with others. 

A third is that people will find your point hard to swallow.  It is just your opinion and, as Rodney Dangerfield would say, “You don’t get no respect.”  If someone they respect says what you are advocating, it might get them to listen and maybe think.

How will people quote you?  You may not be aware of it but people repeat what you say.  It may be as low a purpose as gossip.  It may be life changing.  But it happens.  Wait until you hear your children repeat something you said.  You might even hear your spouse repeat you, but accept the fact that you will not get credit for it.

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. Poor old Confucius get saddled with a lot of things he never said.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I forgot about him. He is quoted as much as Franklin. I got the Works of Confucius from Project Gutenberg and read through them. I couldn't find much that would make pithy quotes.

    Keep me straight.

    Grace and peace.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.