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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.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Opus 2016-110: Discernment Watch: Celebrity Endorsements

Glen Beck was talking about Austria and its banks.  He shared about how they were doing what Greece did.  They are limiting access to the money you have in the bank.  They are taking money from people’s savings.  They are eating away at what the frugal and thrifty have put aside for a rainy day.  His message was that it was spreading through Europe and coming here.

I believe the facts he gave.  I understand it is coming.  My problem is that I never know if he is reporting news or going into an advertisement.  That is a trend on talk radio.  The host will finish one paragraph and move into the next with the same cadence and tone of voice.  He will share what sounds like another issue or concern and then segue into how you need a security system, a better mattress,  a new real estate agent or gold.  And of course he always has someone that he has a lot of trust in to help you through this moment. 

How much overlap is there.  Does he have these sponsors because this is his position or does he have this position because they are his sponsors?  I accept that these talking heads may have actually looked into the integrity and service of the sponsor.  They may believe what they are saying.  Maybe.  Then why do they have a different sponsor a few years later?

Until there is a better option, keep your baloney detector switched on.  Keep thinking.  Don’t accept anything at face value.  Even the most honorable of authorities can be wrong or misinformed.  That includes me.  What works for them may not work for you.

I believe the words are from Ronald Reagan, “Trust, but verify.”

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. I pretty much quit watching Beck when I found out that he was a Mormon, since 99% of Mormons put the words of Joseph Smith over the words of Jesus. Then came this election and he became part of the "stop Trump" folks, so that did it for me.

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    Replies
    1. What fascinates me is that he is so good at hiding that Mormons are not Christians. I know enough about what they believe and how they operate to see his ploys but he is really good at it. That tendency makes me take everything he says with a grain of salt.

      Grace and peace.

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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.