Opus 2026-124: Word Meanings

I often reflect on how the word evangelical has lost its meaning along with other terms having to do with Christianity.  I have written about it before.  Sometimes that is just the process of time.  Think of family names that are around you.  Do you know what a fuller was or a fletcher?  At one time those were special skills.  Time marches on.  Other times, and this is what we are experiencing today, the forces of despotism around us keep redefining words so that they can confuse the issues of the day.

I repeat, because it needs to be repeated, there is a philosophy that advances this.  It is called deconstructionism.  It is at the base of socialism and Marxism.  It thrives in public education.  It grows with the ignorance of the masses.

The thought occurred to me that there are words in other disciplines that are facing the same thing.  Take for instance the word “scientist”.  It no longer means what it used to mean.  Thre was a time when being a scientist meant a person who investigates the world and seeks truth and understanding.  Now it is a profession based on getting grants and publishing papers.  Facts are a phantom of the past.  I heard Jordan Peterson say in an interview that he knew about 41 genuine scientist in the world.  They were doing some awesome work.  The rest, not so much.  He runs in those circles and is in a place to know.

The same deterioration is taking place in other fields.  People still have a false respect for teachers.  Maybe misplaced is better than false.  Modern teachers are products of the same failed public education system that they perpetuate.  I remember when I was in awe of the guys who drove those big trucks across country.  Policemen used to be our friends.  

Part of the answer is that we need to respond to people based on what can be demostrated about their character, contributions and skills.  Don’t assume.  Act with courtesy but don’t give any credit where it is not due.  Use words correctly.  Avoid jargon that confuses.  Expect others to do the same.  We need to reclaim culture and make it honest again.  

homo unius libri