I don't think it's as cynical, or as rational, as opportunism and hucksterism, though there are plenty of opportunistic hucksters to exploit what we're seeing here.
I think it's fear of freedom and of uncertainty. Things need to be black and white. "The Scriptures are inspired and they're all we need and if you don't agree it's because God has forsaken you. Sorry about that."
It's very like Islam in the specific sense of the renunciation of reason and the fatalism -- and the inability to argue as adults argue, with the assumption of a shared desire for truth. For them speech is to create an emotional reaction which, they hope, will control one's thoughts,. This is what they say, in any event, and what they do. The reduplicative excerpts from Scripture are not to make a point but to give some kind of good feeling to their comrades and to glorify God.
And what better way to glorify God than to exhibit despite for His enemies, whom, of course, they would just fall down and love if only we'd drink their Koolaid.
Conversation requires a common ground. But common ground with us is a threat to them, something to be avoided. So no real conversation can happen, only harangues and abuse, which, of course, they deny, since they really cannot see, I guess, a difference between a question and an insult. When you question them they react angrily, and when they insult us, they protest that they are only questioning. And thus they protect themselves from having to think something they've never thought before.
***I think it’s fear of freedom and of uncertainty. Things need to be black and white. “The Scriptures are inspired and they’re all we need and if you don’t agree it’s because God has forsaken you. Sorry about that.”
It’s very like Islam in the specific sense of the renunciation of reason and the fatalism — and the inability to argue as adults argue, with the assumption of a shared desire for truth. For them speech is to create an emotional reaction which, they hope, will control one’s thoughts,. This is what they say, in any event, and what they do. The reduplicative excerpts from Scripture are not to make a point but to give some kind of good feeling to their comrades and to glorify God.
And what better way to glorify God than to exhibit despite for His enemies, whom, of course, they would just fall down and love if only we’d drink their Koolaid.***
Well reasoned and entirely synchronous with their postings. I have noticed the fear and the black and white interpretation, even when it is demonstrably in error both to the Catholic Church’s interpretation as well as the Church Fathers’.
***Conversation requires a common ground. But common ground with us is a threat to them, something to be avoided. So no real conversation can happen, only harangues and abuse, which, of course, they deny, since they really cannot see, I guess, a difference between a question and an insult. When you question them they react angrily, and when they insult us, they protest that they are only questioning. And thus they protect themselves from having to think something they’ve never thought before.***
When one’s entire theological identity is based upon what one is NOT, then such tactics are easily understood. The Reformed could not stand, except in opposition to the Church, since they base so much of their identity upon it.