I firmly oppose all manifestations of violence and murder, the perpetuation of inequality through servitude, all forms of sexism, genuine misogyny, and racism, universally and unequivocally. Concurrently, I stand in unwavering support of the principles of free speech and humour, recognising them as vital cornerstones of our societal fabric. As aptly paraphrased by the venerable atheist Ricky Gervais, those who struggle to appreciate humour must fortify their emotional resilience.
In paraphrasing the teachings of Christ, who admonished, "Anyone who causes one of my little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to have a weight tied around their neck and be cast into a lake," a profound reflection emerges. Within the Protestant Tradition, it becomes imperative to disavow the emulation or idolisation of any human being, including figures within church leadership. The gravity of this responsibility is so immense that any deliberate misguidance of individuals, whether undertaken individually or collectively, represents a disavowal of critical Christian principles, irrespective of denominational affiliation.
While Christ's teachings often employ bold and hyperbolic language, a literalistic interpretation should not obfuscate the underlying intent: to emphasise the importance of not misleading those who look up to you. Contemporary society has seen a shift toward children parenting their offspring, an arrangement antithetical to traditional top-down parenting. Curiously, in societal governance, the bottom-up approach is not the norm, as exemplified by the concept of "autocratic technocracy."
If, for instance, historical colonisers or others acted in the name of "Christianity" while invoking a moral façade of choosing the "lesser of two evils," such actions, like all retrospective injustices, merit condemnation.
However, such denunciation should not extend to the underlying teachings and institutions. Removing historical figures is futile, and the principle of "cast the first stone" should prevail, recognising the inherent imperfection of humanity. It is essential to avoid conflating the wrongs of the Catholic Church with the broader spectrum of Christian denominations, a practice that exposes the superficiality of one's analysis when attempting to discredit the world's most prevalent religion.
Accepting the Christian doctrine of being "totally depraved" according to the First Point of Calvinism, one can adopt a realist-scientific-naturalist perspective on human nature, acknowledging that every individual may misappropriate ideology or transgress ethical codes at some point in their lives, inadvertently causing harm to themselves, others, or those involved in the manufacturing of their goods.
Despite our shared genetic heritage with chimpanzees, an examination of Gorilla societies reveals a penchant for violence and the primacy of dominance. It is undeniable that human societies have an inherent inclination to respect violence or the threat thereof, rooted in our evolutionary history. This perspective, however, risks undermining the intrinsic worth of individuals, especially those vulnerable in society. Recognising physical differences while refraining from patronisation remains essential, as evidenced by the adage that "women and children are the first to board the lifeboat" in times of crisis.
Ideologies are susceptible to misappropriation, but a compelling thought experiment emerges. If presented with a table laden with the world's books, each representing a unique ideology or narrative, one would be asked to identify the most admirable figure to recommend to their offspring for emulation. A clear and resounding answer emerges in this hypothetical scenario, emphasising an "inference to the best explanation." Despite supernatural considerations, no character in any book rivals the moral stature, historical verifiability, or capacity for enduring hardship as the figure of Jesus Christ. However, many who critique Christianity fail to engage with its text or investigate the life of its central figure, opting instead to critique institutional wrongs.
Moreover, to be "truly just," one must be "fully against injustice", embodies a logical proposition in both the Old and New Testaments. The moral law prescribed by Christianity emerges after the creation of injustice and polarity. This perspective predates the prominence of individuals like Jordan Peterson, whose intellectual contributions have played a role in challenging prevailing dogmas and curbing societal indoctrination. Recognising these biases and cultivating critical thinking have resulted in a reevaluation of prior beliefs, acknowledging the limitations of media portrayals.
A sincere dialogue and exploration of complex ideas should prevail, eschewing the superficiality of inaccurate depictions and fostering an environment conducive to genuine intellectual exchange.
