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   Bible Classes (10:00 am)

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   PM Worship (3:00 pm)

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   Bible Classes (7:35 pm)

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They Became Fools

by Dale Smelser

It is amazing, and it would be amusing if it were not so tragic. The degradation of man is detailed in the book of Romans. But looking at that account, one sees it repeated today. The record begins with the manifestation of the everlasting power and deity of God, being seen in the things created. Thus this knowledge necessarily existed from the creation. And though men thus originally knew God, they eventually ceased to glorify him as such. This would mean they looked to themselves for their choices about how to live life. Elevating themselves so, they saw no reason to thank God. They considered only themselves responsible for the good things that happened. This led to vain thinking, and their hearts lacking understanding became filled with darkness. In their self congratulation, professing themselves wise, they really became fools. But in that not everything turned out well, they had to have something to blame. Needing something to appease and placate, so that things would not go wrong, they turned to lesser concepts of God in idolatry. They ended up worshiping the creature rather than the creator (Rom. 1:18-25).

One who cannot see this being repeated today just is not paying attention. Though examples could be multiplied of man professing wisdom while being foolish, just a couple are cited here.

Over the past 7 years the church at Gettysburg has rented an auditorium on the campus of Gettysburg college to host a "Bible Forum." Subjects were chosen that would resonate in the community, and guest speakers were invited to explore them. People who would not go to a church building would come to the more neutral site, and arrangements were made with those willing, for continued study. Signs were permitted at the walks leading to the particular auditorium. They said "Bible Forum." This year they were notified that the signs were objectionable. They got a clarification from the new President. She informed brethren that the word "Bible" that was offensive. Asked why, since it had not been for the previous 6 years, she stated that the school was trying to be more "inclusive," and that it was necessary to emphasize "diversity."

I suppose that if they had put up a sign advertising a forum on witchcraft, voodoo, or rituals of aboriginal populations, the signs would be welcome. What is wrong with that picture? It is, that in emphasizing "diversity," the Bible is not welcome. It would seem that on a campus where a Biblical view would be in a distinct minority, that its diverse view would be enthusiastically welcomed, especially if "inclusiveness" were the goal. The "wise" principle of diversity ruled out diversity. Ah, me. Professing wisdom, the lady manifest the traits of a fool.

There is some hope for at least temporary improvement in another venue. An article by Julia Dunn in The Washington Times notes, "Gay Pride Month isn't what it used to be." During the late 90's departments of the Federal Government celebrated "Gay Pride" with holiday trappings at taxpayer expense. The present administration has refused to declare June, as was done in 1998-2000, Gay Pride Month. Federal departments had to either cancel planned celebrations or hold such after working hours, with the employees wishing to celebrate "gay pride," paying for the occasion themselves. But there are still those feigning "intellectuality" who want that celebrated. Imagine, they purport wisdom and want everyone to celebrate those who choose to do sexual things with their own sex. Such has led to incredible spread of sexually transmitted diseases, has undermined the concept of marriage and family, has brought gross lewdness into street parades and the public eye, and our "wise" people want to celebrate it. Incidentally, this same practice accompanied the degrading of man in the passage cited above. When men left God, they turned to "nature" worship and "vile passions." But they professed it "wise." They were fools.  

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