Civil Commotion

The Silverdome, today.

Book Two: A Criticism of the Highest Values That Have Prevailed Hitherto
IV: How Virtue Is Made to Dominate

§326   Virtues are as dangerous as vices, in so far as they are allowed to rule over one as authorities and laws coming from outside and not as qualities one develops one’s self. The latter is the only right way; they should be the most personal means of defense and most individual needs, the determining factors of precisely our existence and growth, which we recognize and acknowledge independently of the question whether others grow with us under the same or of different conditions. This view of the danger of virtue understood as impersonal and objective also holds good of modesty: through modesty many of the choicest spirits perish. The morality of modesty is the worst possible softening influence for those souls for which it is pre-eminently necessary that they become hard over time.

Apparently, some tourists recently got naked at the peak of Mount Kinabalu, so disturbing the mountain gods that they caused an earthquake.

Five western tourists have been banned from leaving Malaysia for “disrespecting the spirits” by stripping naked at the peak of sacred Mt. Kinabalu. Local officials have blamed the group for causing Friday’s earthquake, which killed at least 16 people.

Well … I dunno. Seems to me like a grievous overreaction.

Just as I predicted, Matthew Vines’ theological rewrite of Christian teachings regarding same-sex relationships is gaining traction.

Few are dropping their opposition. But aware that they are seen by many as bigots, some evangelical leaders are trying to figure out how to stand firm without alienating the increasing share of Americans — especially younger ones — who know gay people and support gay rights, or who may themselves come out as gay.

This is fun, don’t you think?

Pastors are in a vice. As I have said repeatedly, Vines’ argument is no more than special pleading — but it is going to prevail because he has given cover for pastors who know they had better get with the program or learn a useful skill. We’ll be updating the Eternal Truth any day now.