People talk, that’s what we do. We talk when we get together face-to-face. We talk on phones. We “talk” through our posts. We share what’s going on in our lives. We give our opinions. And when the talking is around church or at the Seminary, we talk about religion and God things. A former Seminary professor was known to say in religious conversations, “That’s stupid.”
Shortly after the unspeakably awful shooting in Texas, a congressman was asked on CNN about people who say prayers aren’t working. He said, “Well, those are people that don’t believe in an almighty God who is absolutely in control of our lives. I’m a Christian. I believe that He is.” I’m sure the congressman is intelligent, but that was a stupid thing to say. Yes, the Bible teaches that God and the ascended Christ are in control (Colossians 1:15-20), but the Bible also teaches that God for a time lets us pursue our own ways; we can disregard His will and commandments (Romans 1:28-32). Though we are saved by grace, we are commanded to do good works for the welfare of our communities and nation (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Jeremiah 29:5, 11). And, looming over us all is divine, eternal judgment (1 Peter 1:17; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
The Latin word “stupidus” means (1) “physically dazed,” (2) “numbed by an emotional shock, stunned, spell bound” and (3) “Foolish, dull-witted, brainless.” (Oxford Latin Dictionary). It's on all sides of the political spectrum. A couple of friends shared separately that they were filling out forms for their doctors’ appointments. One question asked about their preferred gender. “Uh, you’re a doctor and you don’t know?” “Nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
When we Christians say things about faith and life that are not true, we sin (Second Commandment) and hurt the mission of the Church. A vital part of our life in the church should be teaching and learning. Sermons that edify through teaching and encouragement, Bible classes and studies that explore the mysteries of faith, honesty about how little we know… I doubt we can reduce stupidity in the world but gathering around the truths of this world’s Creator can at least help us recognize stupid when we see it. “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25).