A recurring theme in the Ewellogy is what my son Mark calls America’s new indoor sport: recreational outrage. Here’s the one I wrote about Uninformed Outrage, and this blog on Piling On is where Mark introduced us to the term recreational outrage in a comment.
Today, Pearls Before Swine captured the phenomenon beautifully and even included a cure. Rat tells the Offendedistas who take offense at everything someone else says and then destroys you for it:
What if we just go on with our lives like we used to, leaving creative people free to create and you free to ignore it?
Rat is advising us all to practice a holy indifference as well as realize that my outrage doesn’t fix anything.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1.19, 20, NIV)
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14.12, NKJV)
Thank you! It’s a work in progress.
For all of us!
Great reminders!
Ah, but when do I respond when what is published is blatantly incorrect? My brother-in-law, a doctor, cannot in good conscience let anti-vaccine rhetoric go. His view is that his oath requires him to respond to mis/disinformation when he encounters it. He dismisses authors who are not willing to listen. He seeks to inform those who can be led astray.
Recently I responded to a patriotic, but misinformed, screed on the A-10 in an anti-ship, tactical aviation roll. The author responded that he wan’t an expert and what did I expect from “…a guy who just has a Youtube channel.” Therein my friends lies the rub; anyone can be a false prophet to millions with a few key strokes. When do I let it go?
Good questions, Tom. I thought of that sort of thing myself. I think there’s a difference between thoughtful, reasoned responses to issues and outrage at the people with whom I disagree.
Your choice of James 1:19-20 NIV is spot on. I told Dan the other day that I do not want to get caught up in others actions. I have seen recent Facebook posts that I just have to ignore.
Thank you for this great reminder Bob.