"Normalization" is both a sociological and psychological phenomenon and a self-conscious tactic in changing culture. Behaviors that once violated social and moral "norms" are portrayed as "normal." And the previous "norms" are portrayed as "abnormal."
George Orwell's classic essay "Politics and the English Language" is a must-read for all citizens, exposing as it does the deceptions and evasions of political rhetoric. A supreme example is the language manipulation of the pro-abortion movement.
This weekend, to build up the Cranach community and to exercise our faith, let us pray for each other. If you would like prayers for yourself, your family, someone you know, or a situation you are aware of, just say so in the comments. Whereupon other readers will pray for you. This will launch a new custom: You may interrupt any post or discussion thread with requests for prayer.
Abortion advocates are changing the language that is politically-correct for discussing abortion. "Pro-choice" is out, because it is racist and "implies that abortion isn't a good thing." Just say "pro-abortion." Or, better yet, call it "health care." So proclaims Planned Parenthood and the House pro-abortion caucus.
Demonic possessions seem to be increasing since the pandemic. And some psychiatrists are recognizing the condition and are working with religious exorcists. So says an article in the "Los Angeles Times."
Conservative comedy is on the rise, while liberal comedy is floundering. Even progressive scholars are admitting this. Why is this?
The various critiques of liberal (i.e., freedom-based) democracy that we have been hearing from both the left and the right agree that this kind of government is spiritually empty. But what if political systems are not supposed to be spiritually fulfilling? What if spiritual fulfillment needs to come from an actual religion as opposed to some divinized state, whether of the left or the right?
This weekend's discussion topic: politics. Consider questions like these: What will be the political impact of overturning Roe v. Wade? Will we have a rematch of Trump v. Biden? Would some other candidate have a better chance? What are the prospects of unifying the country? Will that take a war?
The state that fared best with COVID was Nebraska, even though that state had no lockdowns, mask mandates, or vaccine requirements. What was Nebraska's secret? Good government.
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