Someone shared the post below on Facebook. It is a real Facebook post, but the account itself may be set up by an atheist to poke fun at Christians. Be that as it may, the fact that it has become impossible to tell the difference between genuine ignorance among Christians, and atheist parodies of Christians who are ignorant, says something about the impression of Christians that is given by purveyors of nonsense like the young-earth creationists. And that is why, as a Christian, I am such a vocal opponent of their lies and tactics.
In a recent discussion here, I pointed out that ancient authors like Paul, when they referred to the heart as the location of thinking, meant it literally. And yet those who embrace young-earth creationism because they claim that the Bible is a reliable source of scientific information fail to take Paul at his word. Except, perhaps, for this one Facebook user, who disagrees with both Paul and modern science and has asked Jesus into her lungs.
One more thing. It used to be that, as normal people went about their business, less sane members of society might stand on the street corner talking to themselves and occasionally trying to get our attention by shouting at us. We mostly recognized that, whoever they were and whatever they represented, they could not be assumed to be typical of a category of person or belief. They were assumed to be mentally ill. Today, however, when someone sets up a page on one of Facebook's infinite number of street corners, the digital facade may hide some of the telltale signs of mental health issues. Perhaps, if we are to foster a culture of respect, we need to remind ourselves that insanity, and not just ignorance and hatred, have a platform and an audience that is global in character.
Perhaps we need to learn anew, when on Facebook, that sometimes the appropriate course of action is to avoid eye contact and just keep walking.
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