Skip to main content

MercatorNet: Moral panic flares again

Sociology provides us with an interesting perspective on the Sex Abuse scandals by offering the concept of MORAL PANIC. MercatorNet posts an article that explains the concept and how it applies to the current feeding frenzy.

Thanks to Fryer for pointing me to this article. I found it to provide a valuable viewpoint from which to find the perspective needed not to let the current media storm soil this Easter Triduum.


MercatorNet: Moral panic flares again

Comments

  1. "Moral panic?" *headdesk* Like "moral outrage," it's just another buzzphrase designed to label and pigeonhole what should not be labelled and cannot be pigeonholed!

    This is groupthink phraseology and I do not trust it for the simple reason that groups do not think.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lady Janus:

    Blah, Blah, Blah. Groups don't think. That is true. However, you have shown a consistent inability to think outside your own box, to ponder the possibility that something that is different than your own group think is possible. Nay, even real. That can't be possible, can it?

    If we say black, you will say white, not because you are right, but because you refuse to entertain that there is a parallel universe to the one that you inhabit, that is not the same as yours.

    Actually, you have become so predictable as to become boring. I think in the future, I will write your comments for you to save you the time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lady Janus: I beg to differ. If there is no such thing as 'group think' then advertising would not work. Social science has demonstrated a number of truths about our species that point to the commonalities between us. We are individuals - yes. We are also members of one common species. It only makes sense that we would respond as any other species.

    Fr. Tim

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for posting this very balanced and informative article!

    ReplyDelete
  5. "However, you have shown a consistent inability to think outside your own box, to ponder the possibility that something that is different than your own group think is possible."

    I'm not in a box. And I don't think in a group.

    "If we say black, you will say white, not because you are right, but because you refuse to entertain that there is a parallel universe to the one that you inhabit, that is not the same as yours."

    Sweetie, if it's black, it's black. And I do what I do by manipulating quantum energy -- how many universes can you count? And I inhabit all of them.

    Tim, that social phenomenon you're describing is group reaction, not thinking. And specific advertising works in particular cultures because that's the way they know how to provoke a reaction. Or have you never noticed that European or Australian advertising for the exact same products is vastly different than what we see in North America? For instance, you'll never see nudity in North American advertising, but other cultures use it liberally.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lady Janus:

    Blah Blah Blah! There you go again.

    Manipulating the truth is not the same thing as manipulating quantum energy. I have seen you manipulate the truth, and I have seen you try to make big truths into quanta.

    Maybe, instead of bouncing around the cosmos, you could spend some time here in this universe trying to discern the truth that exists right here, and right now, deep in your heart.

    Here is the truth, dear lady. Despite your denials, Jesus Christ is the risen Son of God, sent to earth to set you and me, and Father Tim, to name only three, free from sin and death, a death we so richly deserve.

    And today, we in Christianity celebrate that He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Maybe what all you say sounds good. But what you forget is the Lord has spoken, and it is his words that we have to recall and live by as our guiding principles. Somewhere we as Christians have lost the woods for the trees and our Christianity is identified through Christmas and Easter alone. Nay. It should be by the way we live.
    We are at the dawn of a new era of light. It is precisely this new liberation, unfettered and unbound by traditional religion that is sought by those who opt for open spirituality instead of a closed religion. You have to be strong to do that. To follow directions is easy. To be your own master and to follow your own light is difficult. But you are not alone. The big light is within you. Identify with the light which predates all religions, and you will see that the new light will prevail ....because it must.

    Many of life’s answers lie in asking the right questions of ourselves.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Small Town Guy04 April, 2010

    MBrandon said

    "Here is the truth, dear lady. Despite your denials, Jesus Christ is the risen Son of God, sent to earth to set you and me, and Father Tim, to name only three, free from sin and death, a death we so richly deserve.

    And today, we in Christianity celebrate that He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!!"

    Amen!

    Wayne M.

    ReplyDelete
  9. "Blah Blah Blah! There you go again."

    Well, if I knew what the hell you were talking about, I might have a reason to continue this discussion.

    "Here is the truth, dear lady. Despite your denials, Jesus Christ is the risen Son of God, sent to earth to set you and me, and Father Tim, to name only three, free from sin and death, a death we so richly deserve."

    That happens to be your particular truth in your particular culture. It's not mine. But you go ahead and enjoy yourself.

    Wayne: You, too.

    Biodh Se!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lady Janus,

    I had composed a carefully written posting when I accidentally touched a key and it all disappeared. Frustrating.

    I am just curious why you would consider writings of men of more worth than the Holy Scriptures.

    The apostle Peter said:
    "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter ch1 vs 21.

    The apostle Paul said:
    "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" 2 Timothy ch.3 vs 16.

    The New Testament canon was completed in the days of the Apostles by men who were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ with the exception of Luke who had got his account of the gospel from Mary. He was chosen by the Holy Spirit to write the Gospel of Luke as well as the Book of Acts.

    There were other writings around in those days and subsequently, which were dismissed by the early church as not being holy scripture. The books which were finally agreed upon by the early church were selected because of their obvious internal evidence as being inspired holy scripture.

    Wayne M.

    ReplyDelete
  11. "I am just curious why you would consider writings of men of more worth than the Holy Scriptures."

    Is it possible that you are not aware that I am not a Christian? Would your knowing that I am part of another -- completely different -- culture help your understanding?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lady Janus,

    "Is it possible that you are not aware that I am not a Christian? Would your knowing that I am part of another -- completely different -- culture help your understanding?"

    Yes, that would explain it. But I would still encourage you to look into the teachings of the Bible for several very practical reasons.

    The biblical explanation of why man is here, why man has a fallen, corrupt nature, man's eternal destiny in a general sense and in a specific sense as it relates to christians and non christians, how a fallen corrupt person can still be saved (become a child of God and receive eternal life), and countless other things. I am not talking about the RC religion which is at odds with the Bible and does not teach the correct (Biblical) way of salvation, which is by faith alone in Christ alone.

    As far as other (non-christian)religions are concerned, where are their founders today? I think they are all in their graves, while the Bible gives strong evidence that the central figure of the christian religion(Jesus) is not in His grave but actually rose from the dead and is alive now. That is a significant difference.

    Another point is the Bible teaches that the christian's God can be known personally and does care about each person on an individual basis. The God of the Bible is a God who has reached down and provided a way for a sinful fallen person to become right with God.

    Other religions may not recognize that man is separated from God by his fallen corrupt nature (since our first father, Adam, rebelled against God. As the Federal head of the human race, he represented all mankind and so all mankind inhereted his sinful fallen nature). Other religions have no answer for this fatal problem.

    Because God is Holy, he does not allow a sinful corrupt person into heaven because that would be against his nature which is also a completely just God. The only way a sinful person can have his relationship with God repaired and become a child of God is if God himself took action to do that. That is what God did when he send His Son into the world to die for his people and by doing so, make a complete atonement for his people's sins. These are the people God has chosen from eternity past to be his people. Man can do nothing on his own to atone for his sins; only God's Son could make a satisfactory sacrifice to appease a holy God, which is what He did when He died and shed His blood on the cross.

    Wayne M.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wayne:

    Some of what you say is true. Some is pure piffle.

    "I am not talking about the RC religion which is at odds with the Bible and does not teach the correct (Biblical) way of salvation, which is by faith alone in Christ alone."

    That is an idiotic statement, not based in fact in any of the teachings of the Catholic Church, though you might find that interpretation somewhere in Fundy land. There is no teaching of the Catholic Church that is not based on scripture. However, scripture is not the only word of God.

    Jesus is the Word of God, the Word made flesh. The bible is a small part of Jesus, as it says so itself: "There was much else that Jesus did; if it were written down in detail, I do not suppose that the world itself would hold all the books that would be written." John 21:25

    Our objective in life is to come to know Jesus as our crucified and risen Lord, so that we can spend eternity with Him.

    Get your facts straight.

    BTW - Lady Janus is a witch (from her own website). She is not interested currently in Jesus Christ and salvation.

    ReplyDelete
  14. "But I would still encourage you to look into the teachings of the Bible for several very practical reasons."

    I don't consider your reasons to be practical for me, because I don't consider the core assumptions behind them to be real.

    MBrandon, Witch, like Catholic, is capitalized. Please and thank you. And I'm not only not interested currently in what some people seem to regard as "salvation," but I don't think it actually exists. I'm still trying to nail down some definitions so I can try to understand how y'all think...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oops...I misspoke a bit in my last comment. It should read: "...I don't consider the core assumptions behind them to be valid.

    ReplyDelete
  16. My apologies meant sincerely, Witch Janus.

    Catholic, though is often catholic. However, in the context that I use it, I mean Catholic. You could be a witch, without being a Witch, but then that is a whole different meaning, and not the one I intended, or would intend. I just missed the Cap.

    Christianity is less about thinking, and more about hearing with the heart. It is about hearing that still small voice that calls us to unity with the Creator.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Witches are also catholic. Just ask the hunters...we're everywhere... ;D !

    And again -- you are correct -- we have a problem with more than one meaning of a word. If you are talking about culture and religion, as we do here, the capital is appropriate.

    "Christianity is less about thinking, and more about hearing with the heart. It is about hearing that still small voice that calls us to unity with the Creator."

    Yes, so I've been told. And that's what I'm trying to understand. My own culture revolves around being Creator/diety. I don't understand how one can be separate from (and wish to join with) that which is already one's own self.

    ReplyDelete
  18. MBrandon,

    "Wayne:

    Some of what you say is true. Some is pure piffle.

    "I am not talking about the RC religion which is at odds with the Bible and does not teach the correct (Biblical) way of salvation, which is by faith alone in Christ alone."

    That is an idiotic statement, not based in fact in any of the teachings of the Catholic Church, though you might find that interpretation somewhere in Fundy land. There is no teaching of the Catholic Church that is not based on scripture. However, scripture is not the only word of God.

    Jesus is the Word of God, the Word made flesh. The bible is a small part of Jesus, as it says so itself: "There was much else that Jesus did; if it were written down in detail, I do not suppose that the world itself would hold all the books that would be written." John 21:25"

    I was just trying to point out some of what I believe is biblical truth to Lady Janus. I don't want to get into name calling. What she believes I don't know, but she has discussed a couple things with me. I respect her for discussing with me and hope she continues.

    Now, you said "scripture is not the only Word of God." In making that statement you are automatically putting yourself against what God himself has said in his infallible Word.

    You also quoted a verse that said Jesus did much else that is not written down. The point of that statement was not to say that the Scriptures were insufficent or that the whole council of God that is revealed to man is not contained in the Scriptures. In fact as we shall see, the whole council of God which He has given to man is written down in Scripture. It was simply a statement that Jesus did many, many things while on earth; it is not to give approval to adding anything to Scripture from some other source.

    If you look at the immediately preceding chapter, it says "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." John 20:31
    In other words the Scriptures were written that we might believe and by believing, we would have eternal life. The way of salvation or eternal life is clearly taught by what is written down. Nothing further needs to be added to what is written down in God's Word.

    Further evidence is given by the Apostle Paul in his epistle to Timothy when he says "And that from a child thou has known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:15-17

    Take a look at this passage.
    "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.

    And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation ch22 vs18, 19.

    This is a clear warning that nothing can be added or taken away from the Bible and claimed that it is revelation from God. God's special revelation to man is complete and final.

    ReplyDelete
  19. MBrandon,

    While I said I am willing to discuss with Lady Janus, I would say if someone rejects Jesus Christ and the Bible and is not willing to consider anything further, I would have to probably take that into consideration and not waste any more time. I am not sure if discussion has gone that far. I think she is still searching for more information to some extent, which if I can help, I am pleased to do so.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wayne:

    I am not interested in playing a scripture food fight game with you.

    Your knowledge is too limited and too limiting for me, and my knowledge is too limited and too limiting for you.

    We both agree that Jesus is the living word of God, I think. We both agree that scripture is unerring.

    My point to you was that you don't know beans about the Catholic Church and what it believes about salvation.

    Frankly, if I was Lady Janus, who has somewhat of an open mind to attempt to understand things, watching two alleged Christians have a scripture food fight is pointless on its own merits, but could go to prove a point that she could make if she chose.

    That point would be that if Christians cannot agree on basics things, why should any one else bother to try and understand Christianity.

    30,000 different denominations within Christianity is not something to grow on. It is a shame.

    Find things where we as Christians can have common ground, but don't try to tell me from the outside what the Catholic Church believes.

    ReplyDelete
  21. MBrandon,

    "Find things where we as Christians can have common ground, but don't try to tell me from the outside what the Catholic Church believes."

    To tell you the truth, I know a lot more than you think about the RCC. Having grown up in it, quit going when I was around 25 or so, and when I was about 35 I heard the gospel preached over the radio one evening.

    The message was focused on this passage:

    "Now I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scripture; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures; 1 Corinthians Ch15 vs1-4
    Saint Joseph Edition, RC New American Bible.

    Also "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

    I immediately called upon the Lord to save me. I believe he did as this scripture says. I believe he saved me by his grace, not of anything I did or could do. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

    Don't you think it is kind of presumptuous for you to say I know nothing about scripture and nothing about the RCC. I grew up as one, and after the Lord saved me, I delved into much literature over the last 30 years concerning doctrinal matter, RC teachings, REformed teachings, and basic bible teaching. You have only had a few words with me and you pronounce me ignorant. However, I will as Lady Janus said keep a large salt shaker handy and an open mind.

    Wayne M.

    ReplyDelete
  22. "30,000 different denominations within Christianity is not something to grow on. It is a shame."

    Actually, Michael, that is the one part of Christianity that I do understand -- completely and utterly! The part I don't understand is why y'all cannot seem to make a fact of life (ie, individuality) work for you instead of your collectively trying to work against it...

    ReplyDelete
  23. MBrandon,

    "30,000 different denominations within Christianity is not something to grow on. It is a shame."

    What you failed to mention is that while there are many Protestant denominations, many of them agree on the most important doctrine of the christian faith, that is, the way of salvation being by faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross. Many do not believe the way of salvation is by membership in a church, by sacraments such as Baptism, by the Sacrament of Penance, by good works, by atoning for your sins yourself in a place called Purgatory, etc.

    The true church is an invisible body of believers down through the ages.

    Remember the last part of the Apostles Creed:
    "I believe in the Holy Spirit;
    a holy catholic Church,
    the communion of saints;"

    The word catholic here refers to "universal" church, not the Roman Catholic Church. You might think the word "catholic" only means the RCC whose head is the Pope in Rome. But the Reformed churches view the word "catholic" as meaning universal or all believers down through the ages.

    So when you say 30,000 denominations, you should understand that those who are genuinely born again believers are part of one true church, the catholic church, which existed in all ages, although they may differ on some minor points of doctrine or have different church governments (denominations). They do not believe the head of the church is a mortal man; the only head is Jesus Christ. (see 1 Timothy 2 vs5) He is the only mediator between God and men.

    The Apostle Paul puts it this way:
    "So then you are no longer strangers and sojouners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." Ephesians ch2 vs 19-22 Saint Joseph Edition, RC New American Bible

    Wayne M.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

 

Canadian Euthanasia Information

The May 2010 Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Newsletter can now be found at: http://www.euthanasiaprevention.on.ca/Newsletters/Newsletter108(May2010)(RGB).pdf Bill C-384 was soundly defeated by a vote of 228 to 59. Check how the Members of Parliament voted at: http://www.euthanasiaprevention.on.ca/HowTheyVoted.pdf On June 5, 2010, we are co-hosting the US/Canda Push-Back Seminar at the Radisson Gateway Hotel at the Seattle/Tacoma Airport. The overwhelming defeat of Bill C-384 proved that we can Push-Back the euthanasia lobby in the US and Canada and convince people that euthanasia and assisted suicide are a dangerous public policy. Register for the Seminar at: http://www.euthanasiaprevention.on.ca/2010SeminarFlyer(RGB)(LetterFormat).pdf The Schindler family are being attacked by a Florida television station and Michael Schiavo. The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition is standing in solidarity with the Schindler family. My blog comments: http://alexschadenberg.blogspot.com/2010/05/att