The New Abnormal

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." ~ 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV

I don't know what happened in Ferguson.  I wasn't there.

I didn't see the gunshots that killed Michael Brown, nor did I see any of the events that led up to his death.  I don't know anyone involved.  I have never even driven through the town.

Still, I think I know a few things.

Lots of people, not only around the nation but around the world, are shouting for justice.  Few, I fear, really want justice.  Most, I'm convinced, want their felt needs met.

Justice would methodically examine all of the available evidence and apply the law in a "blind" fashion.  

If the police officer shot Michael Brown in cold blood, as many allege, the evidence, once fully examined, would lead to his indictment, prosecution, and conviction in a court of law.  Those on the right who want justice would be just as satisfied as those on the left.

If the officer defended himself against a larger, violent man, as some are now claiming they witnessed, the officer would be exonerated.  Michael Brown's death would be seen as a tragic ending to a tragic life; a death that could have been avoided.  And those on the left who say they want justice would be satisfied that the policeman rightfully defended himself against attack, and acted lawfully and morally.

Sadly, no matter the outcome, some will remain angry, for no amount of facts, logic, and investigation will quell the desire for vengeance.

I'm afraid that we now live in the new abnormal- a time when facts mean nothing in favor of perception, or even desire.

No matter what the facts turn out to be in the Michael Brown case, some will cling to their preconceived perceptions.  Those who believe a racist cop killed an innocent kid will cry "injustice!" if the evidence shows something different.  Those who believe a good cop killed an aggressive man will cry "injustice!" if the evidence does indeed show the police in the wrong.

But this is not an isolated case.  We rate our politicians based on our feelings about them and about our situation rather than any facts.  Some blindly follow the President (regardless of who's in office), simply ignoring any data that might prove him a failure.

Despite clinical research on the harm of using marijuana, some continue to proclaim it's safety and pressure legislatures to legalize it. Read the findings of the National Institute of Drug Abuse and tell me if this is the harmless little "weed" many FEEL should be allowed.

Despite 6000 years of human civilization, we now FEEL that homosexuality is natural and OK, and therefore must be endorsed by all, even those who disagree on religious grounds.

Despite the richest 10% of people paying more than 70% of federal income taxes, some FEEL that they do not pay their "fair share."

Despite funding 16 other forms of birth-control, some FEEL that Hobby Lobby, with the support of the U.S. Supreme Court, will not allow its employees to purchase birth control, and is therefore anti-woman.

Despite clear biblical mandates on a whole host of issues, too many churches FEEL that the importance of giving people what they want supersedes God's clear instructions.

And the list could go on and on.

How do we reverse this trend?  Is it too late for America to embrace any set of facts and choose leaders who will choose wise paths for this nation?  Or are we doomed to FEEL our way into oblivion?