Lately, I’ve been noticing a lot of truly ridiculous statements being made – and not being challenged for the foolishness that they are.  In an effort to expose these statements for what they are, I am going to institute a monthly award to be given out to those who make them.  The name of my award is the “Doofus of the Month” award.  It will go to the person whose statement truly exhibits all the very best (or worst, if you think about it) of doofus thinking.

The initial winner of the “Doofus of the Month” award is Richard Dawkins.  Recently Dawkins was quoted in an interview with the UK Guardian as making the following statement.  “Jesus was a great moral teacher and I was suggesting that somebody as intelligent as Jesus would have been an atheist if he had known what we know today.”

Let’s look at why Mr. Dawkins deserves this award for his truly amazing “Doofus Thinking.”  First of all, if we are going to take an honest look at Jesus, we can only do so on the basis of the teachings given to us in the Gospels.  It is our original source material on Jesus Christ, what He said, and Who He is.  The gospels assume – and go to great lengths to prove that Jesus is God Himself.  There are numerous statements attributed to Jesus of Nazareth in which He calls Himself God.  Therefore for Jesus Christ to one moment state that He is God – and in the next (at least in Dawkins' thinking) deny even the existence of God at all – would make Jesus Christ one of two things.  He is either a spiritual schizophrenic, or worse, a charlatan of the highest order.  This then pokes serious holes in Dawkin’s statement that Jesus was a great moral teacher.  As C. S. Lewis asserted, if we take Jesus at His Words in the Gospels, we are left with one of three conclusions.  Jesus Christ is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord.  If someone is crazy enough to call himself God when he is not - even willing to die a horrendous death on a cross for it - he is not a good moral teacher - he is nuts.  So, Mr. Dawkins, Jesus has to be one of the two - He is either insane or He is Who He says He is - God.  Those of us who are Christians believe that His teachings, His works (miracles), His fulfillment of prophecy, and ultimately His resurrection prove He is the latter.  

The second thing that truly manifests “Doofus Thinking” of the first order is Dawkin’s comments that if Jesus knew what we knew, He would be an atheist.  It is hard to decide if this is more “doofus thinking,” or just arrogance reaching to new heights.  Truly this man sees himself as superior in his scientific thinking than the rest of us lowly unscientific serfs.  Dawkins lifts the current world as superior in knowledge to any that ever existed – and evidently sees himself as high priest of such knowledge.  This is how he can utter such absolutist statements about the intelligence of Jesus – and how it was inferior to our own.  How else could a great moral teacher make such gargantuan blunders in advancing belief in God – when of course the enlightened ones of our current age have made such belief obsolete with their infallible science and its discoveries. 

The God revealed in the Bible is represented by that revelation as omniscient (Mr. Dawkins, that means He is all-knowing).  Jesus manifest that omniscience by knowing what His detractors were thinking.  We learn in Philippians 2 that Jesus, being God of very God, chose to lay aside His attributes.  He emptied Himself and took upon the form of a servant, being made in human form.  He did so to eventually bear the sin of the world – and pay the full measure of punishment and wrath due that sin.  But in no way does that mean Jesus was just too simple-minded and dumb to not realize there wasn’t a God – and He wasn’t Him.  

Mr Dawkins also has a problem with his reasoning - because he asserts that there is a thing such as a "great moral teacher".  That assumes that there is good moral teaching - or at least a set of morals that should be embraced as better than other morals.  Unfortunately for him an atheistic evolutionary view of the world militates against even the existence of morals.  Classic evolutionary theory is founded upon a world that has one moral code.  That code is the advancement of superior species, and the ultimate extinction of inferior ones.  It is even wrong to suggest that this is moral in any way - because this advancement of superior species is totally random and happens only because life is perpetuating itself.  The existence of morals assumes someone who can speak with authority as to why one behavior or choice is superior to another.  In Dawkins' atheistic, evolutionary model no such authority exists.  It would be more consistent for Dawkins to say that Jesus was a bigoted, authoritarian, arrogant man who had the audacity to assume his moral positions were superior to what another person considered their own truth.  If Jesus were a true atheist, the first thing he would shed would be the moral assertions of his own teachings.  He could hold such a moral code for himself - but to assert that others should hold it as superior to their own thoughts and desires would be the height of arrogance and religious bigotry.  Only a "doofus thinker" wants to have it both ways.

Mr. Dawkin’s statement defies any kind of reason in its assertion.  He simply is defining himself as the ultimate authority on God.  His statements lack credibility because, as one who rejects absolute truth, he himself is making absolute statements about God.  In so doing he is making himself “god” in the process (well at least god over all thoughts and belief systems about God).  One has to wonder if one day in the future other, far more enlightened scientists will one day state that if Mr. Dawkins knew what they knew, he would not have held his own views in such high esteem – thus making him an “A-Dawkin-ist.”  Congratulations Mr. Dawkins!  You are our very first "Doofus of the Month!"

Just yesterday we looked at Iran and their most recent terrorist plot.  We wondered out loud, “What was Iran thinking,” and looked at some of the ramifications of their actions – even looking into the longer term future at what could happen as a result.  Today, we are going to look at this again, yet from the angle of Iran’s worldview.  This is important for us to do because unless we grasp the worldview that Iran is working from, we will tend to misjudge not just their previous actions – but we will also be caught off guard again and again as to their future ones.  Unfortunately for us in the United States the current leadership, as well as the vast majority of thinkers from both sides of the aisle in Washington, are unwilling to wake up to just what this worldview is.  Their unwillingness to do this has led, and will continue to lead us in directions that will leave us totally unprepared for what is coming in the days and months ahead.

What was Iran thinking when they attempted to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States?  To those in Iran’s leadership, they were following a logical course of action spurred on by their worldview.  Some might want to restate this as their “religious” worldview but this does not recognize that they do not dichotomize their lives into the religious and the secular like we do in the West.  Their worldview is Muslim from every possible vantage point.  What is driving them is the logical conclusions of Islam and the teachings of the Koran as interpreted by their religious leaders.  This is what drives them religiously, politically, legally, and socially.  This is exactly what led them to every action they’ve taken from their political repression of opposition movements to their pursuit of nuclear weapons to their incendiary statements about wiping Israel off the map. 

Iran’s spiritual leadership as well as their current political leadership believe in the classic version of Islamic eschatology (end-times doctrine).  That doctrine centers around two basic things.  The first is the return of the 12th Imam who is called the “Mahdi.”  He is an apocalyptic figure who, according to their teachings, will come up out of a well in Iran – and will lead the Islamic world to reinstate the Caliphate.  The Caliphate is the term used for a one-world government/religious system based on Islam and worldwide Shar’ia law.  The Mahdi will be the supreme leader of this movement – Islam will be its religious basis – and Koranic Shar’ia law will be its political vehicle for ruling the world.  Our governmental leaders desperately need to grasp this worldview and how it motivates the actions and attitudes of the current Iranian leadership. 

The Mahdi will come in the midst of worldwide chaos and disruption.  Some might state that this is not a whole lot different than the view of the Bible.  The Bible does state that in the last days there will be wars and rumors of wars.  The major difference in worldview between these two though is that for the Biblical Christian – we are merely watching these things happen.  For the “Twelfth-er” Muslim, they sek to do all they can to encourage these disruptions and problems.  They want war, political problems, and worldwide chaos.  This is what will help bring the Mahdi back – it will aid in his return to set up the worldwide Islamic Caliphate.

Here is where we come to what the Iranians were thinking when they did what they did recently.  They were thinking that by causing disruption and even war – they will bring back the Mahdi.  This is why we need to wake up and realize what we are facing.  Too often our press and our political leaders tell us that Islam is a peaceful religion – that we can peacefully coexist with them in love and harmony.  But the fact is, that at least with Iran’s brand of Islam (and I would argue all sects eventually), they do not want peaceful coexistence and harmony.  They want Islamic domination and worldwide Shar’ia law.  They want the world to be ruled by the Mahdi – and for all nations to be under the Islamic Caliphate. 

What we are doing now in seeking a diplomatic solution is futile.  It is a repeat of the negotiations that England and France sought to have with Hitler.  There is no negotiating with those who seek worldwide domination and rule.  Chamberlain would have been better off to have met with Hitler’s Germany and let them know that if they continued to aggressively seek European domination – they would face stiff opposition and eventually war.  Hitler did not listen to appeasement.  He saw it as weakness – and sought to exploit it to his advantage.  The Iranians see our penchant for “sanctions” and our constant appeal to the U.N. for their wonderful intervention (please read this as sarcasm – actually more like rampant sarcasm) as weakness.  They exploit our useless efforts to rein them in – and see it as a gift of more time to plant additional operatives whose goal is the destruction of the “great Satan.”  One would think that the reality of that name alone would wake us up.  But our response is to retract in Freudian political horror – and blame ourselves for their actions, attitudes, and worldview.

What should we do?  How should we act in this situation?  Politically, we need to elect those to office who are not beholden to the view that Islam is a peaceful, cooperative worldview with our own.  Some would blame president Obama for the current state of affairs, but to do so would be to ignore at least 6 years of appeasement under the Bush administration.  We have a “State Department” problem.  Those who are responsible for our foreign policy think that we can win over the Islamic world by gradually abandoning our evil western ways – oh, and also by also gradually abandoning our support for our faithful ally Israel.  They are fools for thinking this.  This is not a PR problem – it is a worldview problem.  Therefore, IF we are to reverse the trends that currently make us weak and vulnerable to future attacks, we are going to have to accurately define and deal with Islamic designs for the world.  That will involve a much more aggressive stance toward Iran – and any other Islamic state that threatens our nation – and our way of life.  This is the political solution to our problem.  Now, having stated this, I have the unpleasant task of informing you that most likely this will not happen until the next couple of attacks have taken place.  The other unfortunate truth is that most likely the next major attack will make the Twin Towers attack look like child’s play.  In light of this I remind myself that the kingdom of God is not of this world.  Therefore as a patriot, I hate this development – but as a Christian, I realize that my faith is not based on what governmental system rules the country in which I live. 

There is a far greater responsibility that I have in light of all these things.  That responsibility is as a Christian.  My responsibility is to live for the glory of God by continuing to do the will of God.  That means that regardless of the threat to my country, I am to love my enemies and pray for them.  I am not to fear or hate Muslims, but love them and seek for every opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.  Therefore as the world continues to move toward the confrontation of the Islamic worldview and the view of the Western world – I am to preach Jesus no matter what the cost.  In the end, my concern is not ultimately what the Iranians are thinking as they act politically.  My concern is to affect their thinking and worldview by preaching that there is salvation in no other name except Jesus Christ.  My ultimate task does not change with the winds of political fortune.  The authority from which my task has been commanded will never be overthrown by the schemes and political actions of mankind.  God was seated upon His throne before mankind ever existed – and He will continue to be seated on his throne long after the last political schemes of mankind have ended.  Remember this and know that whatever Iran was thinking, it will not ultimately affect God’s will and purpose from being accomplished.  All things will be summed up in Jesus Christ.  Every knee WILL bow and every tongue WILL confess that JESUS IS LORD TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER!  May these two facts give you hope and confidence to live for Jesus in the midst of our chaotic world. 

Sitting here in my office a couple of days after the most recent election, please forgive me if I do not share the same sense of uphoria about our current situation.  Don't get me wrong - I'm glad that conservatives have been elected to Washington - and that the voice of our nation has resounded in the halls of power.  But if I could, I'd like to comment on a few things that were not on the ballot on November 2nd. 

#1 - Jesus is Lord . . . Please do not mistake the vote Tuesday as a vote for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a statement that we've once again embraced the faith of our fathers.  I fear that much of the vote was due to the economic distress people are experiencing or due to the out of control spending that is happening in Washington for the past 50 years.  There are some who are concerned about constitutional liberties being infringed as well.  But . . . even though these are good things in the temporal world of today, the truth is that for the most part the gospel of Jesus Christ is rejected in our nation currently. 

I'm not saying this to rain upon anyone's parade.  I am saying it because we need to keep the main thing the main thing.  We've been called to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of our nation.  The first century church did not see its role being to bring political freedom to the Roman empire.  The took their marching orders from Matthew 28:18-19.  They knew they were to make disciples of all the nations, identifying them with Jesus through baptism and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded them. 

My concern today is that too many Christians will see our struggle as a political one - and not enough of them will realize that whether we have an abundance of freedom or none at all - our duty will not change.  We are to share Jesus Christ with the lost - and work with those who come to repentance so that they become disciples who live out that same duty as well. 

2.  Godliness . . . In some ways this might have been a part of decision making among the electorate.  There were some candidates who ran on a strong pro-life, pro-marriage stance.  They opposed abortion and were not for legalizing homosexual marriage.  I am grateful for those who are going to Washington to defend life and biblical marriage.  But, I am under no delusion that godliness received a resounding "yes" vote in this or any of our recent election cycles. 

We've allowed ourselves to be gradually moved from biblical ground on moral issues.  At present we are trying to stop homosexual marriage from being declared legal.  The problem though is not gay marriage - but a moral decay that has been going on since the late 1950's.  Homosexuality is a "death-throes" issue.  Biblically, we should be grieving over heterosexual immmorality.  Sexuality is clearly defined in the Bible as relations between one woman and one man - for life.  That almost isn't an issue any longer - not just in the world, but even in the church.  We are steadily being incrementally moved away from biblically based morality.  If the result of this election is that we set the moral bar afresh at gay marriage - deciding to make that our stand - we've lost far worse than we can ever win.  Our stand has to be on biblical morality - whether that is popular or not.  We cannot allow the world of politics to frame that debate. 

3.  The Kingdom of God . . . Jesus made it very clear that His kingdom is not of this world.  Although I strongly believe that I should speak out in the political context on moral issues and the wisdom of what we are doing financially as a nation, my hope is not in these things.  When the mid-term elections came about the way they did, I was glad.  But in no way do I think that my future rests on the policies that are going to be set in Washington.  They will do what they do - which too often involves compromises with which I'm very uncomfortable - but my direction comes from another kingdom.  That kingdom is not of this world.  History will continue to move toward the return of Christ.  The world will continue to grow more and more ungodly in the run up to the coming of the antichrist.  Israel will be more and more isolated - with even the United States turning against her in the end.  The church is to stand in the midst of all this and faithfully proclaim that there is a kingdom to come - the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.  The decisions of that kingdom will stand forever - and are not, nor have they ever been subject to the political activities of men and women here on earth.  That kingdom was not put into power in this last election - it has always been in power - and will always be in power. 

May God give us wisdom and grace to know these things - and to base our choices and lifestyles upon them.  May we see and realize that this was truth before these elections - and will be truth long after all earthly elections cease.  Am I glad at the results of the mid-term elections in 2010?  Yes, for the most part I am - but regardless of whether I won or lost in my votes - this election mattered very little in my choices previous to it - or subsequently after it.  Those choices were set in motion a long time ago when God graciously drew me to Himself and granted me repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.  From that moment forward, I've been saved - and from that point a path has been laid out for me - to walk with and glorify Jesus Christ regardless of what administration or regime is in power.