Choosing To Ignore Facts

Columbus was mocked for his belief that the world was round and that it would be possible to sail wet, around the world to get to India.  In fact. He was not the first to propose such a theory.  Two thousand years before, Greek scientists had calculated the circumference of the world to within two hundred miles, and their calculations were based on the writings of far earlier groups.  Since Columbus’ time, ships have regularly sailed around the world, demonstrating that it was in fact a globe as had been determined thousands of years before.  Today airplanes circle the earth numerous times every day, and spacecraft have further demonstrated that the earth is a giant sphere. 

With such an abundance of proof that the world is a sphere, it is astounding that the present day Flat Earth Society not only continues to exist, but is growing rapidly among the more advanced and educated countries.  Proponents of the flat Earth theory reject the evidence against their theory as fraudulent, and devise detailed explanations to explain away readily observable evidence.  One wonders how they can deny so much evidence and cling to a theory which has no scientific support, often attacking those who oppose them as being illogical.  I have concluded they simply discredit any convlicting evidence without consideration, determined to preserve their opinion.  

Our beliefs greatly affect our society and what we accomplish.  Just imagine what would have happened had no one ever sailed west and discovered the Americas, for example?  Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, The United States, or Canada would never have existed.  Foods such as corn, potatoes, and chocolate would not be eaten in most of the world, and world culture would be completely different than it is today, although I have no idea what it would have been like.  It was the belief that the world was round that inspired the Vikings and men like Columbus to explore the oceans and discover these continents.  Today there are a number of areas in life where opinions are clung to dogmatically and opposing evidence is dismissed out of hand.  In this series, we will look at some of these things, and the effects they have on modern society. 

Perhaps the most important area of life is what we believe about God.   Romans 1:18-23 addresses this issue.  “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.   For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

There is a powerful movement to convince people God doesn’t exist, or that if he does, he has little importance in our daily lives.  Every attempt is being made to destroy any mention of God in our world.  Colossians 1:16-17 tells us, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”  If this is correct, then everything that exists today is here because God made it, and is keeping it in existence today.  If so, then to deny his existence, or his power is an insult to the very one who has given us life.  As Romans states, the very fact of our life indicates both God’s existence and his power.    People have chosen to ignore the evidence, just as the flat earth society has, and deliberately ignored the evidence.  Although they think they are smarter than others, they demonstrate their own foolishness and ignorance. 

Their deliberate refusal to accept the truth and recognize his efforts on their behalf has frustrated and angered God.  God has allowed them to cling to their delusions, according to Romans 1:24-25.  “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”  As a result, they are focused on the lusts and desires of their own minds and hearts, ignoring things that are very harmful to their own bodies and wellbeing.  Alcoholism, drug addictions, and certain diseases are just some of the physical results of mankind’s rejection of God. 

The attitudes arising from such rejection of god are just as harmful as the physical results, as Romans 1:26-32 describes.  “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

The results of rejecting God include homosexuality and lesbian behavior, because their mind is messed up.  the changed attitudes result in sexual promiscuity, school shootings, slanderous accusations, atheism, bullying, and constant debates and conflicts, much like what we see in the United States today.  They insist everyone else must accept their opinions and beliefs, and take pleasure in getting others to participate in what they are doing, even when they know God has forbidden such activity.