Why This Message Is Offensive

I have spoken with a number of people regarding some of these issues, especially power and authority of late, and the conversation generally turns heated. I'm not sure why, other than this. My companion in the discussion is offended by what I've said. Now, the question is why is what I've said so offensive?

The reason this message is offensive is because it suggests that you may be wrong. It suggests that what you believe might not be true. It suggests that what you've been taught since your youth has been false.

That is why you are offended! Because someone has the audacity to suggest that you are wrong. Not only that you are wrong, but also that all those dear teachers are wrong as well. You cannot hear, because you cannot. You are stuck on this one consuming thought that you couldn't possibly be wrong. You cannot come to grips with anything other than this. "I CANNOT BE WRONG! HE IS WRONG! I DON'T KNOW WHY, AND I CAN'T PROVE IT, BUT MY BUDDY WILL BACK ME UP!"

And you're right! You're buddy will back you up, because he's bought into the same teaching and theology that you've bought into. After all, you sat under the same teachers. You don't think for yourselves, you just repeat what you've been told. You haven't come to the table with an open mind. You can't evaluate the evidence, because you've already decided the case. And since you can't defend your current position, you don't want to see or anything that contradicts what you believe.

I may be wrong. I've said it once, and I'll say it again. I may be accused of coming to the table with a closed mind as well. But I know your arguments and opinions, because they once were mine. I used to be you. I used to think it was a sin to speed (however that didn't prevent me from speeding!) I used to think that all authority was from God. I used to think that we had to submit whether the authority was right or wrong. Then, through a series of unfortunate events, my mind was opened to the possibility that I might be wrong. I was offended. But I could not ignore the evidence.

I may be wrong, but I cannot be convinced that I am wrong with the popular opinion. I believe the popular opinion is dangerous, and will lead to the destruction of many. Why? Because we don't understand the fundamental principles of power and authority.