Apparently there is a new phenomenon in our culture. It is one of humiliation and gaining fame. I became aware of this last week when the Northwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church brought in the president of Calvin Seminary Dr. Cornelius Plantinga to talk at one of its leadership forums. He said that the new season of "American Idol" was bent on humiliating the people who were trying out to be the next top singer. The judges, who are all somewhat professional in their field of music would talk about and laugh about how bad these contestants or were. He said that this is what culture is looking for. A few nights later the CBS Evening News talked about the same issue and added that the demographic range of 18-25 wants to see this stuff if for nothing else then to have their 15 minutes of fame. How outrageous!
Dr. Plantinga's talk was on the virtue of humility not humiliation. Humility does not humiliate. Humility treats all people as made in the image of God. They admit their wrongs, the live their life right and acknowledge their mistakes. Having the virtue of humility is allowing oneself to be open to critique and then to deal with it in a manner that is not snobby. Humility is being able to listen to someone who has all of the patience in the world when someone comes up to them and jumps down their throat without becoming defensive. True humility was found in Christ when he stayed on the cross when those around him told him to save himself. True humility does not watch "American Idol" and find acceptable the behavior of judges who are looking to build themselves up while tearing down others.
Another case in point. Some my notice that there is a post missing. I was reminded of an agreement that I signed that I broke by talking about a certain subject. I have acknowledged this and removed the post. I apologize to all who have seen that post and also to the people that I directly offended. Believe it or not this is a humbling experience and I trust that I have made good on all fronts. Remember to be humble!
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