Recommending Reading: Seven Deadly “Spins”
Two weeks ago was our annual One Day Lectures, and we discussed Seven Deadly “Spins” as it relates to society trying to soften accurate language. Many of our members bought the book, which contains 72 pages (8½ x 11, spiral bound). If it were in regular book format (like a songbook), it would be over 100 pages and cost $8 or $9. These are available for $5.00 ($4 for three or more copies). The material is well worth the cost. For those in the congregation who missed the event or are on our mail list, below is a description of the book’s contents.
The first lecture serves as an introduction to all the topics and the definition of “spin.” South Seminole’s own Milen Womack (one of our deacons) tackled this topic in a clear and understandable manner so that all can understand what “soft” language is. This chapter is 5 pages and references four websites. Jordan Graham, former missionary to Northern Ireland (now in Northern Florida) volunteered to discuss “Calling Homosexual Gay.” He suggests that we should consider targeting two different groups—those who are at the forefront of the movement and those who are struggling to overcome same-sex feelings. Both need the truth, but the latter also need compassion and help at the right time. Jordan has a friend he has been working with for a few years on this problem and is himself a good resource on the subject (seven pages).
Connor Boyer volunteered to research and explain a topic that is as current as possible—transgenderism. He and the previous writer both graduated from Southeast Institute of Biblical Studies; Connor is completing his fourth year with South Seminole. This complex issue contains various facets that are dealt with. Of particular interest is the section on the consequences of modern gender ideology. Included are facts from various sources that one might not hear on popular television and news shows. Another section is “The Truth About Gender and Sex,” followed by “Treating Gender Dysphoria.” Some comparisons to other afflictions help us see this problem more clearly. Two recent books (2019 and 2020) are cited along with a related website. This chapter is ten pages; the topic is thoroughly discussed.
The subject of alcohol is not a new one, but the need to discuss it never seems to go out of style. Evan Diaz (also a deacon here at South Seminole) has set forth data pertinent to this subject and examined many passages of Scripture. In the 17 pages devoted to this topic, the reader will find 37 footnotes, some of which contain additional comments, while others refer to source material. He discusses what semantic shift is and the way it applies to the word wine. Many people are under the erroneous impression that the ancients had no way of avoiding fermentation. Sources from that era are cited which show beyond any doubt that people knew how to have the fresh juice of the grape all year round. This is a must read (pun intended). Passages examined include John 2, Deuteronomy 14:26, Proverbs 31:6-7, 1 Timothy 5:23, Mark 2:22, and a few others. On our Website, COCWP.ORG, appear all these lectures. The reader will especially want to view this one. The information in this book could also be used as Bible class material.
The fifth “spin” deals with “Calling Abortion Choice.” Daniel Denham (gospel preacher, debater, scholar, writer of dozens of lectureship manuscripts) spent seven pages examining the background of the topic. The scientific evidence agrees with the Scriptures, which speak on the subject of personhood. In addition to six endnotes is a suggested reading list of ten books with yet more information.
Friends with Benefits is a phrase that came into the public consciousness about two decades ago. A movie with that same title was released in 2011. It’s just a spin on the Biblical word, fornication. Gene Hill (preacher, lectureship speaker, semi-retired) covers this topic in six pages with three works cited.
Euthanasia is one of those subjects that is like the tide: it comes to the forefront quite visibly for awhile before receding while some other issue grabs everyone’s attention. David Hartbarger (graduated from Florida School of Preaching about three decades ago) discusses this sensitive subject, looking at the Scriptures, and examining in light of them a Time-Life book published in 1975 that favored euthanasia.
“Calling Pornography Art” was the topic examined by your congenial editor. On the secular side was the inclusion of a comic strip, Luann. One can access the September 6, 2018 panels by typing in Luann and the words Art Class. Although this view is secular, it points out the fundamental problem that is associated with nudity. Several passages of Scripture, however, also apply to the idea of drawing pictures of live or photographed nude models.
On the spiritual side, it is disconcerting, to say the least, that brethren have defended the practice—though not with the use of Scriptures. Included is the speech that President David Shannon made to the students in chapel at Freed-Hardeman University on this controversy. The speech is repeated in its entirety. It is unique in that not one Scripture is cited to defend nudity in the art program.
We are told that all the faculty and staff, including the Bible department, supported the drawing of nude pictures; one must read the weak defense of an obviously unscriptural practice in order to believe it. Also included are statistics about the harm caused by pornography. The fourteen pages of this final chapter cites 5 sources.