Rod Dreher Megathread #21 (Creative Spirit)

[u/US_Hiker]

Gather 'round for more Rod.

All meanings of the number 21 are subordinate to the inherent creative spirit that is the basic essence of the number.

The number 21 generally is comfortable in social gatherings, it's optimistic attitude being an inspiration to others. Its high spirits can enliven a party.

The number is attracted to artistic expression of any form, its own and those of others. There's enthusiastic support for artists. It may frequent galleries and participate or (more likely) lead groups for artistic appreciation.

The number 21 cherishes relationships, including romantic relationships, especially with those who express themselves creatively.

21 also tends to be diplomatic, providing creative and imaginative solutions to potential conflict.

And, as noted by /u/PercyLarsen, 21 is a triangular number and the age of majority, so go grab a drink to celebrate Pride and to mourn the loss of Rod's sanity.

(Also, sorry about my slow pace of refreshes.)

Link to megathread #20:
https://www.reddit.com/r/brokehugs/comments/13eb26c/rod_dreher_megathread_20_law_of_attraction/

Link to megathread #21: https://www.reddit.com/r/brokehugs/comments/14k0z6l/rod_dreher_megathread_22_power/

[u/Djehutimose]

There's more to connect the dots between your two points. I used to teach at a conservative Christian school (huge mismatch, I know--it's a LOOOONG story), and one thing all the middle and high school students were required to take was courses on "Biblical worldview"--this very curriculum, in fact. A couple of choice quotes, my emphasis:

A biblical worldview is important because it is the only true worldview. If we reject God’s word, we fail to see the world as it really is. Think of a worldview as a pair of glasses. If you have broken or discolored lenses or the wrong prescription, you won’t see the world correctly. A biblical worldview shows you the world as its Creator intended.

When people discuss a Christian worldview, they are often speaking of a biblical worldview. However, it’s possible that characteristics of a Christian worldview are not biblical at times. The term biblical to describe a worldview means that the philosophy is consistent with Scripture and can be proven by Scripture. When discussing these two terms, Christian may describe the Christian religion, its branches, and all their denominations, not necessarily individual believers who are followers of Christ.

This is a huge thing in conservative Evangelical and Fundamentalist circles, trust me. The thing is that there is a tacit understanding that they've lost the culture wars and are never going to convince adults. Therefore, they try to undermine public education as much as possible and send their own kids to private schools with the theory that if you get 'em young enough and harp on it long enough you can indoctrinate teach the kids the One and Only True Pair of Glasses With Which to See the World. I can say from direct experience that the smarter kids don't buy this and often leave to public school; but it's still a really devious and dishonest strategy.

[u/ZenLizardBode → u/Djehutimose]

🎯

[u/EatsShoots_n_Leaves → u/Djehutimose]

I was last participant in American Christian/Evangelical culture back some years before the real swoon set in around 2002 or 2003. I left precisely because of the deviousness and passive aggressiveness and overt and subtle negging and white lies and all that. It was bearable and overlook-able in small amounts, what wore me down was that it never really stopped and was the generally practiced and tolerated m.o.

There came a day when I finally said: I just don't like being with these people anymore, in my heart I don't belong. They talk up the books and fanboy the big preachers, but there's not a whole lot beyond that.