The Stubborn Inclinations of Backward People :: By Wilfred Hahn

Backwards … forwards? People of course know the difference in the practical matters of life. We intentionally switch our gears back and forwards when driving a car. But it is not so cut and dry when it comes to truths and beliefs.

There, mankind is often insistent on backward reasoning, thinking he is enlightened and forward-looking. Actually, much worse; he finds himself reduced to nonsensical “backwardation” in his attempts to justify his wrong and backward perspectives. 

Sadly, in this way, much Biblical truth—i.e., the 7-day creation … the plan of salvation—is “backwarded” away.

It reminds of the well-known novel by Joseph Heller, Catch-22. The main character, John Yossarian, is so paranoid that he insists on walking backwards so as not to be followed. Doing so of course made him even more vulnerable.

But this is exactly what we see in the world. People reason backwardly in their attempts to support their misguided beliefs.

To no surprise, the human being has an incredible capacity for denying facts and treating his own logic inconsistently. He is therefore prone to being wrong … and in the position of also rejecting obvious truth.

The prophet Jeremiah observed this corruptible tendency of humans several millennia ago, saying: “But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward” (Jeremiah 7:24).

We see here that supposedly sensible people can choose to go backwards … to deny the obvious. Why? In many cases this is because people will cling to their a priori views—which may be wrong—even though the facts and truths point to the exact opposite. They must then bend and twist the facts to fit their theories.

In this case, Jeremiah clearly links this twisted “backwardation” to the “stubborn inclinations of evil hearts.” The truth is repudiated in order to follow their evil desires.

Ignoring the Obvious

As we have reviewed, it is simply amazing how opinions can be completely backward in the face of obvious Truths. This applies to lay people, academics, professionals, and experts … potentially everybody.

These supposed deep thinkers therefore also hold on to backward views, making convoluted arguments to support their views and opinions. Often, they choose not to accept the obvious or straightforward view, simply because they are biased and refuse Truth.

Doing so, instead they make their theories and scenarios much more complicated and unlikely … even ridiculous.

Here we see the rule of Occam’s Razor being ignored. What is this principle? It says that when a simpler or more efficient explanation (hypothesis) suffices, then one should not seek more complex arguments or theorems. The latter are almost always twisted and backward views …  jamming round pegs into square holes.

Let’s next consider some examples of obvious truths being flouted and reversed.

Backwardation #1: The Foul History of Language

Consider the origin of language. Taking the “evolutionary” view, it is theorized that languages evolved very slowly, appearing much later in the human timeline. Language perhaps may have begun with grunts and physical signals. This prehistoric state of communication then eventually evolving into actual verbal communication systems. At first, these would be simple languages; then gradually becoming very sophisticated, with large and complicated vocabularies. At least, so it is theorized.

This perspective is nonsense, of course, as most readers will conclude for themselves.

Not surprisingly, the natural evidence says otherwise. One need not be an academic … someone frocked in a white lab coat … etc. Common sense suffices. 

For example, one can see for oneself that the natural tendency for language is to deteriorate, left to its own. Just as the earth is gradually deteriorating and winding down (2nd Law of Thermodynamics), so does everything else in this dispensation. Says the Bible: “[ …] look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke; the earth will wear out like a garment” (Isaiah 51:6).

Who has not encountered people that have an extremely small vocabulary … and at that, mostly comprised of expletives. Their language is basal … showing a regressive tendency.

There is a major deficiency with the theories of evolutionary linguists. Research shows that the exact opposite occurred to what they theorize. As it turned out, the older, ancient languages were more sophisticated than recent languages … the latter languages clearly inferior. 

This finding clearly invalidates the evolutionary view.

This should be the end of this topic—one would think.

Not at all.

Linguists still strain to find another answer … i.e., the one that they want and will validate their a priori views. Essentially, they reason that since there is no God who created all things, the obvious evidence must be wrong. Linguists are virtually knocking themselves out with complicated and speculative explanations in their attempts to buttress their wrong evolutionary suppositions.

Backwardation #2: The Fossil Record Upside Down

Here is another example of a major “backwardation.” Fossils are found everywhere—from the deepest oceans to the peaks of mountains. The earth is literally teeming with fossils. Archaeologists agree that millions of species of creatures have died off and become extinct over time.

Interestingly, viewing this record, there has not yet been one “uncontested” missing link found. This must be very embarrassing for evolutionists, we imagine. After all, since the first perpetuation of this unlikely theory of evolution (leading to Darwin’s book, On the Origin of Species in 1859), evolutionists have had some 160 years to find supporting evidence for their theories.

They are still digging for the “missing fossils.” Should we allow the archaeologists an additional 50 years more time to search … perhaps another 160 years? Their insistence that links will yet be found appears unrealistic and, frankly, even comical.

Why comical? Consider the plain facts. What we clearly see in the fossil record—and for all to observe as well—is a story of thousands of years of death. A kindergarten child could easily and logically conclude from the fossil record, that it evidences a history of death (massive numbers of extinctions) and not new life.

Life does not come from death.

Looking over the history of expired species, death, and lack of links, how is it that a story of evolutionary life can be spun from such evidence?

Nevertheless, we observe that evolutionists have spent 160 years fabricating proofs and theories … constantly revising their theories. To date, they have not found one verifiable, uncontested proof of a “missing link.”

Instead, they propose explanations that are twisted, complex and speculative. Evolutionists are therefore in a state of “backwardation”—denying the obvious.

But why adopt very complicated and unlikely theorems, when the evidence supports a simple and clear answer (recall Occam’s Razor)?

Backwardation Everywhere

We have only presented two examples of “backwardations.” In this fallen world, there are many more we could review at length.

Briefly, for example, consider the position of the Jews. For two millennia, they have ignored or denied the proof statements of the Messiah in their Torah. Admittedly, God Himself blinded them for a time to fulfill His punishment and for our sake.

Be that as it may, they have been in “backwardation” for a long time. The good news is that the Jews will eventually bow their knees to their Messiah. As the prophet Daniel says, at that time the “knowledge of the Lord” will become obvious to them. They “will run to and fro” (KJV), re-discovering the “knowledge of the Lord” (Daniel 12:4).

Consider also the roles of debt and money. Today’s world monetary systems are based upon extreme and unprecedented indebtedness. This is not what God had in mind. The Bible clearly says that the creditor should “forgive us” (Matthew 6:12) our debts.

Indeed, forgiveness of debt was the standard practice several millennia ago. Rulers would announce “clean slates” when necessary. Now, living in the Roman era, the opposite is the norm. Creditors are dominant and powerful; the poor are held prisoner.

Much backwardation exists in this perspective. Most disturbing is the prevalent view that “unfettered capitalism” finds Biblical basis. This could not be more wrong. The Bible does not support any of mankind’s “isms.” 

This Roman monetary bias will change dramatically when the “day of the Lord” occurs.

Thoughts to Ponder

The world will remain in “backwardation.” They are going “backward and not forward” (Jeremiah 7:24).

“The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them” (Psalm 2:4). Ignoring common sense evidence indeed is laughable. 

“Thinking themselves wise they venerate their baseless thoughts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22).

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Wilfred J. Hahn is a global economist/strategist. Formerly a top-ranked global analyst, research director for a major Wall Street investment bank, and head of Canada’s largest global investment operation, his writings focus on the endtime roles of money, economics and globalization. He has been quoted around the world and his writings reproduced in numerous other publications and languages. His 2002 book The Endtime Money Snare: How to live free accurately anticipated and prepared its readers for the Global Financial Crisis. A following book, Global Financial Apocalypse Prophesied: Preserving true riches in an age of deception and trouble, looks further into the prophetic future.

Contact Wilfred at: staff@eternalvalue.com

Thomas: My Favorite Apostle :: By Dr. Donald Whitchard

 

Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, John 11:16, John 14:5, John 20:24-28, John 21:2

Summary: The apostle Thomas gets the short end of the stick when we read about him and his “doubts” in the Gospel of John. He is more like you and me than we want to admit, and his story affirms it.

When we read of where Jesus chose the Twelve men who would be known as the Apostles, we need to step back for a moment and realize that these men were ordinary working-class, salt-of-the-earth, rough around the edge individuals who had jobs ranging from catching fish to collecting taxes to a host of other occupations that kept a roof over their heads and which took care of their families.

These men were not soft by any means; I have never really liked the mosaics, murals, icons, and stained-glass decorations that have, over time, portrayed them as a bunch of ethereal, pale, anemic, and reverent beings with constant haloes shining around them as if they were somehow higher than us in spirituality and degrees of reverence towards the LORD. Each of these men had one thing in common – they would have remained anonymous and obscure if Jesus had not picked them for the job.

A lot of attention is given to men such as Peter, James, and John, who made up the inner circle of the Apostles. Andrew, Peter’s brother, was known for bringing people to Jesus and is considered the first evangelist. Each of the Gospels makes mention of the Twelve, some given more notoriety than others. Of the twelve, we read very little of those such as Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, James the son of Alphaeus, but others such as Matthew, Philip and Bartholomew are noted for varied acts of grace and ministry.

I have often wondered why not all of these men, whose names will be on the walls of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14), did not get more attention over the others, and I believe I know the reason: Not everyone has to be in the spotlight, so to speak, when it comes to the work of the LORD.

The most productive of His servants over the years have been those whose names are known only to Him, anonymous and obscure, yet will receive crowns and rewards for their service and love for the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Those anonymous apostles, like the others with whom we are most familiar, will testify that they were no more than unworthy servants, obeying their Master and letting us know that it is Jesus Christ who has the preeminence, glory, and honor, not them (Luke 17:10).

A lot of ink and paper has been used to either commend or condemn the words and work of the apostles, and I have heard “ad infinitum” from Christians over the years say that they would never have betrayed the LORD, nor would they have denied Him like Peter, nor doubted Him if they had been in that era of time.

I’ve also listened to sermons that all but condemn one in particular to the edges of hell or to a life of uselessness for what he said and did in the aftermath of the news that Jesus had indeed risen from the grave. That apostle is none other than Thomas. He has been the target of a bad reputation over the centuries for one brief moment in his walk with the LORD, and that was his doubt about what He had heard from the others concerning the empty tomb and the news that Jesus had appeared to the other disciples and the travelers on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).

While some are quick to criticize him, I applaud him for his skepticism, and I’ll tell you why. Thomas represents all honest inquirers about Jesus throughout history who want to examine the evidence and see whether or not His claims written down in the Scriptures are real and valid before making a total commitment to Him.

Men such as C.S. Lewis, Sir William Ramsey, General Lew Wallace, Lee Strobel, Francis Schaeffer, and Simon Greenleaf began their search as atheists and skeptics. When they examined the evidence, they all concluded that Jesus Christ was Who He claimed to be and that the Bible accounts were accurate and reliable. All of them became followers of Christ and served Him throughout their lives in the fields of education, law, writing, and apologetics. I would encourage you to examine their lives and testimonies and see for yourself (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15).

When you go back and read about the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-8), you will see that some seed fell into stony ground, quickly producing a plant that ended up not having deep enough roots and withered away, representing the false convert who “accepts” Jesus and then finds that following Him will have consequences and persecutions. This false “convert” will then walk away from his “faith” (which he really never had) and wither away with eternal sorrow.

When Thomas was chosen to be an apostle, and after the time he spent with the LORD, I believe that he did not want to be as the seed in the shallow soil but to be able to have the deep roots that are a characteristic of an authentic follower of Christ. We see this journey to faith in Thomas when he was willing to die with the LORD if He was going to return to Judea (John 11:16). I really don’t see an attitude of fatalism in Thomas’ reply, but more of a “LORD, I’m with you, even if this doesn’t turn out well.” It is as if we could also hear him saying in the recesses of his heart, “I’ve come with Him this far. I’m committed now.”

Thomas is like us, seeing the bad more than the good and having a degree of pessimism even when we openly confess to be walking in faith. He has been called the “Eeyore” of the group. Face it; there are days when we are less than jubilant, joyful, and full of light. Thomas’ attitude towards life, faith, and following the LORD is an honest picture of even the best of us at times. He is the face of serious inquiry, examination, and a hesitancy to believe everything we hear, read, or watch.

When Jesus died on the cross, he, like the others, had fled or gone into hiding, scared and uncertain of what was to come. Judas Iscariot had hung himself in remorse. Peter was somewhere weeping hard tears of sorrow over his words of denial. John had accompanied Mary and the other women to the mountain of the skull and witnessed the death of the LORD. Thomas was having a “dark night of the soul,” inwardly grieving over the loss of his dear friend whom He loved and had followed these three years, apparently all for naught. The tomb was sealed, and the days passed. Then came the first day of the week and the news that Jesus was alive again, having conquered death, hell, and the grave.

His mission of salvation and redemption on our behalf was fully completed, with nothing more to add (John 19:30).

Later, all the apostles, save for Thomas, saw the risen Lord and received the commission to spread the Gospel (John 20:19-23). He arrived on the scene eight days later (20:26) and heard of what had happened. It is here where he gets hassled over his apparent “doubts” by some. It was Thomas who, in the Upper Room just a few nights ago, had asked the question about the “way” that prompted the Lord Jesus to give His declaration that He was “The Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John14:6).

When Jesus appeared and told Thomas to touch Him (20:27), this man, who had expressed his doubts that were grounded both in skepticism and grief, now saw with his own eyes the fulfillment of what Jesus had affirmed. He was indeed the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Every promise He made was real, and all of this prompted Thomas to say one of the greatest affirmations of faith and devotion to Christ; “My LORD and my GOD!” (20:29). All skepticism, doubt, sorrow, and tears had been wiped away.

Early church traditions state that Thomas took the Gospel to what would be the nation of India and met a martyr’s death by being run through with a spear. Doubt turned to devotion with Thomas.

I have always considered him my favorite of these twelve ordinary men because of the honest doubts we have at times concerning our walk with the LORD and the assurance that at the end of our own journey, all will be revealed, answers will come, and we will be before the throne of Jesus. I’d rather have honesty than haloes any day.

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Donald was born and reared in the authentic “Cajun Country” of southern Louisiana. He is a graduate of Louisiana College (B.A. in History Education/ Biblical Studies, 1984), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div. In Christian Education, 1994), and Andersonville Baptist Seminary (Doctor of Ministry, Biblical Exposition, 2000). He has been in the Gospel ministry since 1986, serving as an evangelist, interim and supply pastor, hospital and rescue mission chaplain, high school and college teacher, and pastor in churches in Louisiana and Oklahoma.

In 2018 he began to devote his time to the rich field of internet and social media evangelism and outreach. In 2021 he became a member of the Oklahoma Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists, using his skills as a writer to contribute articles and sermons to websites such as Rapture Ready, Sermon Central, and Inspirational Christian Blogs. He also writes Bible studies and curricula for churches in southeast and central Asia and Africa, the locations of which are anonymous. He can be contacted at: donaldwhitchard@gmail.com for inquiries, information, and speaking/preaching engagements. His website is www.realitycityreverend.com. A copy of his resume is also available upon request.