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2023-11-17 | Romans 3:1-20 | Wrongthink & ThoughtcrimesAt times, the very language we speak contains no single word to best describe the ideas coming forth so, as a necessity, new words are birthed into our language. Here are a few words that have been added in the past and some brand new words, hot off the press. You might find them a bit amusing, yet, they are very serious because they address grave issues. Ultimately, it is the meaning, the high concepts we are after to help open your mind.

We begin with thoughtcrimes. In the dystopian novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” (1949), by George Orwell, a thoughtcrime describes a person’s politically unorthodox thoughts, beliefs, and doubts—ideas that contradict the tenets and dominant ideology of the ruling elite. A thoughtcrime describes the theological practice of “disbelief” or, in other words, the rejection of current orthodoxy and ideology!

Y’shua Himself would have been accused of thoughtcrimes every time He said, “You’ve heard that it was said to those of old, but I say to you… ‘You murder each time you have rage; you commit adultery each time your wandering eyes lust after a woman; you lie each time you look for a loophole to break a promise; you are guilty each time you just can’t let go of your desire for revenge.’ Y’shua rejected the current orthodoxy and said, ‘Love your enemies and bless those who persecute you.’” Y’shua was the chief offender; He committed thoughtcrimes regularly and consistently exposed wrongthink, especially the orthodoxy of the ruling religious class.

Wrongthink is a close cousin of thoughtcrime. Think of it as the opposite side of the coin. It is when a belief or opinion is identified that should be condemned as socially, ideologically, politically, morally, theologically, or spiritually unacceptable. It specifically points to a skewed way of thinking that would lead to some very bad choices. Paul spent much time exposing wrongthink in an attempt to correct erroneous reasoning. This is a perfect example; “If my wickedness ultimately accentuates God’s virtue, I can be as wicked as I’d like. It will just make God look that much better!” That is quintessential wrongthink. Now, here are a few new words hot off the press:

  • [Yahoracles] the oracles of God; Divine revelation recorded by man and preserved in writing.
  • [Foulthink] a stinking thinking brand of wrongthink with thoughts that are so badly infected that they have become putrid, wicked, immoral, disgusting, revolting, repulsive, repugnant, detestable, awful, dreadful, horrible, hideous, appalling, atrocious, vile, and abominable.
  • [Quotefest] a feast of biblical references used to explicate a doctrinal statement, with the intent to analyze and develop an idea or principle in detail, in order to reveal its deepest meaning.
  • [Underlaw] the requisite condemnation for sins for which there is no remedy.

And now that we have our new vocabulary, let’s dive in. What advantage has the Jew? Much in every way!