"Against stupidity the gods themselves struggle to no avail."

[Issues, Etc. Blog of the Week 2/13/2009]

"Invincible stupidity"—What a great summarization of the shenanigans at LCMS, Inc. in regard to the entire Issues, Etc. debacle. In a recent broadcast Todd and Jeff briefly mentioned the ongoing silliness perpetuated by the Purple Vatican as they try to silence the voice of Confessional Lutherans within the LCMS. After Issues, Etc. (hereafter simply IE) was canceled, the Purple Vatican (hereafter PV—Purple Vatican) probably thought that IE would simply wither away. The explosion of support for IE and the response of their listeners was not expected. The voice they sought to silence is now speaking even more pointedly to the issues of the day. By means of their "Christ Centered and Cross Focused" broadcasting and web-casting, IE exposes the false and fruitless fads in the church. The fact that the PV has clearly signed on for the faddish approach to "doing church" is not the fault of those who speak the truth.

Without the PV restrictions Todd and Jeff are free to do shows on any topic that needs to be addressed. This unbridled freedom to speak must be galling to those in the PV who have an agenda to silence all opposition to their plans. But what kind of personal animus would motivate the PV crowd to perpetuate the controversy? Evidently the attempt to trademark the IE "brand-name" is being opposed by the PV. They oppose IE's desire to keep their name! This for a show that the PV did not support and did not want. But this is not enough for the corporate lawyers and bureaucrats. They have threatened Todd and Jeff with personal legal action. Why would they waste their time and effort on this nonsense?

The problem with the PV is that it is run by people who have no grasp on reality and no desire to act as Christians. Think for a moment about the way they are acting. They are suing to stop IE from using their name. They are threatening Todd and Jeff with personal lawsuits. This is not an attempt to further the preaching of the truth. This is a calculated and evil desire to silence those with whom they disagree. It is another attempt to use power for ungodly purposes. On top of this one must wonder why they would waste the time and money on such legal battles when the PV finances are in such a mess?

Invincible stupidity is an apt appellation for this behavior. Sadly, one can almost expect it from that crowd. A playwright wrote, "Mit der Dummheit kaempfen Goetter selbst vergebens." Die Jungfrau von Orleans; Friedrich von Schiller. "Against stupidity the gods themselves struggle to no avail."