History & Comment for May 12, 2025

 A look at historical and current events on this day, comment and humor so dry it would make a camel thirsty. 

Transcript

This is History and Comment for Monday the `12th of May 2025

Across history there have been 267 Popes.   Now the number can be debated a bit,  as the seat has been contested a few times in history.   That happened in 1328 for one.   But that is not the main point.   In 254, Lucius the First becomes the 23rd Pope.    With 267, we can talk about a transition most days.    Lucius, immediately takes a stand against Novat-ian-ism.     

There have been some variation in Christian thinking since the second century.   Once the Apostles passed from the scene combined with the fact, various influences got a voice in far flung places, we began to see a long list of theories and diverse teaching.  That is being generous as even the Apostle Paul is calling out errors by some.  

Novatian lived in the first half of the 3rd Century and while the details are vague it is believed he was from Africa and closely linked to the City of Carthage.   From 251 to 258 he was considered an anti-pope and was highly critical of Pope Cornelius.  The issue was some Confessed Christians had caved during heavy Government persecution.   Should they be allowed to again take communion and return to fellowship.   Cornelius was open to the idea and Novatian was firmly against.     The idea of liberal and conservative Popes was flying about at the time.   Lucius takes a stand and sides against Novatian and his followers.

The question of how should faith be taught to children and teens comes to mind.   Children should be given the stories and broad concepts.  They do not have the capacity to process complex information.    As we approach the teen years, critical thinking skills should be applied.   Too often all sects simply state their position as the only correct one without presenting a fair discussion of the reasoning.  We never mention the points where there is a reasonable debate.    Points like Church vs Scripture Authority needs to be addressed.  Followed by a discussion of how that affects our positions.       The Cliché  because that is what we believe is so weak.    At some point Teens are going to question the views they have been taught and need to come to their own conclusions.   They need to make convictions their own.  

This also includes most important  religious, political and social issues.     No side takes the time to discuss the opposition or explain the weaknesses of our preferred position.    I’m reminded of the sidebar on the preacher’s notes.   Pound pulpit here, argument weak.

We fear that if our kids are exposed to other views they will not make the same choices as we did.     I am of the opinion that truth will prevail when given a fair airing.

In religion,  the scripture must be the absolute authority.    And that should be handled carefully.  Too many times points are built on a single phrase without regard to the context.  Most likely the best we can do is extract broad principles.   Where things get into the weeds is when we try to apply strict rules to the principals.     I like to use the Amish as an example as they have taken good principles and extended them to the absurd.   

We can extend the thought to the evolution vs creation debate.  Now the first discussion should be why neither can be scientifically proven and in fact both are religious or maybe more accurately philosophy.   The assumptions are driving the conclusions.    

That concept might be one of the most important,   so many absolutes in life are based on simple preferences.    This extends to Red vs Green Tractors, Fords vs Chevy,  and a long list of things in everyday life.  We were made to believe there were reasons, and now take it as Gospel.    Years ago,   a family member felt he usually got a better deal at the Ford dealer,  that might have been true, but it does not explain why six decades later, Fords are the only consideration.   But we all do that exact same thing.   

Politics should also be considered in the same way.    What are the pros and cons of each opinion.     Now as in the other points, historical bias will be a major influence.  Dad and Mom have a bias, But it is also fair to point out that every other source also has a bias.    It might be the single universal truth.   

Maybe the greatest question is since all sources have a bias and preferred outcome, what is their interest? And by extension, is anyone looking out for my best interest?   In human affairs it is rare that anyone is willing to promote another ahead of themselves.    Despite the point it is a major principle in Christianity.     Most of the time we are doing good to come out even.   Both parties get a benefit and neither is at a disadvantage.   

I would like to think that the opinions that are promote here are based on logical reasoning.  That within the confines of a short radio program we are seeking to find the truth in everyday life.   That we take a honest look around and can defend ourselves.   

Back in my Radio days one of the principls was music flow.   You did not want to shock the listeners with back to back songs that were too different.   Even in a Top 40 format,   there could be wide diversity.    As such we had four categories, heavy, soft and an intermediate.   The fourth was heavy songs that were day parted, or only played after 6 pm.    The important point was never segue a heavy green label, next to a soft song with a blue label.  There had to be some type of break to make the transition.    I need one of those breaks here.   

In the Spring of 1846.   As many  as 500 wagons in various groups set off from Indepencence, Missouri for California and Oregon.   The trip was known to be difficult and would take at least four months and maybe as much as six to reach their promised land.    Missouri was a State and Kansas was not yet a territory.   More importantly, Independence was the western terminal of Eastern Railroads. 

On this day the Donner Party is one of the last ones to leave.    The late date alone might have spelled trouble.   But questions about a new trail between Fort Bridger and the California Trail that was reported to save hundreds of miles turned out to be a grave mistake.   One thought is the Frontieersman Jim Bridger stood to gain from the new route and failed to pass along warnings.     In fact the route was longer and more difficult.    The final blow was within a few miles of the goal.  When the party reached the Serria Nevada Mountains in the third week of October, they had another critical decision. Proceed or winter there.   Snow was not expected for three weeks.  The hardships had pushed group into primal survival instincts.   Instead of acting like a mutual group it was each family for themselves.   The Donner family was the last to attempt the mountain pass.   Just a day or two, three miles from the Summit the first family in the party encounter early snowfalls.     The whole affair was a perfect storm.   Nearly every decision from the late start was critical in the outcome.  Had anyone been different the party might have made their trip with little more than the normal issues.   

Back to human nature,   Christian Love your Brother or Socialist everyone share and sing Kumbiyah, often goes out the window when things get tough.   The only difference is how the idea will be enforced.  Socialist result to guns and violence.   

In the American Civil War,  we have recently discussed how Robert E. Lee’s surrender was just one Army and most other Armies followed suit as the outcome was clear.    Meanwhile, Texas always has to be different.    Both Armies had been observing a truce the Spring of 1865.  Them someone slipped.   That someone was Brevit Brig. General Theodore Barret.   Barret had no command experience and his Brevit rank might have been a favor.   None the less he attacks a confederate fort and starts the last Major Battle in the Civil War.     Figures on the battle are of debate but the Union killed in action was no more than 30.    The last believed killed in the battle was Union Private John J. Williams of the 34th Indiana Infantry Regiment.   It could be argued he was the last casuality of the Civil War.  

Williams had served for about two years, all on garrison and guard duty.  This was his only battle.   Texas will continue to play out for another year.    Some Generals moved to Texas and held there troops in what was debated as career enhancement.    Principal in this was George A. Custer.    Short supplies and rabid enforcement of rules against foraging made him hated among his largely volunteer division almost a year after the war ended. 

We will close with a bit on 80’s music. 

Singer Steve Winwood is 77, while Billy Squier is 75. 

                                                       12