THE NATTERING NABOBS OF NEGATIVISM By Duane V. Maxey, January 12, 2010 * * * * * * * Digital Edition By Holiness Data Ministry * * * * * * *

Transcription

1 Copyright Holiness Data Ministry -- All Rights Are Reserved For This Digital Publication, And Duplication Of This DVD By Any Means Is Forbidden. Also, Copies Of Individual Files Must Be Made In Accordance With The Restrictions Of The B4UCopy.txt File On This Disc. THE NATTERING NABOBS OF NEGATIVISM By Duane V. Maxey, January 12, 2010 Digital Edition By Holiness Data Ministry CONTENTS INTRODUCTION The Nattering Nabobs Of Political Negativism The Dearth Of Positivism -- To Whom This Is Addressed Not My Brother, Not My Sister, But It's Me Needed: A Big Dose Of The Advice In Mercer's Song This Is Not A True Picture Of God! Why They Were Condemned And She Was Forgiven He Came To Save, Not To Destroy Men's Lives! Transformation Through Accentuating The Positive INTRODUCTION

2 First, I beg the time and attention of the reader to thoughtfully peruse and digest ALL of this brief, 47-paragraph article. Though my title has within it the word "negativism" the following paragraphs advocate positivism, and I close this little essay with a story that left me misty-eyed. My prayer is that this little piece will prove to be uplifting to your mind and both heart-warming and inspiring to your spirit. Second, let me give due credit to the one who originated the words of my title: "The Nattering Nabobs of Negativism." Apparently it was journalist and presidential speechwriter William Lewis Safire (December 17, September 27, 2009) who first uttered or wrote this epithet. The word "nattering" means talking incessantly. In our present-day English, the word "nabob" means a very wealthy, influential, powerful person -- whereas, formerly in Britain a "nabob" was one who had acquired a large fortune in India. And, the word "negativism" could be defined as the tendency to dwell upon the negative, rather than upon the positive THE NATTERING NABOBS OF POLITICAL NEGATIVISM For the last 25 years, the American radio air-waves have been increasingly filled with those whom I shall call (using Safire's epithet) "The Nattering Nabobs of Negativism." The most prominent of these "Nattering Nabobs of Negativism" is Rush Hudson Limbaugh III, who was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on January 12, Thus, as I write this, on January 12, 2010, it is his 59th birthday. Broadcasting on hundreds of radio stations across the nation and to millions of listeners, for 3 hours per day, five days a week, Rush Limbaugh incessantly talks about (natters upon) his conservative views. And, in doing such he has, in fact, also become a very wealthy "nabob". It is not my purpose in this little article to raise the matter about whether or not his views are correct. That said, what I shall first assert is that, by reason of the above facts, Rush Hudson Limbaugh III, is first, "A Nattering Nabob". Secondly, I shall assert that he is "A Nattering Nabob of NEGATIVISM." God knows that there are countless things wrong with America -- numberless things politically, and otherwise, that need to be made right. But, I believe while Rush and his ilk might more charitably label themselves to be "Champions of Conservatism" -- or at the very worst, "Nattering Nabobs of CONSERVATISM,"

3 Limbaugh and his ilk, to a great extent, have become "Nattering Nabobs of NEGATIVISM"! Three hours a day, five days a week, MOST OF WHAT LIMBAUGH SAYS DURING HIS PROGRAMS IS FILLED WITH NEGATIVISM AND SARCASM. He claims to be an optimist, but to the greatest degree he is a negative critic. And, whether or not one agrees with him about this or that, one of the most prominent characteristics of his broadcasts is Limbaugh's hypercritical negativism, to which is added his incessant, egotistical boasting, frequent vulgarities, and other coarse utterances. Including the time used for ads, etc., this NATTERING NABOB OF NEGATIVISM is on the radio wave 45 hours each week! On top of that, there is Limbaugh's runner-up, Sean Hannity. He too is a "natterer" -- speaking incessantly -- not only during 45 hours of weekly radio broadcasting, but also during additional hours each week on television where he natters even more. And, he too is a "nabob" -- viz., one who like Limbaugh has become extremely wealthy and influential through his broadcasted nattering. But again, Hannity, as I see it, is too much a "Nattering Nabob of Negativism" while attempting to be a champion of conservatism. Beyond these two "Nattering Nabobs of Negativism" one could research, name, and list, many more of their ilk who also fancy themselves to be champions of conservatism, but who for hours and hours every day and every week spew forth NEGATIVISM THE DEARTH OF POSITIVISM -- TO WHOM THIS IS ADDRESSED Yes, I know that, when one takes a stand against what one believes to be wrong, there is always a NEGATIVE aspect involved in doing so. But, OH, MY DEAR FRIENDS, I BELIEVE WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING A DAMAGING AND DESTRUCTIVE DEARTH OF LOVING, CONSTRUCTIVE POSITIVISM in our nation and world. Even when one believes in this and opposes that -- when the adopted champions of his or her views constantly dwells upon, natters incessantly upon, the negatives involved in a matter, spending 99 per cent of the time doing this and practically no time expressing the loving, and constructive things pertaining to a thing -- then that constant negativism begins to have an acidic, a toxic, a destructive influence upon those listening to such a "NATTERING NABOB OF NEGATIVISM" -- no matter how much one may side with him (or her) or against this or that advocated by that nattering nabob!

4 Now let me make myself plain: -- I have written none of the above as applying exclusively to the "Nattering Nabobs of Negativism" who consider themselves to be conservatives. It applies to all such nabobs, whether they are conservatives, liberals, independents, or whatever. That against which I am herewith writing is the EXTREME, SARCASTIC, SOUR, UNCHARITABLE, HARPING UPON ONE'S VIEWS, SO AS TO MAKE THEM DAMAGING AND DESTRUCTIVE, regardless of direction from which those views emanate NOT MY BROTHER, NOT MY SISTER, BUT IT'S ME Revelations of 5-6 years ago certainly revealed that Rush Hudson Limbaugh III has not been without fault, and, as I see it, the coarse and sarcastic manner in which he speaks on every one of his broadcasts also clearly shows that he has many flaws and warts in his character. Frankly, I think it is time for everyone in our nation [including Limbaugh] to do far less finger-pointing, and far more confessing that is in harmony with that old spiritual: "Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me, O Lord, Standin' in the need of prayer! It's me, it's me, it's me, O Lord, Standin' in the need of prayer. It's me, it's me, it's me, O Lord, Standin' in the need of prayer." NEEDED: A BIG DOSE OF THE ADVICE IN MERCER'S SONG John Herdon Mercer, popularly known as Johnny Mercer, was born in Savannah, Georgia, November 18, 1909, and died at the age of 66 resulting from an inoperable brain tumor on June 25, 1976 in in Bel Air, California. His remains are interred in Savannah's historical Bonaventure Cemetery. He was a lyricist and songwriter, and below I shall present some of his lyrics from the song, "Accentuate The Positive," the music for which was written by Harold Arlen. Mercer recorded the song, with The Pied Pipers and Paul Weston's orchestra, on October 4, While Mercer's song certainly wasn't an hymn, the lyrics in it contain some wisdom that I think many in America [Christians included] desperately need to take a big dose of once again -- not in a sentimental, nor overly permissive way, but in an instrumentally healing and positively good way. Here are those lyrics:

5 "You've got to accentuate the positive, Eliminate the negative, Latch on to the affirmative; Don't mess with Mister In-Between "You've got to spread joy up to the maximum Bring gloom down to the minimum Have faith or pandemonium Liable to walk upon the scene. (Oh, listen to me children and -a you will hear About the elininatin' of the negative And the accent on the positive) And gather 'round me children if you're willin' And sit tight while I start reviewin' The attitude of doin' right. "Doin' right" regarding anything, whether it be religious, political, occupational, or just personal, requires a healthy balance. Yes, there must be a realization of the existence of "wrong" before one can do anything "right" -- but, once one knows wherein lies the wrong and wherein lies the right, then it is time to "accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the the affirmative, and not "mess with" anything "in-between". And, whatever it is we feel compelled to oppose: -- The Best Defense is a Good Offense. The best way to overcome opposition is NOT by becoming a "Nattering Nabob of Negativism" but rather by making one's self a positive example of that which is Right, and by attracting others toward that which is right by (as much as is possible and ethical) "accentuating the positive." I believe that some of the "Nattering Nabobs of Political Negativism" would accomplish more good if they would devote more time "accentuating" the positives, rather than constantly harping upon the negatives -- for many hours each week, as they do THIS IS NOT A TRUE PICTURE OF GOD! In the same way, I believe that some of the "Nattering Nabobs of Religious Negativism" would accomplish more good sometimes if they too would devote more time accentuating the positives, instead of constantly harping upon the negatives -- so much so that even the angel Gabriel (as it were) might feel glum and gloomy sitting under their preaching.

6 I verily believe the way some well-meaning, but hurtful "Nabobs of Religious Negativism" constantly hammer hell-fire accusations at their hearers, it is a wonder that numbers more of the dear saints of God sitting under their harsh harangues don't become morose and discouraged. Some heartless preachers seem to "lick their chops" when voicing their vituperation at their hearers in words similar to the lyrics in this old song: GOD'S GONNA GET 'CHA FOR THAT! God's gonna get 'cha for that; God's gonna get 'cha for that. There's no place to run and hide, For He knows where you're at. God's gonna get 'cha for that; God's gonna get 'cha for that. Every wrong thing that you do, God's gonna get 'cha for that! To hear some of these "Nattering Nabobs of Religious Negativism" preach, one could easily get the impression that God takes great delight in "gettin' a person" so as to mete forth Divine punishment for even the slightest failure regarding this or that. The picture they paint of God is like that of a sneaky traffic cop, hiding behind some tree or bush beside the road, anxiously waiting for, and relishing, the opportunity to catch you doing 1 mile per hour over the speed limit, so that he can race out of hiding, put the flashers on, pull you over, and "GET 'CHA FOR THAT"! -- and then write you a ticket for the maximum amount -- and who if you look at him cross-eyed, will slap you with another hefty fine for disrespecting a police officer!!! LISTEN TO ME! THAT IS "NOT" A TRUE PICTURE OF GOD. That, is a false characterization of Him, about whom it is written in both 1 John 4:8, and 1 John 4:16 -- "God is LOVE"! -- and what is more: -- HE LOVES EVERYONE! He does not love everything everyone does, but HE LOVES EVERYONE WHY THEY WERE CONDEMNED AND SHE WAS FORGIVEN The Scribes and Pharisees mentioned in John 8:3-11 were "NATTERING NABOBS OF RELIGIOUS NEGATIVISM." You need only quickly peruse the following verses to recall the whole story regarding them:

7 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Those hypocritical "Nabobs of Religious Negativism" were themselves GUILTY OF THE VERY SAME SIN AS THAT COMMITTED BY THE WOMAN WHOM THEY BROUGHT TO JESUS!!! When Jesus said in verse 7 above, "He that is without SIN among you, let him first cast a stone at her," the Greek word for sin here is "ANAMARTETOS" -- which, says Dr. Adam Clarke meant, "THE SAME KIND OF SIN"! No wonder every one of those "skunks" dropped his rock and skulked away! No wonder also, that God, in the Person of Jesus, was merciful to the woman, and forgave her! I don't know what she did thereafter, but I do know that Christ's manifestation of Divine Love and Mercy had within it that transforming power to inspire her, and enable her, to be His virtuous follower from thenceforth! HE CAME TO SAVE, NOT TO DESTROY MEN'S LIVES! In Luke 9:52-56, we read of how, prior to Pentecost, Jesus own disciples thought of Him more as a God that's "Gonna Get 'Cha For That" than they thought of Him as a Savior of sinners (ALL CAPS MINE): 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

8 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, YE KNOW NOT WHAT MANNER OF SPIRIT YE ARE OF. 56 FOR THE SON OF MAN IS NOT COME TO DESTROY MEN'S LIVES, BUT TO SAVE THEM. And they went to another village TRANSFORMATION THROUGH ACCENTUATING THE POSITIVE I believe that the "Nattering Nabobs of Negativism" on any subject or belief -- whether it be political, religious, or whatever, could be much more effective in swaying the multitudes in the direction they know to be right -- IF THEY WOULD "ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE" as much as possible when espousing their views. No, it shall never be possible to entirely "eliminate the negative" when standing for what one knows to be right and against what one knows to be wrong -- but, I verily believe that many times the "Nattering Nabobs" or sincere advocates of that which is right, could exert a much better and more powerful influence upon others by more often "Accentuating The Positive." Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (May 31, December 24, 1993) advocated, in his widely read book, "The Power of Positive Thinking." I know that positive thinking alone cannot fix everything that is wrong, but surely a little more "Accentuation of The Positive" would make the advocates of that which is right much more effective. I close with the following, which I have copied from my collection of Plus Sermon Illustrations. It poignantly portrays one of the means through which He Who pictures us through the prism of His love can so deeply move us and motivate us that His desired, and uplifting transformation can be performed within us. (All Caps Mine): Margaret Slattery tells of a community in which a stranger came to settle and to engage in the practice of law. He immersed himself in his legal work; and, when he was sometimes seen walking at the eventide, he walked alone with his head down and with the look of mental distress upon his face. One day he confessed to an artist, who had a studio in the town, that he had made one sad and terrible mistake in his life. The artist said nothing, but parted from him and went into his studio. Weeks afterward, he invited this melancholy and dejected lawyer to come in and view a portrait which he had finished, telling him that it was his masterpiece. The man was surprised and pleased that his judgment should have been sought by the artist, but when he went into the studio to view the portrait he was surprised to see that it was a portrait of himself, only now he stood erect with his shoulders thrown back and his head up, ambition, desire, and hope written on his face. Regarding it in silence for a few moments, the man said to himself, "IF HE SEES

9 THAT IN ME, THEN I CAN SEE IT. IF HE THINKS I CAN BE THAT, THEN I CAN BE THAT MAN; AND, WHAT IS MORE, I WILL BE." This story leaves me misty-eyed. -- Duane V. Maxey, Holiness Data Ministry, Surprise, Arizona, January 12, THE END