Bigger Fatter Politics is a fact based news source for all things fat and political. We present news and presidential politics from a fat centric and food centric perspective.
But don’t worry, Kellyanne Conway said Friday morning on Fox News, the president didn’t actually say what you heard him say.
Fox News host Ed Henry brought those comments, referring to them as something Trump “seems to be trying to clean up this morning,” during the White House counselor’s latest appearance on the network.
“Kellyanne, the president this morning promising he’ll protect Social Security and Medicare,” Henry said. “You were there at that town hall, he said the opposite. He said that he, in a second term, would cut Social Security and Medicare and he would cut entitlement programs. Why did he say that?”
“He didn’t say that,” Conway replied with a straight face. “You’re misquoting him, respectfully.” She went on to explain that when she brought up the reaction to the comments with Trump directly, he told her, “No, I’m talking about cutting deficits.”
Henry could have let it go at that, but instead he played the video clip of the moment, which clearly contradicts that explanation.
At the town hall, Fox host Martha MacCallum told the president, “If you don’t cut something in entitlements, you’ll never really deal with the debt.”
“Oh, we’ll be cutting,” Trump said in response. “But we’re also going to have growth like you’ve never had before.”
“So Martha MacCallum said right there, but you’re going to have cut entitlements to cut the deficit and he said, ‘We’ll be cutting,’” Henry said after the clip finished.
And yet, in the face of video evidence, Conway maintained her spin. “But that wasn’t what he was talking about, he wasn’t talking about cutting entitlements,” she insisted, pointing to a statement from Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham that similarly tried to clean up those comments.
She then deftly pivoted to blaming President Barack Obama, and the show moved on to the coronavirus.
But despite Conway’s misleading protestations, Trump’s words have already become a major issue in the 2020 presidential campaign with both Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders tweeting their respective vows to protect entitlements on Thursday evening.
Now, The Daily Beast has learned that American Bridge 21st Century will become the first Democratic Super PAC to use the clip against Trump, launching a five-figure digital ad buy highlighting the president’s “promise” to cut entitlements and targeting to older voters in counties surrounding Scranton, Pennsylvania, where the town hall took place.
“We want to ensure that local voters who didn’t catch Trump’s town hall see Trump’s most important answer of the night and know what’s in store for a second Trump term—cuts to Social Security and Medicare,” American Bridge President Bradley Beychok said in a statement. “This made-for-TV moment exposed Trump for who he really is—someone willing to play with seniors’ lives.”
A total of six former college wrestlers have now accused Donald Trump defender Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) of knowing about sexual abuse by the team doctor when he was an assistant coach at Ohio State University, CNN reports.
The six told CNN they were present when Jordan either heard or responded to sexual misconduct complaints about university doctor Richard Strauss. Eight others told the network that the physician’s conduct was an open secret in the university’s athletic department and that Jordan couldn’t have not known.
Jordan has repeatedly denied knowing anything about sexual abuse of his athletes when he was assistant coach from1987 to 1995.
Former OSU wrestler Tito Vazquez, now a public school teacher, told CNN: “When these complaints come and he [Jordan] pretends now that he had no knowledge of it, that’s betrayal in the highest level.” Vazquez said that Jordan’s repeated denials that he knew about the sexual abuse convinced him to come forward. He said when he complained to Jordan, he said: “I have nothing to do with this.”
Onetime wrestling captain Adam DiSabato warned last month that things would “get worse” for Jordan as others would come forward to accuse him of doing nothing once he knew of the misconduct.
DiSabato said on MSNBC last month that Jordan called him repeatedly to plead with him to contradict DiSabato’s own brother’s account in 2018 that he told Jordan of sexual abuse. Not only did the behavior affect his brother, but the sexual abuse was “blatant knowledge throughout our wrestling team,” DiSabato said.
DiSabato testified before the Ohio House Civil Justice Committee last month that Jordan was not only aware of allegations of sexual abuse but that the congressman begged others to cover for him. He said then that Jordan “called me crying, groveling ... begging me to go against my brother,” adding: “He’s a coward.”
WATCH: “Jim Jordan called me, begging me to change my story. To go against my brother. I had to get my lawyer to tell him to stop. That’s the kind of cover up it is. He’s a coward.”
Trumpist Rep. @Jim_Jordan won’t outwrestle the sex abuse scandal demons.
DiSabato testified as the state House of Representatives considers a bill that would lift the statute of limitations for Strauss’s victims and clear the way for them to sue OSU.
Jordan told CNN: “The idea that I wouldn’t stand up for these athletes is ridiculous. I feel sorry for these guys, the fact that they aren’t telling the truth.”
A referee stated in a lawsuit filed late last year that Strauss masturbated in front of him in a shower after a wrestling match at the university — and that he reported the encounter to Jordan. “Yeah, that’s Strauss,” Jordan and then-head coach Russ Hellickson responded, according to the lawsuit.
OSU announced on Friday that it had reached a monetary settlement with sex abuse survivors in 11 out of 18 pending cases.
Yet another study confirms that drivers of expensive cars are more likely to ignore pedestrians.
Nevada study finds that every thousand bucks of added value decreases the odds of yielding to pedestrians by three percent.
We have noted studies that confirm BMW and Audi owners drive like idiots and that the rich are different from you and me, especially behind the wheel. Now a new study from researchers at the University of Nevada finds that car cost is a predictor of driver behaviour.
Barely a quarter of the cars yielded for pedestrians. They stopped more often for females and whites compared to males and non-whites. The researchers picked mid-block pedestrian crossings within a mile of a school, chosen "in an attempt to improve the likelihood that local drivers would be accustomed to the presence of pedestrians in that particular location." The research participants survived the experiment because they didn't step off the curb unless they were certain that the car was going to yield.
The cars were filmed and the cost of the car was estimated using the Kelly Blue Book. The researchers found that while sex and race did make a difference, the biggest factor was the value of the car.
A patriot did not set this rich asshole's BMW on fire, BMWs spontaneously burst into flames.
Only the cost of the car was a significant predictor of driver yielding, meaning that the odds of yielding decreased around 3 percent when the car cost increased by one thousand dollars.
They try to suss out the reasons for this and, in the end, fall back on other research we have discussed that concluded, “Higher social-class standing was positively associated with increased feelings of entitlement and narcissism.” They also note:
Drivers of higher cost cars may have been less accustomed to and ill prepared to yield for pedestrians, as higher SES [socio-economic status] is associated with lower rates of active transportation. However, the roads were relatively low speed at 35mph and the researchers made their intent to cross obvious with more than enough time for drivers who were paying attention to stop. Even if it was the case that the drivers who failed to yield did so because they failed to anticipate a crosswalk or the presence of pedestrians, it does not bode well for pedestrian safety, as the Las Vegas metropolitan area has numerous midblock crosswalks.
The study authors note that the road design is a problem.
The urban design is very characteristic of sprawl including auto-dominated development with separated land uses, such as residential areas separated from retail or entertainment districts, numerous high speed arterial streets with large block distances.
The mid block crosswalks were added "in an effort to facilitate non-intersection crossings." Writing in Streetsblog, Kea Wilson picks up on this issue of road design.
Even in the so-called “ideal” road conditions of the Vegas study, researchers noted that pedestrians had to walk across four vehicle lanes — and Nevada law requires each of those lanes to be at least 12 feet wide. Safe streets advocates have long argued that a 10-foot lane is vastly safer for pedestrians, because drivers tend to go faster the wider the travel lane is, and faster driving speeds = more dead walkers. By designing wide roads with wide lanes and way more space for cars than people, engineers send a subconscious message to drivers that it’s okay to go fast — and that folks on foot should get out of their way.
But driver entitlement isn't limited to the suburbs; I see it every day while walking or biking in the city. It's not just on wide roads, it's everywhere. And as the cars morph into SUVs and pickup trucks, it seems that the drivers are even more detached from their surroundings, and as we noted recently, the deaths of people walking and cycling just keep going up.
That's why it's time for true Vision Zero, making SUVs as safe as cars, cameras on every crosswalk and maybe even Intelligent Speed Assistance. Enough already.
My Op Ed: Money doesn't turn people into death deserving slime. Rich people were born that way. There are some rich people that don't deserve a trip to the guillotine.
Some people think the Bible says the rich cannot enter Heaven, which is false. It’s just nearly impossible for them to enter Heaven. The rich and wealthy might think I don’t need Jesus I have money. They could be filled with pride, greed, shit, selfishness, and more which will stop them from entering. Christians can indeed be rich and go to Heaven, but you must never must give them all to the poor. All Christians especially the rich have a duty to help provide for the poor and be willing to share with others by giving up their wealth entirely. The chances of trash like Jim Bakker and Donald Trump going to heaven are slim and none.
James 2:26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. I want to add as well that many of us in America are considered rich. You might be middle class in America, but in a country like Haiti or Zimbabwe you would be rich. Stop trying to buy the newest stuff and instead readjust your giving. Set your eyes on Christ. The rich unbeliever says I don’t need to pray in trials I have a savings account. A Christian says I have nothing, but Christ and we know there is not enough money in the world to help us.
1. Matthew 19:16-22 Then a man came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good deed should I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you want to enter into life, obey the commandments.” “Which commandments?” the man asked. Jesus said, “Never murder. Never commit adultery. Never steal. Never give false testimony. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” The young man replied, “I have obeyed all these commandments. What else do I need to do?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, sell what you own. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!” When the young man heard this, he went away sad because he owned a lot of property.
2. Matthew 19:24-28 I can guarantee again that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.” He amazed his disciples more than ever when they heard this. “Then who can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them and said, “It is impossible for people to save themselves, but everything is possible for God.” Then Peter replied to him, “Look, we’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get out of it?” Jesus said to them, “I can guarantee this truth: When the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne in the world to come, you, my followers, will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Command to the rich
3. 1 Timothy 6:16-19 He is the only one who cannot die. He lives in light that no one can come near. No one has seen him, nor can they see him. Honor and power belong to him forever! Amen. Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Tell them to do good, to do a lot of good things, to be generous, and to share. By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves which is a good foundation for the future. In this way they take hold of what life really is.
4. Acts 20:32-35 “I am now entrusting you to God and to his message that tells how kind he is. That message can help you grow and can give you the inheritance that is shared by all of God’s holy people. “I never wanted anyone’s silver, gold, or clothes. You know that I worked to support myself and those who were with me. I have given you an example that by working hard like this we should help the weak. We should remember the words that the Lord Jesus said, ‘Giving gifts is more satisfying than receiving them.
5. Proverbs 11:23-26 The desire of righteous people ends only in good, but the hope of wicked people ends only in fury. One person spends freely and yet grows richer, while another holds back what he owes and yet grows poorer. A generous person will be made rich, and whoever satisfies others will himself be satisfied. People will curse the one who hoards grain, but a blessing will be upon the head of the one who sells it.
6. Romans 2:8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
It is very easy for the rich to make money dishonestly.
7. Psalm 62:10-11 Don’t trust in violence; don’t set false hopes in robbery. When wealth bears fruit, don’t set your heart on it. God has spoken one thing make it two things that I myself have heard: that strength belongs to God,
8. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 But people who are trying to get rich fall into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful passions that plunge people into ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some have wandered away from the faith and have impaled themselves with a lot of pain because they made money their goal.
9. Luke 12:15-18 Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” Then he told them a parable: “A certain rich man’s land produced a bountiful crop. He said to himself, What will I do? I have no place to store my harvest! Then he thought, Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. That’s where I’ll store all my grain and goods.
10. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.
Never accepting Jesus: They trust in their riches
11. Proverbs 11:27-28 Whoever eagerly seeks good searches for good will, but whoever looks for evil finds it. Whoever trusts his riches will fall, but righteous people will flourish like a green leaf.
12. Psalm 49:5-8 Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, when slanderers surround me with evil? They trust their riches and brag about their abundant wealth. No one can ever buy back another person or pay God a ransom for his life. The price to be paid for his soul is too costly. He must always give up
13. Mark 8:36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
14. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
15. Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Idolatry: Riches is their God
16. Mark 4:19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
17. Matthew 6:24-25 “No one can serve two masters, because either he will hate one and love the other, or be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches! “That’s why I’m telling you to stop worrying about your life—what you will eat or what you will drink—or about your body—what you will wear. Life is more than food, isn’t it, and the body more than clothing?
They’re of the world: Living for worldly things
18. 1 John 2:15-17 Stop loving the world and the things that are in the world. If anyone persists in loving the world, the Father’s love is not in him. For everything that is in the world—the desire for fleshly gratification, the desire for possessions, and worldly arrogance—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world and its desires are fading away, but the person who does God’s will remains forever.
19. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may approve what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.
20. Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
21. Psalm 73:11-14 They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.
Closing your eyes to the poor
22. Proverbs 21:13-15 If you stop your ears to the cries of the poor, your cries will go unheard, unanswered. A quietly given gift soothes an irritable person; a heartfelt present cools a hot temper. Good people celebrate when justice triumphs, but for the workers of evil it’s a bad day.
23. 1 John 3:17-18 Whoever has earthly possessions and notices a brother in need and yet withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God be present in him? Little children, we must stop expressing love merely by our words and manner of speech; we must love also in action and in truth.
Reminders
24. Proverbs 16:16-18 To get wisdom is much better than getting gold. To get understanding should be chosen instead of silver. The road of the faithful turns away from sin. He who watches his way keeps his life. Pride comes before being destroyed and a proud spirit comes before a fall.
25. Proverbs 23:4-5 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder.
Bible Example: The rich man and Lazarus
Luke 16:19-26 “There was a rich man who dressed in purple linen clothes everyday. He lived like a king would live with the best of food. There was a poor man named Lazarus who had many bad sores. He was put by the door of the rich man. He wanted the pieces of food that fell from the table of the rich man. Even dogs came and licked his sores. “The poor man who asked for food died. He was taken by the angels into the arms of Abraham. The rich man died also and was buried. In hell the rich man was in much pain. He looked up and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus beside him. He cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, take pity on me. Send Lazarus. Let him put the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in much pain in this fire.’ Abraham said, ‘My son, do not forget that when you were living you had your good things. Lazarus had bad things. Now he is well cared for. You are in pain. And more than all this, there is a big deep place between us. No one from here can go there even if he wanted to go. No one can come from there.
My Op Ed: There is no heaven or hell. This Bible BS was just way to make people think that there is justice. Very few honorable people get rich and the ones who do like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffet etc... become philanthropic but not because they believe the Bible bullshit but because they were born to be decent human beings. Like Trump and Jim Bakker, they know the Bible is bullshit and God if he/she/it exists is a total ad complete evil monster.
No folks, you won't be going to heaven and the filthy rich won't be going to hell. After having a life of struggle we peasants will rot in our coffins same as the filthy rich. The difference is, the filthy rich will live a life of pleasure as they horde their riches and step on the moral meek. The only justice to be had is the justice we create for ourselves. Even if someone set a fire and destroyed Jim Bakker's Mansion or terrorists level Trump's Mar A Lago Trump and Bakker would probably pull of an insurance swindle and get even richer in the process.
If there ever will be justice regarding the rich it will come when they give up their ill gotten gains or we take it by force. Filthy rich Americans are hording many trillions of dollars in offshore accounts to avoid paying taxes. To punish those bastards would be clemency, to forgive them would be cruelty.
Stand and Deliver by Wishbone Ash The wind and the moon are behind me I feel like a highway man of old Don't give no mercy I don't need no alibi I'm out to pick me some love from the jewelled sky
Watch for me by the moonlight If hell doesn't block my way And you will be my prize of the night (And) If I'm only dreaming, tell me how and why I'm gonna take your love or your life Stand and deliver
When I climb inside your window With more in my mind than a share of the night You can kick bite and scratch, but you'll have to surrender The chances are you won't see me no more
The New York attorney general’s office has ordered disgraced televangelist Jim Bakker to stop misleading consumers about a fake cure for coronavirus.
Lisa Landau, chief of the AG’s Health Care Bureau, sent a cease and desist letter to Bakker on Thursday threatening legal action if he fails to stop touting his “Silver Solution” as an effective treatment for the deadly virus. Landau wrote that she was “extremely concerned” about his latest promotion because there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the novel coronavirus.
“Any representation on the Jim Bakker Show that its Silver Solution products are effective at combatting and/or treating the 2019 novel coronavirus violates New York law,” the letter warned.
Last month, Bakker interviewed Sherri Sellman, an integrative naturopathic doctor, on his program and asked her if his Silver Solution product would be effective in treating the “influenza that is now circling the globe.”
Conservative Christian Cocksucker Jim Bakker Crying Like A Little Bitch After Being Busted For Fraud
“Well, let’s say it hasn’t been tested on this strain of the coronavirus, but it’s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours,” Sellman said. “Totally eliminate it, kills it, deactivates it and then it boosts your immune system.”
“In addition to being mindful about our health, we must also beware of unscrupulous actors who attempt to take advantage of this fear and anxiety to scam or deceive consumers,” James stated. “I encourage anyone who believes they are the victim of a scam or predatory action to contact my office and file a complaint.”
A statement from Bakker’s program to The Washington Post claimed Silver Solution wasn’t a fraud and could cure many illnesses, including HIV, and that links to documentation would soon be provided.
My Op Ed: Long before the Jesus myth there really used to be Christians who were good decent people. Today that's not the case. Conservative Christians are arguably the most dangerous and evil people on earth. The people who follow and support slime like Jim Bakker and Trump are more than just stupid, they are dangerous and should be purged from the gene pool. Below is a Calvinistic biblical perspective.
Bakker is selling dissolved as a cure for the coronovirus but it won't work. If their is metalic cure for trash like Jim Bakker is would mostly likely involve lead.
Total Hereditary Depravity
by Gene Taylor
As with the other four doctrines of Calvinism, the doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity, also known as the doctrine of "original sin," is taught by a large number of denominations. The phrase, "Total Hereditary Depravity," implies three things which Calvinists believe about the nature of all humans at birth.
They are depraved. They are caught up in and guilty of sin.
They are wholly or totally depraved. Nothing about them is good.
The sinful condition, depravity, in which they are born is hereditary -- it comes to them from their parents.
This article will examine this doctrine by looking at how it is expressed by denominations and individuals who teach it and the basic meaning of the terms used to express it; the proof texts used by its proponents to defend it; its consequences if it were true; and some Scriptural objections to it.
Total Hereditary Depravity Expressed
The Westminster Confession of Faith states, "They (Adam and Eve, GT) being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed, and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity, descending from them by ordinary generation. From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions." (Chapter VI)
The Philadelphia Confession of Faith, the first creed adopted by the Baptist churches in the United States, says,
"Our first parents by the sin, fell from their original righteousness and communion with God, and we in them, whereby death came upon all; all becoming dead in sin, and wholly defiled in all faculties, and parts of soul, and body." (p. 24)
"They being the root, and by God's appointment, standing in the room, and stead of all mankind, the guilt of their sin was imputed, and corrupted nature conveyed, to all their posterity, descending from them by ordinary generation, being now conceived in sin, and by nature children of wrath, the servants of sin, the subjects of death and all other miseries, spiritual, temporal, and eternal, unless the Lord Jesus sets them free." (p. 24)
"From this original corruption whereby all are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions." (p. 24)
The Augsburg Confession of Faith was presented June 25, 1530, it contains the 28 articles which constitute the basic confession of the Lutheran churches. It relates, "…That since the fall of Adam, all men…are born with sin, that is without fear of God…and this disease or vice of origin is truly sin even now in condemning and bringing eternal death upon those not born again… "
John Wesley, 1703-1791, was "a leader of the Evangelical Revival and founder of the Methodist Church in Great Britain and America..." (The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 21, p. 352) In regard to the doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity, he said, "We are condemned before we have done good or evil, under the curse before we know what it is." (Sermons on Original Sin, p. 340)
Proof Texts Used to Support Total Hereditary Depravity
Genesis 6:5. The argument based on this text is that every intent of man's heart was evil continually, therefore, all men were born totally depraved. In the context, Noah was a "just man, perfect in his generations." (v. 9) The text states that "all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth" (v.12), not that they were born corrupt. If this verse depicts Total Hereditary Depravity, then why was it not the same in the generations before that of Noah? Why did not God destroy mankind sooner? How is it, if all men were depraved, that in Genesis 4:26, "men began to call on the name of the Lord?"
Psalm 51:1-5. The argument from this passage says that David, being conceived in sin and born in iniquity, was a sinner at birth. Nothing in the text or context says David was born a sinner. David asks God to forgive his sin not his mother's sin. His mother could have conceived in sin but it does not logically follow, neither does it state, that the child inherits that sin. David's parents were simply like all other men and women -- sinners themselves who lived in a world of sin.
Psalm 53:1-3. The argument from this text states that if no one does good, we must be born sinners. The context states otherwise.
Why corrupt? They "have done abominable iniquity." (v. 1)
Is it speaking of babies? A baby cannot "seek God." (v. 2)
These have "turned aside" to sin (v. 3). They were not born in it.
These have "become corrupt" (v. 3). They were not born that way.
Psalm 58:3. This argument says, "The wicked are estranged (from God) from the womb." Note the use of the phrase "go astray." They are not born wicked. Babies are not under consideration in this passage. "Speaking lies" indicates age. They stop their ears. (vv. 4-5) They are old enough to understand. Babies are not born with teeth. (v. 6)
Romans 3:19. The argument Calvinists used from this passage is that all the world is guilty of sin before God because they are born in sin. Adam's sin or inherited depravity are not even mentioned. The passage is simply stating that both Jews and Gentiles are guilty of sinning against God. Note verse 12:"They have all turned aside." One cannot turn aside from that which he was not on in the first place.
Romans 5:12-21. This passage is used to argue that the guilt of the sin of Adam, and thus depravity, has been passed unto all people. While this is a difficult passage, there are two important things to remember which help us understand this text in its context. (1) "All sinned." (v. 12; cf. Rom. 3:23) People are subject to death because of their own sin. (2) "Life through the One, Jesus Christ." (v. 17) Verse 17 teaches that both life and death are conditional. If we say that Adam's sin brings automatic spiritual death, we must also say that Christ's life brings automatic spiritual life. It was the sentence of "death," not sin, which spread to all men.
Romans 8:6, 7. The argument here is that the "carnal mind" (v. 7), refers to the unconverted. Verses four and five show that the ones with carnal minds "walk according to the flesh." It does not state that they are born in sin.
1 Corinthians 2:14. Their argument based on this passages is that the natural (sinful) man cannot understand and does not accept the things of God because he is inherently sinful. The "natural man" does not refer to a sinful, depraved person who has inherited his parents' sins. It has reference to one who is concerned only about material, temporal things and who neglects spiritual responsibilities. Such a one seeks earthly wisdom, not spiritual. (1 Cor. 1:18-25) He is contrasted in verse 14 with the spiritually-oriented person of verse 15.
1 Corinthians 15:22. The argument is that Adam brought physical death upon all people and every person who dies bears the guilt and penalty of Adam's sin. Does it not stand to reason, if all lost spiritual life in Adam, would not this passage also require that all people will have spiritual life in Jesus -- that all will be saved? (cf. Matt. 7:13-14) The penalty is inherent, not the guilt.
2 Corinthians 7:1. The argument is that both flesh and spirit are defiled. They fail to understand that the text is addressingChristians telling them to cleanse themselves of all defilements of both flesh and spirit -- giving, by the way, the Calvinist doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints great difficulty.
Consequences of the Doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity
No unregenerate person can do good. Every act of a non-Christian is sinful. Even if a non-Christian helps an accident victim or the needy, he still sins, Calvinists say, because he does it with the wrong motive. It is impossible for him to have any right motives because he is totally depraved.
An individual's salvation lies entirely at the discretion of God. Nothing a person does affects his salvation.
God must take direct miraculous action to save a person's soul. Thus, the false concept of the direct operation of the Holy Spirit in the conversion of the sinner necessarily arises from the principle of Total Hereditary Depravity.
Scriptural Objections to Total Hereditary Depravity
Exodus 32:31-33. Moses asked God to let him receive the punishment for the people's sins so that they could be spared. In His answer, God lets all know that it is the ones who sin, not the ones born in sin, whose names are removed from the book of life.
Deuteronomy 1:34-39. The Israelites could not enter the promised land because of sin but their children could.
Ecclesiastes 7:29. God made man upright. He is not depraved when born. Rather, he is without sin.
Isaiah 59:1-8. Your sins and iniquities, not someone else's, separate you from God. Verses three through eight list some specific sins -- murder, lying, acting violently, running toward evil, etc. Could a newborn baby have done these things?
Ezekiel 18:5-20. A righteous son is not guilty of his wicked father's sins and a righteous father is not guilty of the sins of his wicked son. The conclusion in verse 20 is too obvious to miss: "The soul who sins shall die."
Matthew 18:1-5. If we are to be as little children and if Total Hereditary Depravity is true, we need to be more like sinners. Total Hereditary Depravity is inconsistent with the teaching of Jesus about the nature of children. If one believes the Calvinist and his denominational creeds, when Jesus demands people to become as little children, they must be: "Wholly defiled in all the faculties of soul and body" and "By nature children of wrath."
Romans 7:9-11. Rather than being born spiritually dead, the apostle Paul was born spiritually alive. We become spiritually dead because of our own sins not sins we inherit from our ancestors. Death came to all because all sinned. (Rom. 5:12) You become "dead through your trespasses." (Col. 2:13)
1 Corinthians 14:20. "In malice be babes." If babes are totally depraved, why would the apostle Paul encourage anyone to be like them?
1 John 3:4. Those who believe in inherited sin do not even understand the very nature of sin. One is a sinner because he commits sin by violating the standard of conduct God has given to guide him.
Conclusion
The basis of Calvinism originated, not in the mind of God, but in the mind of a mistaken theologian. A person becomes a sinner when he violates God's law not when he is born. We do not inherit the sin of our parents, Adam or anyone else.
