Patriarchy vs. Machismo

Patriarchy literally means 'fathers rule'. If you think 'machismo' means patriarchal, you've got another think coming. The machismo man may strut and crow like a banty rooster, but the last thing he is is a responsible father. The machismo spirit that some consider patriarchal is very compatible with feminism. If the man is cocky and irresponsible, it's probably because the woman is independent and responsible for everything, or because of socialist programs that undermine his paternal obligations.

So when feminists (or egalitarians) equate machismo with true patriarchy, they are equivocating. What at first glance seems like super-patriarchy is in reality its diametric opposite.

This pattern of false opposites shows up in a number of other interesting ways:

Freedom vs. License

Libertarianism or license may seem to be a sort of super freedom. But it is not. As the late Pope John-Paul II advised, "Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." As a matter of fact, the licentious giving of 'free' rein to all one's desires leads to an enslavement that is very akin to addiction, not its opposite at all.

Salvation vs. Universal Salvation

Easy to recognize the rejection of God in one who blasphemes or curses God. But what of the increasingly popular notion that every one will be saved, that no one can possibly be alienated from God's love? Such super-salvation is not at all what it seems to be.

Salvation is understood and gained by the sinner who perceives his own wickedness, who understands God's righteous judgment, and who then cries to God for mercy and forgiveness. Psalm 103:13 and many other scriptures remind us that God is indeed merciful - - to those who fear him.

Besides being contrary to the clear message of the Bible, universal salvation makes no logical sense. Why would God make us suffer through this valley of tears if there were no final consequences, if everyone gains the same eternal reward? Such caprice would not befit a just and loving God.

Repentance vs. Presumption

This fourth example of false opposites is almost the same as the former one. The sweet deception of universal salvation leads inexorably to the deadly sin of presumption. The soul that despairs and the soul that presumes upon God's grace both face damnation for exactly the same reason: they do not repent and seek forgiveness. The one fails to seek God's grace because he thinks himself to be too bad, beyond redemption. The other fails because he thinks himself too good, with no need for redemption. Either way is a rejection of God's merciful forgiveness.

Let the honest Christian beware of false shepherds who speak in grand, majestic and comforting terms of God's everlasting love and infinite mercy, assuring their listeners that God will never allow them to suffer perdition. Such a comforting message may well lead the soul to presume upon God's grace. But remember: Mt.7:13,14 and other Scriptures speak of two opposite roads. When the preacher speaks of an all-inclusive, none-rejecting (and, above all, tolerant) religion, toward which road is he pointing his listeners? Please do not go there.

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