The mainstream media increasingly labels certain groups as “weird” mirroring the divisive rhetoric of past elections. This tactic, aimed at fostering division, is ironically used against groups leading ordinary, conventional lives.
The biblical term “peculiar” (1 Peter 2:9, KJV), wrongly interpreted as “weird,” originally meant “special” or “set apart.” It referred to Christians as God’s unique and treasured possession. Although in light of recent pejorative terms maybe we ought to revisit the “peculiar” meaning and also include “weird”… it seems to fit us in the upside down world we live!
1 Peter 2: 9 (KJV) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Modern Bible translations replace “peculiar” with phrases like “chosen people” to clarify its meaning. While Christians are called to live differently, this doesn’t mean being intentionally strange, but rather living intentionally dedicated to God’s purposes. “Weird” in today’s standards, apparently. We are called to live in a world turned right side up by Christ’s resurrection. The gospel promotes this activity of turning the upside down, right side up by the Holy Spirit who does this in everyone He changes by raising them from death unto life by the resurrection of Christ.
In today’s context, the term “weird” is being used to marginalize those who hold different values from the upside down. Embracing this label, Christians can proudly identify with being “set apart” from the world’s standards and as citizens of the “right side up”.
The confusion and moral relativism prevalent in society today are not new. Romans 1 highlights the consequences of rejecting God, leading to a distorted worldview and destructive behaviors. It defines the upside down and its citizens.
Romans 1:21-32 describes the consequences of rejecting God. It highlights how people, despite knowing God, turned away from Him and embraced idolatry and immorality. This resulted in a darkened understanding, foolish thinking, and a descent into various sinful behaviors. Ultimately, those who reject God are given over to their own desires and a depraved mind, facing the consequences of their choices. Confusion of all sorts leads the way in the “upside down”.
Certainly the various political sides are a mixed bag of weirdos of various stripes and this isn’t ultimately about “right” or “left” but there is a “right side up” and an “up side down”. If Christ has claimed you as His, the expectations are not unclear or confusing even if there are many that are confused and acting badly. Some even love the “up side down” and try to reconcile it to the “right side up”. That’s the end result of Romans 1.
Rom 1: 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
Christians are called to live in the “right side up” world, aligning with God’s truth and values, even if it means being labeled as “weird” by those in the “upside down” world. The citizens of this upside-down world suffer from confusion and an inability to make basic distinctions, a confusion as old as humanity’s fall and the origin of this confusion.
Therefore, the mainstream media’s use of the term “weird” can be seen as a badge of affirmation for Christians, signifying their commitment to a life that is distinct from the upside down world’s values. It also helps to identify the mission field in case it isn’t clear otherwise.
I hope the mainstream media continues to use this term “weird”. It is really helpful to know the world that they are coming from and this is really clarifying for those living in the “right side up”.
Thank you mainstream media!
I’m sure we’ll be seeing T-shirts and ball caps soon.
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