An American Indictment

In reading a book on the importance of using proper methodologies prior to and during biblical exegesis, I found some sharp criticism of Americans generally. The author pointed to the lack of patience and sufficient motivation in American culture. Such a mindset leads to a desire for a quick answer to any question, no matter the complexity of the subject matter.

Americans seem to be oriented much more toward activity than our counterparts in other areas of the world . . . We simply do not have the patience to reflect, to weigh one idea against another, to discuss with others what a biblical text may or may not mean.¹

The book was written back in 1997, and I feel certain the author would agree things are even worse now. We must communicate in 140 or less characters! And who needs to really search for the relevant information surrounding a particular issue when the urge is to just ‘Google it’ and take the first few search results, or to just ‘go with your gut’, or even to merely stick to preconceived notions.

But I think rather than impatience being a primary factor, it is more likely distraction paramount over all. Many things command our attention in our entertainment-driven culture. (“Here we are now, entertain us!”)

I was reminded of a news account I had heard years ago. Preoccupied by her phone and not paying attention to where she was going, a woman managed to walk right off a pier and into the ocean! (I was immediately reminded of the idiom take a long walk off a short pier.) This happened in Australia. I thought to myself, “That HAD to have been an American!” And I was right. After her rescue, she was frantic about having lost her phone to the murky waters. Priorities, ya know.

Ever seen a Honda Pilto? Looks conspicuously like a Honda Pilot.

After some searching, I found that the Pilot was never manufactured outside North America. It was initially made in Ontario, Canada, from 2003-2007. Production moved to Lincoln, Alabama after that. Judging by the taillight, this one was made 2016 or later. So, it’s definitely American. No surprise.

Hey, but, then again, “pilto” means ball in Esperanto. Maybe there was purpose behind the “PILTO” for “PILOT” after all. But yet again the vehicle more closely resembles a cube than a ball.

Probably just a worker distracted by his phone.

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¹ Andrew H. Trotter, Jr. Interpreting the Epistle to the Hebrews, Guides to New Testament Exegesis series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1997), p 17.