The classic definition of a fool

By Learnmore Zuze

The seemingly offensive title of this article induces a sense of shock. It appears unbefitting for a column of a (largely) religious persuasion.

While there is no one who has the moral right or qualification to call another a fool, it becomes imperative to provide this classic definition somewhere along this article for the benefit of the reader and it’s good that you read on.

The English Dictionary defines a fool or idiot as, “A person who lacks the capacity to develop beyond the mental age of a normal four year old.”

Many associate the terms ‘fool’ and ‘idiot’ with insult. Unknown to most, this is the proper term for describing people who suffer from a defect of the mind. An idiot is not a crazy person but the victim of a disease of the mind.

Even the law recognizes the psycho-medical elements of this definition and in turn removes criminal capacity from people who suffer from idiocy because they are considered to have a disease of the mind which renders them incapable of committing a crime.

Now, I have often discovered that the truth has never been popular. Whether in religion, politics or business- the truth has few takers. The reason for the truth’s lack of popularity is its apparent inconvenient nature. The truth is harsh, unfeeling and often devoid of emotion.

It is independent of public opinion. The truth becomes unpalatable especially when another person is trying to ram it down our throat. Such is the nature of truth and consequently those who try and identify with it become the subjects of back lashes.

My last installment which demystified the dead has been the subject of attack from the atheist, the traditionalist and the necromancer.

Some went on a blasphemous campaign against religion and others went into overdrive even questioning the existence of God. They cast a dark shadow on religion arguing or more appropriately declaring that it is for people who are “brain dead”. The authenticity of the Bible was brought into question. In fact, they did not come short of calling the Bible a tool which was used to subjugate the natives.

It’s important to realize that there are only three ways to explain our existence here on earth, one is to believe in God, another is agnosticism which notes that there may be a God but I do not have proof. Atheism is the last which states that there is no God.

Personally, I do not deny that there are many around the globe who do not subscribe to the Bible neither do I profess ignorance of the existence of other religions. It is almost impossible for people to agree if they have different points of reference.

While I fully appreciate the differences in the points of references, I find it on the extreme side to claim that religion is for the “brain dead”. I find it extreme to stupefy the religious especially when I look at all that surrounds us.

We may be unable to point at a physical being but indeed God has left fingerprints.All designs have a designer, and the universe has proven to be incredibly designed. “For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Rom 1:20).

Check how the sun faithfully comes out each morning to warm and give light to the earth with the moon taking over at night. I find it extreme to curse religion especially when natural science proves that the distance between the earth and the sun is precisely calculated to sustain life and any movement would render life impossible on earth.

I find the “religion is for the brain dead” assertion extreme especially when biological science proves that the male’s ability to reproduce is dependent upon the female and vice versa. I even find it extreme when there are nine planets in the galaxy yet only a single planet is made to sustain life.

Indeed, it is extreme when one has to discover how life is sustained through an ecosystem. It becomes even more extreme when medical science fails to explain or reverse the process of aging.

I could go on and on but the point is this: even if one were not a religious person they would still not fail to realize that someone setup this world. The evidence is overflowing. I have no doubt whether I am from Indonesia, Poland, Greece or Zimbabwe that a supernatural entity exists who designed systems and we owe it to Him.

Fortunately, God recognizes the atheist but the atheist does not recognize God. God recognizes the atheist and in his response defines a fool as a person who “…has said in his heart that there is no God … The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God (Psalms 14:1, 2). My dear friend, a fool is not what the English dictionary tells us (a person with the mental age of a three year old).The fool is he who despises religion and the existence of a Deity.

What the dictionary defines as a fool or idiot are in essence victims of a mental disease who actually require our sympathy just like any other patient. The fool classically, is the one who despises the Supernatural.

Nothing can be further from the truth-Religion is not for the ‘brain dead.’ It is in fact for the extremely wise who have the sense to understand that an upper Person set up systems. That Robert Gumbura formed a cult and abused women does not make religion for the “brain dead”. That thousands of “men of God” are exploiting the poor today does not render religion invalid.

Beyond this carnal world there is a Supernatural Being who deserves worship. Remember this is the last hour. Take heed that no one deceives you. As usual, questions are very welcome. Take heed that no one deceives you.

Learnmore Zuze can be reached on [email protected]