Nashville’s Only ‘Transqueer Latinx Neurodivergent Public Theologian’

 

Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean, a Nashville newspaper.  Most journalists are leftists, but you might think that perhaps a religion writer for a southern newspaper might be an exception. Or, perhaps not. Last April, Mr. Adams published an article that began with the following remarkable paragraphs:

Robyn Henderson-Espinoza is the only Nashville-based transqueer Latinx neurodivergent public theologian that they know.

“I don’t know anybody like me,” Henderson-Espinoza, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, said in an interview.

Yet, it was only recently when Henderson-Espinoza, 45, got to know their self better, such as the diagnosis that they are on the autism spectrum.

I know what you’re thinking: “C’mon – Nashville is known for its musicians, its nightlife, and its transqueer Latinx neurodivergent public theologians. What’s the big deal?

Me, however – I was a bit more skeptical. Dazzled, actually. I didn’t know that it was possible for one person to be that diverse. Boy, oh boy, was I wrong. Robyn seems to be the culmination of decades of, um, work – all leading to a magnificent specimen of diversity that is so magnificent that it warrants this paragraph (I refer you to your well-thumbed copy of LGBTQ Religious Archives Network):

Biography:

Robyn is a lifelong Baptist who has been involved in LGBTQ justice work since college. Having been the only queer and gender nonconforming person in their college classroom, Robyn has always spoken from margin to center. As a mixed-raced Latinx, Robyn has been bridging together both anti-racism with LGBTQ advocacy for two decades. As an out Transqueer person who studied theology, Robyn found that the institutional church to not be a place where they flourished. Leaving the institutional church to do faith-rooted justice work meant that Robyn continued in their theological training, culminating in a PhD in Constructive philosophical theology. Robyn has been trained by Baptists, Roman Catholics, and Methodist scholars and holds three degrees in theology with an emphasis in queer theory and Latinx studies. For the last ten years, Robyn has been vigilant in naming the culture of whiteness of the LGBT movement. In particular,  the ways that the institutional church has focused so acutely on their welcome & affirming stances has allowed Robyn to name the culture of dominance, which has been expressed in & thru whiteness. In an effort to decenter whiteness and intentionally widen the circle of Movement work to include people of color and other marginalized folks, Robyn is devoted to participating & curating  an assemblage of Movement work that is grounded in the politics of radical difference.

(This biographical statement provided by Robyn Henderson-Espinoza.)

So you may think that he/she/it is just another Nashville transqueer Latinx neurodivergent public theologian, but I think it’s clear that this is the GOAT in its field.  A Ph.D. in Constructive Philosophical Theology who decenters whiteness and intentionally widens the circle of Movement work. Holy mackerel.

Robyn (previously Roberto) is a consulting faculty member of Duke Divinity School. From Duke’s website:

Roberto Henderson-Espinoza, Ph.D. has been described in a myriad of ways: a scholar-activist, scholar-leader, thought-leader, teacher, public theologian, ethicist, poet of moral reason, and word artist. Among these ways of describing Dr. Henderson-Espinoza, they are also a visionary thinker who has spent two decades working in the borderlands of church, academy, and movements seeking to not only disrupt but dismantle supremacy culture by focusing his Ph.D. studies on new concepts of being and becoming, decolonizing knowledge production, and bridging with radical difference.

Dr. Henderson-Espinoza was named one of 10 Faith Leaders to Watch by the Center for American Progress in 2018.  As a scholar-activist, Dr. Henderson-Espinoza is committed to translating theory to action, so that our work in the borderlands reflect the deep spiritual work of transforming self to transforming the world.

Check out that last sentence. Where are “the borderlands”? What exactly is, “the deep spiritual work of transforming self to transforming the world”? Does all that mean going to places that don’t practice your faith of transsexualism and convincing them to worship the way you do? Is that evangelizing?

Note the girl looking at the book reader the same way I look at transqueer Latinx neurodivergent public theologians.

Perhaps I’m misreading this. I really don’t understand. But I think that’s what it means.

A lot of my atheist friends say that they don’t mind Christians believing in a God that obviously doesn’t exist.  But they are very critical of evangelistic Christians, because they try to convince others that this God exists. They say that the silly beliefs of Christians go from goofy to dangerous when they start trying to convince others to see things their way.

And then those same people generally accept and even assist evangelical transsexuals. These people pretend to take their pronouns seriously. They invite them to speak at their children’s library. They appoint them to prominent positions, to create a façade of legitimacy, and then challenge anyone to risk public ostracism by resisting their efforts to spread their gospel.

It bugs me that those who promote sexual practices that are discouraged by The Bible attempt to use the authority of The Bible to lend legitimacy to their message. They’re using the church to move people away from Christian teaching.

Note that I don’t care what anyone does in their own bedroom, or in their personal life. That’s between them and God. I probably have habits that transsexuals wouldn’t care for, which is fine, as long as we stay out of one another’s business. This is private stuff, after all.

Suppose I like Ohio State football, and don’t care for Michigan football. That’s fine. Until I become a preacher or a theologian and claim that my preferences are found in The Bible, and start “work in the borderlands reflect the deep spiritual work of transforming self to transforming the world.” That’s when we have a problem.

I like to think that a transqueer Latinx neurodivergent public theologian would agree with that. But for some reason, I don’t believe he would. Or possibly she. I’m not sure. I really don’t understand this stuff. And I’m fine with that. I don’t understand Michigan fans, either, but we’re great friends. It’d be boring if we all thought the same thing. I’m fascinated by our differences, and I celebrate them.

But don’t make yourself so diverse that you’re untouchable and then pressure me to validate your faith. That’s when your intolerance of western culture and Christian faith goes from goofy to dangerous. That’s when we have a problem.

Jesus taught us to love our neighbor. Not tolerate our neighbor. No — we should love our neighbor. Please, Robyn, love me even if you disagree with some of my views, just as I love you. We’re all just doing the best we can here. I wish you the best. I really do. I hope you find your path, wherever it leads you. And I hope that you encourage me in the same way.

I love you, even if I don’t practice your faith.

Please extend the same love to me. Just love me the way I am.


The intolerance of the left is getting scary. If they view anyone who disagrees with them about anything as deplorables who need to be fundamentally transformed, then this is going to get worse and worse.

I hope Robyn can see that someday.

Hopefully someday very soon.

This is getting scary.

Published in General
This post was promoted to the Main Feed by a Ricochet Editor at the recommendation of Ricochet members. Like this post? Want to comment? Join Ricochet’s community of conservatives and be part of the conversation. Join Ricochet for Free.

There are 143 comments.

Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.
  1. Barfly Member
    Barfly
    @Barfly

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):
    I’m probably “neurodivergent” myself.

    • #91
  2. Barfly Member
    Barfly
    @Barfly

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Is neuroplastic a real word?  Because I think I have neuroplasticity.

    Dang!  I just made that word up and spellcheck accepted it.

    Neuroplasticity will be a recognized disorder in the next DSM. 

    • #92
  3. Barfly Member
    Barfly
    @Barfly

    navyjag (View Comment):

    Also brings to mind Slow Joe’s comment that over half the women in his cabinet were women. So 45% are trannies? I just remember the Admiral (Lavine) and the luggage bag stealer. Who are we missing?

    Not sure about the current admin, but I still think Michele’s a dude.

    • #93
  4. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Vance Richards (View Comment):

    Dr. Bastiat: Robyn Henderson-Espinoza is the only Nashville-based transqueer Latinx neurodivergent public theologian that they know.

    Pretty sure if you have seen one Nashville-based transqueer Latinx neurodivergent public theologian, you’ve seen them all.

    Like Tigger says in the song, “I’m the only one!”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt0q6G415TY

     

    • #94
  5. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    Justin Other Lawyer (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Dr. Bastiat (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Funny how queer theory and Latinx studies never came up when I was studying the Greek New Testament or writing my dissertation on Augustine. I guess I must have been doing it wrong.

    Robyn has three degrees in Theology.

    How many do you have?

    One there, but two in philosophy.

    You probably had to read actual books and stuff too.

    Really big books with funny words.

    • #95
  6. Stina Inactive
    Stina
    @CM

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Barfly (View Comment):

    “Neurodivergent” is new to me. […]

    No, I’ve seen that word before. It’s basically turning those with psychiatric distress into an identity group.

    .

    I also suck at most other things. I epically suck at whatever non-verbal connections people are making when they talk in social settings, and I use words to convey information. I don’t use them as part of some social game to connect with people. I’m vaguely aware that people do that. They must be doing it–my own wife is brilliant at it!

    But what are they doing, and why, and how?

    I don’t know, but it scares me.

    As a rule, I hate parties.

    So basically I’m an introvert with an extremely male brain. If we’re talking about Simon Baron-Cohen’s Extreme Male Brain Theory of Autism, then call me autistic. I don’t mind. (I can actually score pretty far into the autism range in the tests at Psychology-Tools.com.)

    But if a label like “autism” or “Asperger’s” were used under the assumption that the people who can’t recognize a sentence as a means of conveying information, even if they are brilliant at social interactions, are basically normal and ok and are definitely not a problem; and if it’s used to imply that my personality is basically abnormal and not fully ok and is some kind of problem; then the label really is rude. It’s rude, ridiculous, and ignorant, and I could almost be grateful for a shift towards politer words like “neurodivergent.”

    Almost. But it looks like it’s just the same old game of changing words to sound tolerant. From people who aren’t interested in actually tolerating the real human differences that actually deserve tolerance.

    Is neuroplastic a real word? Because I think I have neuroplasticity.

    Dang! I just made that word up and spellcheck accepted it. So I looked it up. Sure, I’ve got that, but it’s not unique. Now I’ve got to come up with a new word. Maybe neurogenerative equiplasty.

    Wikipedia:

    Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned.

    Neuro plasticity is the most active during developmental years and largely diminishes after age 25 (hence you aren’t really “adult” til 25). It’s behind the adage it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks and train up your children in what is right.

    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    • #96
  7. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Stina (View Comment):
    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    You think people should get married when they’re half-fledged adults?  I can think of reasons for such a recommendation, but I’m wondering if that’s what you have in mind. 

    • #97
  8. MiMac Thatcher
    MiMac
    @MiMac

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Funny how queer theory and Latinx studies never came up when I was studying the Greek New Testament or writing my dissertation on Augustine. I guess I must have been doing it wrong.

    You need deconstructing….

    • #98
  9. MiMac Thatcher
    MiMac
    @MiMac

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Barfly (View Comment):

    “Neurodivergent” is new to me. […]

    No, I’ve seen that word before. It’s basically turning those with psychiatric distress into an identity group.

    Probably that, in practice. I was under the impression it was meant to be the new way of saying “autistic or something” without sounding like you’re insulting people.

    I’m probably “neurodivergent” myself.

    On the one hand, I’m competent at one human function that apparently a lot of people suck at–paying attention to the meaning of sentences and its relevance to other sentences. I’m probably the best logic teacher you’ll ever meet, and I can sometimes draw near to C. S. Lewis’ level of clarity in explaining big ideas from big philosophers.

    I also suck at most other things. I epically suck at whatever non-verbal connections people are making when they talk in social settings, and I use words to convey information. I don’t use them as part of some social game to connect with people. I’m vaguely aware that people do that. They must be doing it–my own wife is brilliant at it!

    But what are they doing, and why, and how?

    I don’t know, but it scares me.

    As a rule, I hate parties.

    So basically I’m an introvert with an extremely male brain. If we’re talking about Simon Baron-Cohen’s Extreme Male Brain Theory of Autism, then call me autistic. I don’t mind. (I can actually score pretty far into the autism range in the tests at Psychology-Tools.com.)

    But if a label like “autism” or “Asperger’s” were used under the assumption that the people who can’t recognize a sentence as a means of conveying information, even if they are brilliant at social interactions, are basically normal and ok and are definitely not a problem; and if it’s used to imply that my personality is basically abnormal and not fully ok and is some kind of problem; then the label really is rude. It’s rude, ridiculous, and ignorant, and I could almost be grateful for a shift towards politer words like “neurodivergent.”

    Almost. But it looks like it’s just the same old game of changing words to sound tolerant. From people who aren’t interested in actually tolerating the real human differences that actually deserve tolerance.

    Is neuroplastic a real word? Because I think I have neuroplasticity.

    Dang! I just made that word up and spellcheck accepted it. So I looked it up. Sure, I’ve got that, but it’s not unique. Now I’ve got to come up with a new word. Maybe neurogenerative equiplasty.

    Wikipedia:

    Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned.

    You haven’t lived until you read R D Lund’s “Development and Plasticity of the Brain”…..

    • #99
  10. Stina Inactive
    Stina
    @CM

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):
    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    You think people should get married when they’re half-fledged adults? I can think of reasons for such a recommendation, but I’m wondering if that’s what you have in mind.

    While the brain is still building new connections, they should get married. Because marriage IS a learning process. Learning to adapt to another person’s habits, learning grace and forgiveness, adjusting to communication needs and expectations are all learned skills. And if you begin learning them when your brain is still plastic, there’s greater likelihood of future success.

    But also, sex belongs in marriage.

    • #100
  11. Flicker Coolidge
    Flicker
    @Flicker

    Barfly (View Comment):

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Is neuroplastic a real word? Because I think I have neuroplasticity.

    Dang! I just made that word up and spellcheck accepted it.

    Neuroplasticity will be a recognized disorder in the next DSM.

    Good!  Then I’m ahead of the game.

    • #101
  12. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Marjorie Reynolds (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Dr. Bastiat:

    Biography:

    Robyn is a lifelong Baptist who has been involved in LGBTQ justice work since college. Having been the only queer and gender nonconforming person in their college classroom, Robyn has always spoken from margin to center. As a mixed-raced Latinx, Robyn has been bridging together both anti-racism with LGBTQ advocacy for two decades. As an out Transqueer person who studied theology, Robyn found that the institutional church to not be a place where they flourished. Leaving the institutional church to do faith-rooted justice work meant that Robyn continued in their theological training, culminating in a PhD in Constructive philosophical theology. …

    (This biographical statement provided by Robyn Henderson-Espinoza.)

    This is garbage academic-speak, and until a critical mass has the stones to call it out for the nonsensical language it is, we will continue to have damaged people declaring themselves some kind of superheroes.

    Can someone tell me what “neurodivergent” is supposed to mean, . . . and what it actually means? Because I think it’s essentially “I’m mentally-challenged, and that makes me better than you.”

    As far as I know, it’s just the woke way of talking about the autistic spectrum. Which given the high corollary between autism and gender dysphoria seen in young people, it makes all the other fancy labels she has on herself a little redundant.

    I saved this from a past thread, not sure how long ago.

     

    This is from the Wikipedia article on “mental retardation” (the footnotes are from the wiki):

    The terms used for this condition are subject to a process called the euphemism treadmill. This means that whatever term is chosen for this condition, it eventually becomes perceived as an insult. The terms mental retardation and mentally retarded were invented in the middle of the 20th century to replace the previous set of terms, which were deemed to have become offensive. By the end of the 20th century, these terms themselves have come to be widely seen as disparaging and politically incorrect and in need of replacement.[2] The term intellectual disability or intellectually challenged is now preferred by most advocates in most English-speaking countries. The AAIDD have defined intellectual disability to mean the same thing as mental retardation.[3] Currently, the term mental retardation is used by the World Health Organization in the ICD-10 codes, which has a section titled “Mental Retardation” (codes F70?¢?”F79). In the future, the ICD-11 is expected to replace the term mental retardation with intellectual disability, and the DSM-5 is expected to replace it with intellectual developmental disorder.[4][5] Because of its specificity and lack of confusion with other conditions, mental retardation is still sometimes used professional medical settings around the world, such as formal scientific research and health insurance paperwork.[6]

    • #102
  13. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Justin Other Lawyer (View Comment):

    Phil Turmel (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Dr. Bastiat (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Funny how queer theory and Latinx studies never came up when I was studying the Greek New Testament or writing my dissertation on Augustine. I guess I must have been doing it wrong.

    Robyn has three degrees in Theology.

    How many do you have?

    I expect it’s pretty easy to get a degree in transqueer Latinx neurodivergent public theology.

    I’m not so sure. The LARPing expectations seem to be pretty intense.

    And imagine having to make it through the entire program without misgendering someone (or similar fatal error). The attrition rate in those programs have got to be off the charts.

    That’s why there’s only one.

    (He probably misgendered some people too, but who’s gonna turn him in?)

    • #103
  14. Zafar Member
    Zafar
    @Zafar

    Stina (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):
    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    You think people should get married when they’re half-fledged adults? I can think of reasons for such a recommendation, but I’m wondering if that’s what you have in mind.

    While the brain is still building new connections, they should get married. Because marriage IS a learning process. Learning to adapt to another person’s habits, learning grace and forgiveness, adjusting to communication needs and expectations are all learned skills. And if you begin learning them when your brain is still plastic, there’s greater likelihood of future success.

    But also, sex belongs in marriage.

    Get those horny teens hitched asap!

    And btw, that ‘not enough people are having children’ thing……,solved!

    • #104
  15. Dotorimuk Coolidge
    Dotorimuk
    @Dotorimuk

    Stina (View Comment):

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Barfly (View Comment):

    “Neurodivergent” is new to me. […]

    No, I’ve seen that word before. It’s basically turning those with psychiatric distress into an identity group.

    .

    I also suck at most other things. I epically suck at whatever non-verbal connections people are making when they talk in social settings, and I use words to convey information. I don’t use them as part of some social game to connect with people. I’m vaguely aware that people do that. They must be doing it–my own wife is brilliant at it!

    But what are they doing, and why, and how?

    I don’t know, but it scares me.

    As a rule, I hate parties.

    So basically I’m an introvert with an extremely male brain. If we’re talking about Simon Baron-Cohen’s Extreme Male Brain Theory of Autism, then call me autistic. I don’t mind. (I can actually score pretty far into the autism range in the tests at Psychology-Tools.com.)

    But if a label like “autism” or “Asperger’s” were used under the assumption that the people who can’t recognize a sentence as a means of conveying information, even if they are brilliant at social interactions, are basically normal and ok and are definitely not a problem; and if it’s used to imply that my personality is basically abnormal and not fully ok and is some kind of problem; then the label really is rude. It’s rude, ridiculous, and ignorant, and I could almost be grateful for a shift towards politer words like “neurodivergent.”

    Almost. But it looks like it’s just the same old game of changing words to sound tolerant. From people who aren’t interested in actually tolerating the real human differences that actually deserve tolerance.

    Is neuroplastic a real word? Because I think I have neuroplasticity.

    Dang! I just made that word up and spellcheck accepted it. So I looked it up. Sure, I’ve got that, but it’s not unique. Now I’ve got to come up with a new word. Maybe neurogenerative equiplasty.

    Wikipedia:

    Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned.

    Neuro plasticity is the most active during developmental years and largely diminishes after age 25 (hence you aren’t really “adult” til 25). It’s behind the adage it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks and train up your children in what is right.

    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    Drives me crazy to hear Hunter Biden referred to as Joe Biden’s child.

    • #105
  16. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Dotorimuk (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Barfly (View Comment):

    “Neurodivergent” is new to me. […]

    No, I’ve seen that word before. It’s basically turning those with psychiatric distress into an identity group.

    .

    But what are they doing, and why, and how?

    I don’t know, but it scares me.

    As a rule, I hate parties.

    So basically I’m an introvert with an extremely male brain. If we’re talking about Simon Baron-Cohen’s Extreme Male Brain Theory of Autism, then call me autistic. I don’t mind. (I can actually score pretty far into the autism range in the tests at Psychology-Tools.com.)

    But if a label like “autism” or “Asperger’s” were used under the assumption that the people who can’t recognize a sentence as a means of conveying information, even if they are brilliant at social interactions, are basically normal and ok and are definitely not a problem; and if it’s used to imply that my personality is basically abnormal and not fully ok and is some kind of problem; then the label really is rude. It’s rude, ridiculous, and ignorant, and I could almost be grateful for a shift towards politer words like “neurodivergent.”

    Almost. But it looks like it’s just the same old game of changing words to sound tolerant. From people who aren’t interested in actually tolerating the real human differences that actually deserve tolerance.

    Is neuroplastic a real word? Because I think I have neuroplasticity.

    Dang! I just made that word up and spellcheck accepted it. So I looked it up. Sure, I’ve got that, but it’s not unique. Now I’ve got to come up with a new word. Maybe neurogenerative equiplasty.

    Wikipedia:

    Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned.

    Neuro plasticity is the most active during developmental years and largely diminishes after age 25 (hence you aren’t really “adult” til 25). It’s behind the adage it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks and train up your children in what is right.

    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    Drives me crazy to hear Hunter Biden referred to as Joe Biden’s child.

    Reminds me of the “unarmed black teen” Michael Brown, the 6′ 4″, 292 lb, 18-year-old adult who was attacking a cop and trying to take his gun.

    • #106
  17. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    Zafar (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):
    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    You think people should get married when they’re half-fledged adults? I can think of reasons for such a recommendation, but I’m wondering if that’s what you have in mind.

    While the brain is still building new connections, they should get married. Because marriage IS a learning process. Learning to adapt to another person’s habits, learning grace and forgiveness, adjusting to communication needs and expectations are all learned skills. And if you begin learning them when your brain is still plastic, there’s greater likelihood of future success.

    But also, sex belongs in marriage.

    Get those horny teens hitched asap!

    And btw, that ‘not enough people are having children’ thing……,solved!

    So is being a promiscuous gay guy a better life than being a gay who fell in love with a wonderful and sexy man and having a fulfilling and happy relationship but lacking he variety of having multiple sexual partners?

    I have been watching anime lately and I want to know what I should ask for if I get Isekaid.

    • #107
  18. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Dotorimuk (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Barfly (View Comment):

    “Neurodivergent” is new to me. […]

    No, I’ve seen that word before. It’s basically turning those with psychiatric distress into an identity group.

    .

    But what are they doing, and why, and how?

    I don’t know, but it scares me.

    As a rule, I hate parties.

    So basically I’m an introvert with an extremely male brain. If we’re talking about Simon Baron-Cohen’s Extreme Male Brain Theory of Autism, then call me autistic. I don’t mind. (I can actually score pretty far into the autism range in the tests at Psychology-Tools.com.)

    But if a label like “autism” or “Asperger’s” were used under the assumption that the people who can’t recognize a sentence as a means of conveying information, even if they are brilliant at social interactions, are basically normal and ok and are definitely not a problem; and if it’s used to imply that my personality is basically abnormal and not fully ok and is some kind of problem; then the label really is rude. It’s rude, ridiculous, and ignorant, and I could almost be grateful for a shift towards politer words like “neurodivergent.”

    Almost. But it looks like it’s just the same old game of changing words to sound tolerant. From people who aren’t interested in actually tolerating the real human differences that actually deserve tolerance.

    Is neuroplastic a real word? Because I think I have neuroplasticity.

    Dang! I just made that word up and spellcheck accepted it. So I looked it up. Sure, I’ve got that, but it’s not unique. Now I’ve got to come up with a new word. Maybe neurogenerative equiplasty.

    Wikipedia:

    Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned.

    Neuro plasticity is the most active during developmental years and largely diminishes after age 25 (hence you aren’t really “adult” til 25). It’s behind the adage it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks and train up your children in what is right.

    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    Drives me crazy to hear Hunter Biden referred to as Joe Biden’s child.

    Reminds me of the “unarmed black teen” Michael Brown, the 6′ 4″, 292 lb, 18-year-old adult who was attacking a cop and trying to take his gun.

    That drove me up a wall. Also, they have him on video physically assaulting a small Asian man in order to steal drug paraphernalia right before he got shot. That fact is more important.  

    • #108
  19. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I have been watching anime lately and I want to know what I should ask for if I get Isekaid.

    Don’t ask for the thing that will satisfy your desires. Ask to have the desires that are best satisfied.

    • #109
  20. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Dotorimuk (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Barfly (View Comment):

    “Neurodivergent” is new to me. […]

    .

    But what are they doing, and why, and how?

    I don’t know, but it scares me.

    As a rule, I hate parties.

    So basically I’m an introvert with an extremely male brain. If we’re talking about Simon Baron-Cohen’s Extreme Male Brain Theory of Autism, then call me autistic. I don’t mind. (I can actually score pretty far into the autism range in the tests at Psychology-Tools.com.)

    But if a label like “autism” or “Asperger’s” were used under the assumption that the people who can’t recognize a sentence as a means of conveying information, even if they are brilliant at social interactions, are basically normal and ok and are definitely not a problem; and if it’s used to imply that my personality is basically abnormal and not fully ok and is some kind of problem; then the label really is rude. It’s rude, ridiculous, and ignorant, and I could almost be grateful for a shift towards politer words like “neurodivergent.”

    Almost. But it looks like it’s just the same old game of changing words to sound tolerant. From people who aren’t interested in actually tolerating the real human differences that actually deserve tolerance.

    Is neuroplastic a real word? Because I think I have neuroplasticity.

    Dang! I just made that word up and spellcheck accepted it. So I looked it up. Sure, I’ve got that, but it’s not unique. Now I’ve got to come up with a new word. Maybe neurogenerative equiplasty.

    Wikipedia:

    Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned.

    Neuro plasticity is the most active during developmental years and largely diminishes after age 25 (hence you aren’t really “adult” til 25). It’s behind the adage it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks and train up your children in what is right.

    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    Drives me crazy to hear Hunter Biden referred to as Joe Biden’s child.

    Reminds me of the “unarmed black teen” Michael Brown, the 6′ 4″, 292 lb, 18-year-old adult who was attacking a cop and trying to take his gun.

    That drove me up a wall. Also, they have him on video physically assaulting a small Asian man in order to steal drug paraphernalia right before he got shot. That fact is more important.

    And they always seem to use a photo from when they were like 12.

    • #110
  21. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I have been watching anime lately and I want to know what I should ask for if I get Isekaid.

    Don’t ask for the thing that will satisfy your desires. Ask to have the desires that are best satisfied.

    Are you a moderate Buddhist now.

    • #111
  22. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I have been watching anime lately and I want to know what I should ask for if I get Isekaid.

    Don’t ask for the thing that will satisfy your desires. Ask to have the desires that are best satisfied.

    Are you a moderate Buddhist now.

    Apparently you’ve never met me.

    Hello. My off-Ricochet name is Mark J. Boone. I’m a philosophy nerd and somehow ended up with a job teaching the stuff. On Ricochet I go by “Saint Augustine.”  I’m a Baptist.

    Since I’m Christian, that means I think it’s important to have the right desires, like the desire for wisdom (Proverbs) and the desire for the Kingdom of G-d (“Seek ye first the kingdom of G-d”).  I actually write books about the theology/philosophy of desire in the writings and sermons of Augustine, a Church Father.

    • #112
  23. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Stina (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):
    It’s also why waiting to treat your kids like full fledged adults until they are 30 is idiotic. And why I think people should marry earlier…

    You think people should get married when they’re half-fledged adults? I can think of reasons for such a recommendation, but I’m wondering if that’s what you have in mind.

    While the brain is still building new connections, they should get married. Because marriage IS a learning process. Learning to adapt to another person’s habits, learning grace and forgiveness, adjusting to communication needs and expectations are all learned skills. And if you begin learning them when your brain is still plastic, there’s greater likelihood of future success.

    But also, sex belongs in marriage.

    Those are the reasons I can think of, too.  

    • #113
  24. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Man, plastic brain, and the rest, I gotta do it…

     

    • #114
  25. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I have been watching anime lately and I want to know what I should ask for if I get Isekaid.

    Don’t ask for the thing that will satisfy your desires. Ask to have the desires that are best satisfied.

    Are you a moderate Buddhist now.

    Apparently you’ve never met me.

    Hello. My off-Ricochet name is Mark J. Boone. I’m a philosophy nerd and somehow ended up with a job teaching the stuff. On Ricochet I go by “Saint Augustine.” I’m a Baptist.

    Since I’m Christian, that means I think it’s important to have the right desires, like the desire for wisdom (Proverbs) and the desire for the Kingdom of G-d (“Seek ye first the kingdom of G-d”). I actually write books about the theology/philosophy of desire in the writings and sermons of Augustine, a Church Father.

    Bu your standard, I never met my Sister. I came out of the same Mom and (I am pretty darn sure we had the same Dad.) 

    I have no idea why she believes what she believes in and she and I cannot be more different people. 

    Honestly, you could be my brother and I couldn’t begin to comprehend you.

    • #115
  26. navyjag Coolidge
    navyjag
    @navyjag

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I have been watching anime lately and I want to know what I should ask for if I get Isekaid.

    Don’t ask for the thing that will satisfy your desires. Ask to have the desires that are best satisfied.

    Are you a moderate Buddhist now.

    Apparently you’ve never met me.

    Hello. My off-Ricochet name is Mark J. Boone. I’m a philosophy nerd and somehow ended up with a job teaching the stuff. On Ricochet I go by “Saint Augustine.” I’m a Baptist.

    Since I’m Christian, that means I think it’s important to have the right desires, like the desire for wisdom (Proverbs) and the desire for the Kingdom of G-d (“Seek ye first the kingdom of G-d”). I actually write books about the theology/philosophy of desire in the writings and sermons of Augustine, a Church Father.

    How are the book sales going? Appreciate all your work on 2020 election fiasco. Looks like Maricopa county in Arizona still hasn’t got the message yet. 

    • #116
  27. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I have been watching anime lately and I want to know what I should ask for if I get Isekaid.

    Don’t ask for the thing that will satisfy your desires. Ask to have the desires that are best satisfied.

    Are you a moderate Buddhist now.

    Apparently you’ve never met me.

    Hello. My off-Ricochet name is Mark J. Boone. I’m a philosophy nerd and somehow ended up with a job teaching the stuff. On Ricochet I go by “Saint Augustine.” I’m a Baptist.

    Since I’m Christian, that means I think it’s important to have the right desires, like the desire for wisdom (Proverbs) and the desire for the Kingdom of G-d (“Seek ye first the kingdom of G-d”). I actually write books about the theology/philosophy of desire in the writings and sermons of Augustine, a Church Father.

    Bu your standard, I never met my Sister. I came out of the same Mom and (I am pretty darn sure we had the same Dad.)

    I have no idea why she believes what she believes in and she and I cannot be more different people.

    Honestly, you could be my brother and I couldn’t begin to comprehend you.

    It was partially in jest. But only partially.

    You’ll never understand me if you don’t pay attention to things I say. I shouldn’t be hard to understand if you do pay attention.

    • #117
  28. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    navyjag (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I have been watching anime lately and I want to know what I should ask for if I get Isekaid.

    Don’t ask for the thing that will satisfy your desires. Ask to have the desires that are best satisfied.

    Are you a moderate Buddhist now.

    Apparently you’ve never met me.

    Hello. My off-Ricochet name is Mark J. Boone. I’m a philosophy nerd and somehow ended up with a job teaching the stuff. On Ricochet I go by “Saint Augustine.” I’m a Baptist.

    Since I’m Christian, that means I think it’s important to have the right desires, like the desire for wisdom (Proverbs) and the desire for the Kingdom of G-d (“Seek ye first the kingdom of G-d”). I actually write books about the theology/philosophy of desire in the writings and sermons of Augustine, a Church Father.

    How are the book sales going?

    No idea. Not that I’m in it for the books sales.

    I am in YouTube and Rumble, in part, for the money. That’s going well enough to be over 50 cents a day most of the time. Not well enough to be a dollar a day.

    Appreciate all your work on 2020 election fiasco. Looks like Maricopa county in Arizona still hasn’t got the message yet.

    Thank you, and they sure haven’t.

    • #118
  29. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    navyjag (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I have been watching anime lately and I want to know what I should ask for if I get Isekaid.

    Don’t ask for the thing that will satisfy your desires. Ask to have the desires that are best satisfied.

    Are you a moderate Buddhist now.

    Apparently you’ve never met me.

    Hello. My off-Ricochet name is Mark J. Boone. I’m a philosophy nerd and somehow ended up with a job teaching the stuff. On Ricochet I go by “Saint Augustine.” I’m a Baptist.

    Since I’m Christian, that means I think it’s important to have the right desires, like the desire for wisdom (Proverbs) and the desire for the Kingdom of G-d (“Seek ye first the kingdom of G-d”). I actually write books about the theology/philosophy of desire in the writings and sermons of Augustine, a Church Father.

    How are the book sales going?

    No idea. Not that I’m in it for the books sales.

    I am in YouTube and Rumble, in part, for the money. That’s going well enough to be over 50 cents a day most of the time. Not well enough to be a dollar a day.

    Appreciate all your work on 2020 election fiasco. Looks like Maricopa county in Arizona still hasn’t got the message yet.

    Thank you, and they sure haven’t.

    It sure seems at least possible, if not likely, to have been deliberate.  Since Katie Hobbs was in charge of the election shenanigans that got her (supposedly) elected governor.

    • #119
  30. Stina Inactive
    Stina
    @CM

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Man, plastic brain, and the rest, I gotta do it…

     

    It’s funny, but it took me a while to understand “plastic” even though I knew this neuro plasticity stuff. I could never understand what plastic explosives were until I figured this out. Plastic the material got its name because it is so easily shaped into anything your heart could desire. Metal, not so easily. And glass required artisan skills to shape into anything you wanted (which is pricey).

    I always started at plastic the material to understand the other things, but I had to change my frame of reference to better understand plastic the material :p

    • #120
Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.