On Unrighteous Dominion, or the Unethical Wielding of Personal Power

As of yesterday, John Dehlin has officially been excommunicated. While I had intended to just let this fiasco pass with no further comment from me, something has come to my attention which I feel compelled to comment on, namely because I just don’t think a person should get away with such sheer abuse of power without at least undergoing some kind of public scrutiny.

On the Weaponization of Suicide and Moral Culpability

Let’s start with a confession: I’m really reluctant to write this blog post. This is an extremely serious subject, and one that should always, always, ALWAYS be treated with the utmost caution. And, I am utterly unqualified to comment on it. I am not a mental health expert. I am not a health professional of any kind. But there are some conversations going around about this topic, with some things being said that I think are unfair, and even dangerous. I feel like some things need to be said, and so I am going to say them.

Satan and Satire: On the Narratives of Excommunication and “Persecution”

It is my experience that when satire makes your blood boil, it is because it tells a truth that is really uncomfortable for you. As I anticipated, my recent satire has generated a lot of controversy and the people I expected to be upset are, well, upset.  One commenter in particular has zealously defended John Dehlin, and as I was beginning to respond to some of her comments, I decided that it would be better to just to write another blog post rather than let this get buried in the comments section.

BREAKING NEWS: Lucifer Cast Out of Heaven for Simply “Asking Questions”

Seraphim News

DATE: In the beginning…

In a Press Release today, Lucifer announced that he has been cast out of heaven for simply asking questions and expressing doubts about the Divine Council’s so-called plan of salvation. “I am just asking questions,” Lucifer said.  “I would like everyone to be saved and happy. I have some concerns about this plan's capacity to achieve that goal.”

Lucifer says that leaders of the Divine Council used to hear him out, and even let him express these concerns to the council in the past. He said he is disheartened by the dramatic shift in approach. “I’ve been exonerated in the past. I just wish they would leave me alone. I feel a moral imperative to warn others of the risks following this plan entails. I will not simply be silent because I am threatened to be cast out.”

According to Lucifer, the plan endorsed by the Divine Council puts all our souls at serious risk of damnation. “I would just like to make sure everybody is saved and has a place here. That is all,” he says.

Supporters are rallying behind Lucifer and expressing their solidarity. In a joint statement to the press, approximately one-third of the hosts of heaven announced their intentions to use this moment as an opportunity to mobilize for their cause, and lobby for change in the plan of salvation.

Seraphim News will continue to post updates to this developing story.

UPDATE: If you dislike this satire, then please read my follow-up post. In fact, I dare you to. 

John Dehlin: The Naked Wolf

John Dehlin is becoming increasingly transparent in terms of his allegiances, and much of what others (including myself) have long suspected being confirmed. In short, the sheep’s skin is coming off. He seems to be freely removing it himself. Nonetheless, I’ve been meaning for some time now to call attention to an anonymous blog, titled “Dear John Dehlin,” which is making some interesting observations about his behavior and the process. If you, like me, are concerned about Dehlin’s influence on unsuspecting innocents, then I suggest you check it out.