bapticus
@bapticus.bsky.social
Retired academic, baptist liberal that cares for the rights of those of faith and no faith, believing the separation of state and religion is for enabling the best expressions of both - its absence facilitating injustice and suffering.
Speaking of Specks
Baptist leader wants to end same-sex marriages - his god apparently being small. Children have a right to a home with a mom and pop, thus he says no to gay unions. The divorce rate of evangelical hetero-couples varies little from the national rate; might he focus there, instead?
Baptist leader wants to end same-sex marriages - his god apparently being small. Children have a right to a home with a mom and pop, thus he says no to gay unions. The divorce rate of evangelical hetero-couples varies little from the national rate; might he focus there, instead?
Mohler fronts campaign to overturn Obergefell – Baptist News Global
Southern Baptist influencer Al Mohler is part of a new national campaign to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, alleging gay rights are bad for children. The “Greater Than” ca...
baptistnews.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Speaking of Specks
Baptist leader wants to end same-sex marriages - his god apparently being small. Children have a right to a home with a mom and pop, thus he says no to gay unions. The divorce rate of evangelical hetero-couples varies little from the national rate; might he focus there, instead?
Baptist leader wants to end same-sex marriages - his god apparently being small. Children have a right to a home with a mom and pop, thus he says no to gay unions. The divorce rate of evangelical hetero-couples varies little from the national rate; might he focus there, instead?
More
Now that the federal government seemingly is moderating its behavior, the time does not demand the resistance to stand down. It demands the resistance redouble its efforts to ensure the government continues to change until competence and justice are restored to governing.
Now that the federal government seemingly is moderating its behavior, the time does not demand the resistance to stand down. It demands the resistance redouble its efforts to ensure the government continues to change until competence and justice are restored to governing.
January 27, 2026 at 3:36 AM
More
Now that the federal government seemingly is moderating its behavior, the time does not demand the resistance to stand down. It demands the resistance redouble its efforts to ensure the government continues to change until competence and justice are restored to governing.
Now that the federal government seemingly is moderating its behavior, the time does not demand the resistance to stand down. It demands the resistance redouble its efforts to ensure the government continues to change until competence and justice are restored to governing.
Awe
Not alone, I am awed by Minneapolians. My belief is that God's spirit is working through the people in their grief for the fallen, perseverance under threat of death, and commitment to justice, peace, community, and love. No gov't can withstand this good. It will win; it is stronger than evil.
Not alone, I am awed by Minneapolians. My belief is that God's spirit is working through the people in their grief for the fallen, perseverance under threat of death, and commitment to justice, peace, community, and love. No gov't can withstand this good. It will win; it is stronger than evil.
January 27, 2026 at 2:18 AM
Awe
Not alone, I am awed by Minneapolians. My belief is that God's spirit is working through the people in their grief for the fallen, perseverance under threat of death, and commitment to justice, peace, community, and love. No gov't can withstand this good. It will win; it is stronger than evil.
Not alone, I am awed by Minneapolians. My belief is that God's spirit is working through the people in their grief for the fallen, perseverance under threat of death, and commitment to justice, peace, community, and love. No gov't can withstand this good. It will win; it is stronger than evil.
If, Then
If I must plagiarize others to construct a sermon, I am incompetent at writing sermons. Likewise if I must kill one to manage a group that another need not, I am incompetent in maintaining order. Sadly and clearly incompetence can be deadly. Dismissing incompetence is incompetence, too.
If I must plagiarize others to construct a sermon, I am incompetent at writing sermons. Likewise if I must kill one to manage a group that another need not, I am incompetent in maintaining order. Sadly and clearly incompetence can be deadly. Dismissing incompetence is incompetence, too.
January 26, 2026 at 11:40 PM
If, Then
If I must plagiarize others to construct a sermon, I am incompetent at writing sermons. Likewise if I must kill one to manage a group that another need not, I am incompetent in maintaining order. Sadly and clearly incompetence can be deadly. Dismissing incompetence is incompetence, too.
If I must plagiarize others to construct a sermon, I am incompetent at writing sermons. Likewise if I must kill one to manage a group that another need not, I am incompetent in maintaining order. Sadly and clearly incompetence can be deadly. Dismissing incompetence is incompetence, too.
Going Down
There's no time limit on charging one for killing another, thus ICE folks and others likely will face future charges, but each additional death makes more likely extra-constitutional behaviors to prevent a change of leadership for that to happen. ICE/DOJ methods are woefully un-American.
There's no time limit on charging one for killing another, thus ICE folks and others likely will face future charges, but each additional death makes more likely extra-constitutional behaviors to prevent a change of leadership for that to happen. ICE/DOJ methods are woefully un-American.
January 25, 2026 at 3:44 AM
Going Down
There's no time limit on charging one for killing another, thus ICE folks and others likely will face future charges, but each additional death makes more likely extra-constitutional behaviors to prevent a change of leadership for that to happen. ICE/DOJ methods are woefully un-American.
There's no time limit on charging one for killing another, thus ICE folks and others likely will face future charges, but each additional death makes more likely extra-constitutional behaviors to prevent a change of leadership for that to happen. ICE/DOJ methods are woefully un-American.
Why He Will Never Win
A person of peace values it so deeplly that she or he would willingly sacrifice self for it. This person merits our adulation but such does not drive commitment. If, however, commitment is attenuated by lack of recognition, peace is neither a goal nor value driving behavior.
A person of peace values it so deeplly that she or he would willingly sacrifice self for it. This person merits our adulation but such does not drive commitment. If, however, commitment is attenuated by lack of recognition, peace is neither a goal nor value driving behavior.
January 19, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Why He Will Never Win
A person of peace values it so deeplly that she or he would willingly sacrifice self for it. This person merits our adulation but such does not drive commitment. If, however, commitment is attenuated by lack of recognition, peace is neither a goal nor value driving behavior.
A person of peace values it so deeplly that she or he would willingly sacrifice self for it. This person merits our adulation but such does not drive commitment. If, however, commitment is attenuated by lack of recognition, peace is neither a goal nor value driving behavior.
DOA
President Trump is supposedly creating a(n international) Peace Board. He'll chair, approve the agenda, and control the money. A billion dollars to join and receive a permanent seat.
Many questions, but it won't matter; it's not going anywhere.
Instead, there are credible ways to seek peace.
President Trump is supposedly creating a(n international) Peace Board. He'll chair, approve the agenda, and control the money. A billion dollars to join and receive a permanent seat.
Many questions, but it won't matter; it's not going anywhere.
Instead, there are credible ways to seek peace.
January 17, 2026 at 11:33 PM
DOA
President Trump is supposedly creating a(n international) Peace Board. He'll chair, approve the agenda, and control the money. A billion dollars to join and receive a permanent seat.
Many questions, but it won't matter; it's not going anywhere.
Instead, there are credible ways to seek peace.
President Trump is supposedly creating a(n international) Peace Board. He'll chair, approve the agenda, and control the money. A billion dollars to join and receive a permanent seat.
Many questions, but it won't matter; it's not going anywhere.
Instead, there are credible ways to seek peace.
Not Again
Christians once chose empire and gave us the Crusades, still carrying a scar of a wound that it hopes will completely fade. But some Xns want to lance it thinking greater success is possible this time.
But only if pain defines success, such as empathy is not kind.
No! is yes to life.
Christians once chose empire and gave us the Crusades, still carrying a scar of a wound that it hopes will completely fade. But some Xns want to lance it thinking greater success is possible this time.
But only if pain defines success, such as empathy is not kind.
No! is yes to life.
January 15, 2026 at 5:22 AM
Not Again
Christians once chose empire and gave us the Crusades, still carrying a scar of a wound that it hopes will completely fade. But some Xns want to lance it thinking greater success is possible this time.
But only if pain defines success, such as empathy is not kind.
No! is yes to life.
Christians once chose empire and gave us the Crusades, still carrying a scar of a wound that it hopes will completely fade. But some Xns want to lance it thinking greater success is possible this time.
But only if pain defines success, such as empathy is not kind.
No! is yes to life.
Oh, That Thing
Said the Agricultural Secretary, "we've run over 1,000 simulations. It can cost around $3 a meal for a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, corn tortilla and one other thing.”
The other thing being, of course, remaining hungry. Hunger, then, is something people can afford. SMH.
Said the Agricultural Secretary, "we've run over 1,000 simulations. It can cost around $3 a meal for a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, corn tortilla and one other thing.”
The other thing being, of course, remaining hungry. Hunger, then, is something people can afford. SMH.
January 15, 2026 at 4:48 AM
Oh, That Thing
Said the Agricultural Secretary, "we've run over 1,000 simulations. It can cost around $3 a meal for a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, corn tortilla and one other thing.”
The other thing being, of course, remaining hungry. Hunger, then, is something people can afford. SMH.
Said the Agricultural Secretary, "we've run over 1,000 simulations. It can cost around $3 a meal for a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, corn tortilla and one other thing.”
The other thing being, of course, remaining hungry. Hunger, then, is something people can afford. SMH.
N̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶a̶l̶ World S̶e̶c̶u̶r̶i̶t̶y̶ Insecurity
Russia and China want Greenland?
No.
They want Trump to have Greenland, it providing implicit consent for Russia taking Ukraine and China taking Taiwan.
Someone went up the moutain, looked down, and said "this should be mine."
Someone hearin' the wrong one.
Russia and China want Greenland?
No.
They want Trump to have Greenland, it providing implicit consent for Russia taking Ukraine and China taking Taiwan.
Someone went up the moutain, looked down, and said "this should be mine."
Someone hearin' the wrong one.
January 14, 2026 at 9:32 PM
N̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶a̶l̶ World S̶e̶c̶u̶r̶i̶t̶y̶ Insecurity
Russia and China want Greenland?
No.
They want Trump to have Greenland, it providing implicit consent for Russia taking Ukraine and China taking Taiwan.
Someone went up the moutain, looked down, and said "this should be mine."
Someone hearin' the wrong one.
Russia and China want Greenland?
No.
They want Trump to have Greenland, it providing implicit consent for Russia taking Ukraine and China taking Taiwan.
Someone went up the moutain, looked down, and said "this should be mine."
Someone hearin' the wrong one.
Constitutionally-free Position
On what can restrain him, Trump stated:
"My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me."
We are a long way from Day 1 yet the attitude and behaviors remain. A significant number of conservative religionists are enabling the undoing of America.
On what can restrain him, Trump stated:
"My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me."
We are a long way from Day 1 yet the attitude and behaviors remain. A significant number of conservative religionists are enabling the undoing of America.
January 9, 2026 at 11:28 PM
Constitutionally-free Position
On what can restrain him, Trump stated:
"My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me."
We are a long way from Day 1 yet the attitude and behaviors remain. A significant number of conservative religionists are enabling the undoing of America.
On what can restrain him, Trump stated:
"My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me."
We are a long way from Day 1 yet the attitude and behaviors remain. A significant number of conservative religionists are enabling the undoing of America.
Let's Not
If the behavior of ICE is evidence of a religious revival that has been touted, let's not continue it. Whatever the perceived ills of this country prior to 2024, the current administration is adding to them and people are dying as a result.
If the behavior of ICE is evidence of a religious revival that has been touted, let's not continue it. Whatever the perceived ills of this country prior to 2024, the current administration is adding to them and people are dying as a result.
January 9, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Let's Not
If the behavior of ICE is evidence of a religious revival that has been touted, let's not continue it. Whatever the perceived ills of this country prior to 2024, the current administration is adding to them and people are dying as a result.
If the behavior of ICE is evidence of a religious revival that has been touted, let's not continue it. Whatever the perceived ills of this country prior to 2024, the current administration is adding to them and people are dying as a result.
Shame
Where is the protest and at what point was the driver trying to harm ICE agents? There literally is blood on the hands of ICE, DHS, and administrative officials in this killing. America has been shamed and a woman has died. Today we are a lesser nation in deep need of rediscovering itself.
Where is the protest and at what point was the driver trying to harm ICE agents? There literally is blood on the hands of ICE, DHS, and administrative officials in this killing. America has been shamed and a woman has died. Today we are a lesser nation in deep need of rediscovering itself.
January 7, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Shame
Where is the protest and at what point was the driver trying to harm ICE agents? There literally is blood on the hands of ICE, DHS, and administrative officials in this killing. America has been shamed and a woman has died. Today we are a lesser nation in deep need of rediscovering itself.
Where is the protest and at what point was the driver trying to harm ICE agents? There literally is blood on the hands of ICE, DHS, and administrative officials in this killing. America has been shamed and a woman has died. Today we are a lesser nation in deep need of rediscovering itself.
Religious Revival
If in America that would entail all religious belief systems not just Christianity. What would it also look like? A higher regard for humanity - in all its forms - and the natural environment - and all in it - and humane policy. Is revival really what MAGA wants. I hope so. I do.
If in America that would entail all religious belief systems not just Christianity. What would it also look like? A higher regard for humanity - in all its forms - and the natural environment - and all in it - and humane policy. Is revival really what MAGA wants. I hope so. I do.
'Blunt reality': MAGA betting on 'imaginary religious awakening' that isn't happening
MAGA has bet on a Christian revival in hopes that it can drum up its base for the midterms — but so far that hasn't happened. Turning Point USA's AmericaFest had that portrait of the Republican party ...
www.rawstory.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Religious Revival
If in America that would entail all religious belief systems not just Christianity. What would it also look like? A higher regard for humanity - in all its forms - and the natural environment - and all in it - and humane policy. Is revival really what MAGA wants. I hope so. I do.
If in America that would entail all religious belief systems not just Christianity. What would it also look like? A higher regard for humanity - in all its forms - and the natural environment - and all in it - and humane policy. Is revival really what MAGA wants. I hope so. I do.
Knee Bone Connected to the ...
This administration is likely more adept at math than it is in aftermath, the latter a more difficult subject. In addition to the potential of further instability in Venezuela, geopolitical tensions are surely to become more complex and dangerous.
This administration is likely more adept at math than it is in aftermath, the latter a more difficult subject. In addition to the potential of further instability in Venezuela, geopolitical tensions are surely to become more complex and dangerous.
January 3, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Knee Bone Connected to the ...
This administration is likely more adept at math than it is in aftermath, the latter a more difficult subject. In addition to the potential of further instability in Venezuela, geopolitical tensions are surely to become more complex and dangerous.
This administration is likely more adept at math than it is in aftermath, the latter a more difficult subject. In addition to the potential of further instability in Venezuela, geopolitical tensions are surely to become more complex and dangerous.
Get Off My Lawn
Not sure why the president is raising his voice and presenting in a manic fashion. Apparently someone is on his lawn.
Not sure why the president is raising his voice and presenting in a manic fashion. Apparently someone is on his lawn.
December 18, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Get Off My Lawn
Not sure why the president is raising his voice and presenting in a manic fashion. Apparently someone is on his lawn.
Not sure why the president is raising his voice and presenting in a manic fashion. Apparently someone is on his lawn.
Golden
Ahmed al Ahmed, Muslim, shot several times, said he would do it again. He put his life in danger so that others would live. Did he know the others were Jewish? Likely. But that was not his motivation - nor should it - rather he saw a need, then he responded. Christians, let's be like Ahmed.
Ahmed al Ahmed, Muslim, shot several times, said he would do it again. He put his life in danger so that others would live. Did he know the others were Jewish? Likely. But that was not his motivation - nor should it - rather he saw a need, then he responded. Christians, let's be like Ahmed.
December 15, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Golden
Ahmed al Ahmed, Muslim, shot several times, said he would do it again. He put his life in danger so that others would live. Did he know the others were Jewish? Likely. But that was not his motivation - nor should it - rather he saw a need, then he responded. Christians, let's be like Ahmed.
Ahmed al Ahmed, Muslim, shot several times, said he would do it again. He put his life in danger so that others would live. Did he know the others were Jewish? Likely. But that was not his motivation - nor should it - rather he saw a need, then he responded. Christians, let's be like Ahmed.
A Problem?
Baptist practice congregational governance, it founding oversight in the hands of many.
Same with the US government with its various systems designed to better ensure the up and up.
Then there's this: Kushner.
Not thinking proper oversight will be applied. Hope I'm wrong.
Baptist practice congregational governance, it founding oversight in the hands of many.
Same with the US government with its various systems designed to better ensure the up and up.
Then there's this: Kushner.
Not thinking proper oversight will be applied. Hope I'm wrong.
Jared Kushner is at the center of Trump's corruption
From media mergers to foreign policy, Trump's son-in-law is consolidating power — and making millions
www.salon.com
December 13, 2025 at 11:40 PM
A Problem?
Baptist practice congregational governance, it founding oversight in the hands of many.
Same with the US government with its various systems designed to better ensure the up and up.
Then there's this: Kushner.
Not thinking proper oversight will be applied. Hope I'm wrong.
Baptist practice congregational governance, it founding oversight in the hands of many.
Same with the US government with its various systems designed to better ensure the up and up.
Then there's this: Kushner.
Not thinking proper oversight will be applied. Hope I'm wrong.
Creatively Speaking
Baptist musician, Kyle Caudle, speaks to a theological truth, at least to me and others, when he states "creativity is harder to control than certainty.” Creativity being the nature of God (Hartshorne) to being God (Kaufman), he has "sumpin" important to sing about.
Baptist musician, Kyle Caudle, speaks to a theological truth, at least to me and others, when he states "creativity is harder to control than certainty.” Creativity being the nature of God (Hartshorne) to being God (Kaufman), he has "sumpin" important to sing about.
Songwriter challenges religious authoritarianism with folk ballad
Caudle described the song as a “timely” and hopeful Americana ballad against the destructive tendencies of authoritarian dogma.
baptistnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Creatively Speaking
Baptist musician, Kyle Caudle, speaks to a theological truth, at least to me and others, when he states "creativity is harder to control than certainty.” Creativity being the nature of God (Hartshorne) to being God (Kaufman), he has "sumpin" important to sing about.
Baptist musician, Kyle Caudle, speaks to a theological truth, at least to me and others, when he states "creativity is harder to control than certainty.” Creativity being the nature of God (Hartshorne) to being God (Kaufman), he has "sumpin" important to sing about.
It's Happening
Citizens United
No, that won't happen.
Oh, guess what happened.
Immunity
No, that won't happen.
Oh, guess what happened.
Trump v Slaughter
No, that won't happen.
Uh, you keep saying that.
Citizens United
No, that won't happen.
Oh, guess what happened.
Immunity
No, that won't happen.
Oh, guess what happened.
Trump v Slaughter
No, that won't happen.
Uh, you keep saying that.
Sonia Sotomayor silences Supreme Court chamber with blistering challenge to Trump lawyer
An exchange between Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Donald Trump's Solicitor General D. John Sauer briefly silenced the U.S. Supreme Court chamber Tuesday.Sauer argued in Trump v. Slaughter – a case that ...
www.rawstory.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:38 PM
It's Happening
Citizens United
No, that won't happen.
Oh, guess what happened.
Immunity
No, that won't happen.
Oh, guess what happened.
Trump v Slaughter
No, that won't happen.
Uh, you keep saying that.
Citizens United
No, that won't happen.
Oh, guess what happened.
Immunity
No, that won't happen.
Oh, guess what happened.
Trump v Slaughter
No, that won't happen.
Uh, you keep saying that.
Not Now, Right Now
Perhaps in the future Democrats can make an argument that it has moral courage but it will first need to demonstrate it a good number of times without appealing to it. Otherwise, I'm not listening. First thing it can do is thank Schumer for his service then choose another leader.
Perhaps in the future Democrats can make an argument that it has moral courage but it will first need to demonstrate it a good number of times without appealing to it. Otherwise, I'm not listening. First thing it can do is thank Schumer for his service then choose another leader.
November 10, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Not Now, Right Now
Perhaps in the future Democrats can make an argument that it has moral courage but it will first need to demonstrate it a good number of times without appealing to it. Otherwise, I'm not listening. First thing it can do is thank Schumer for his service then choose another leader.
Perhaps in the future Democrats can make an argument that it has moral courage but it will first need to demonstrate it a good number of times without appealing to it. Otherwise, I'm not listening. First thing it can do is thank Schumer for his service then choose another leader.
Difficult and Doable Versus the Alternative
The shortfall with SNAP is inexcusable but we citizens can marshall resources to feed people. Ensuring people have sufficient resources to afford healthcare is a lift that is in all likelihood beyond our capacity as private citizens. Ds, don't cave.
The shortfall with SNAP is inexcusable but we citizens can marshall resources to feed people. Ensuring people have sufficient resources to afford healthcare is a lift that is in all likelihood beyond our capacity as private citizens. Ds, don't cave.
November 10, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Difficult and Doable Versus the Alternative
The shortfall with SNAP is inexcusable but we citizens can marshall resources to feed people. Ensuring people have sufficient resources to afford healthcare is a lift that is in all likelihood beyond our capacity as private citizens. Ds, don't cave.
The shortfall with SNAP is inexcusable but we citizens can marshall resources to feed people. Ensuring people have sufficient resources to afford healthcare is a lift that is in all likelihood beyond our capacity as private citizens. Ds, don't cave.
Capital Offense
A trillion dollar pay package over a decade. Assume work each day of the year. That comes out to over 273,000,000 dollars a day. The 'average' Telsa employee will need to work over 4,806 years to match Musk's daily rate. Recorded history of humans is around 5,500 years.
A trillion dollar pay package over a decade. Assume work each day of the year. That comes out to over 273,000,000 dollars a day. The 'average' Telsa employee will need to work over 4,806 years to match Musk's daily rate. Recorded history of humans is around 5,500 years.
November 7, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Capital Offense
A trillion dollar pay package over a decade. Assume work each day of the year. That comes out to over 273,000,000 dollars a day. The 'average' Telsa employee will need to work over 4,806 years to match Musk's daily rate. Recorded history of humans is around 5,500 years.
A trillion dollar pay package over a decade. Assume work each day of the year. That comes out to over 273,000,000 dollars a day. The 'average' Telsa employee will need to work over 4,806 years to match Musk's daily rate. Recorded history of humans is around 5,500 years.
Lest One Disqualify One's Self
Bill Leonard raises a question for those cheering the anti-Christian bias task force appointed by Trump to stamp out anti-Christian bias. Perhaps it is they who are engaged in such bias.
Bill Leonard raises a question for those cheering the anti-Christian bias task force appointed by Trump to stamp out anti-Christian bias. Perhaps it is they who are engaged in such bias.
What about anti-gospel bias? – Baptist News Global
"The truth is, empathy, diversity, equity and inclusion explode from the Gospels," says columnist Bill Leonard.
baptistnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Lest One Disqualify One's Self
Bill Leonard raises a question for those cheering the anti-Christian bias task force appointed by Trump to stamp out anti-Christian bias. Perhaps it is they who are engaged in such bias.
Bill Leonard raises a question for those cheering the anti-Christian bias task force appointed by Trump to stamp out anti-Christian bias. Perhaps it is they who are engaged in such bias.
Sabotaging Ministry
The US's CDC is a gem, now a lesser gem. It does not shine as it is able due to dull-minded leaders of the current presidential administration. This agency is about preserving life but its life is being diminished, thus a major way God relates to the world is diminished, too.
The US's CDC is a gem, now a lesser gem. It does not shine as it is able due to dull-minded leaders of the current presidential administration. This agency is about preserving life but its life is being diminished, thus a major way God relates to the world is diminished, too.
Horror as 'Friday night massacre' lays off entire DC office of disease experts
The Trump administration has carried out mass layoffs of federal public health officials that experts warn will leave the US dangerously unprepared to handle disease outbreaks.As reported by The New Y...
www.rawstory.com
October 11, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Sabotaging Ministry
The US's CDC is a gem, now a lesser gem. It does not shine as it is able due to dull-minded leaders of the current presidential administration. This agency is about preserving life but its life is being diminished, thus a major way God relates to the world is diminished, too.
The US's CDC is a gem, now a lesser gem. It does not shine as it is able due to dull-minded leaders of the current presidential administration. This agency is about preserving life but its life is being diminished, thus a major way God relates to the world is diminished, too.