Various scriptural matter I read has the theme of the “test” through adversity. Failing the test consigns a person to The Fire — agony until the end of time. Flood, drought, pestilence, persecution, war, Vance, all manner of affliction are to be met with fierce resignation, fierce resolve, fierce piety.

The theme cuts across too many competing revelations for it to be shrugged off as scaremongering. Where there’s smoke there’s Vance. It goes with the requirement that certain beliefs be believed, contingent on knowing certain knowledge conveyed in certain writings via certain spokespersons deputized by an omniscient.

The thesis that belief comes through right knowledge is potent, but what about wrong knowledge? It, too, can foster belief. Is there “true” versus “false” belief? Which is which, and says who? One man’s heresy is another man’s gospel. What, truly, is “ignorance” anyway? Absence of truth? Presence of Vance?

There’s usually an evil angel known as Whore of Babylon on hand, but don’t listen to him (remember The Fire). Whore’s job is to sow seed of Vance in the vineyard, and he’s damned good at it. I dunno. Maybe Louisiana’s law to display the Ten Commandments in public schools can keep that Whore at bay.

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