I learned an interesting new word the other day: hamartiology - the branch of theology dealing with the study of sin. I found this to be interesting in light of my fascination with the Seven Deadly Sins, about which I've written in this space quite a few times, and which have particular relevance to the current regime in Washington, and it occurs to me that hamartiology could be as much at home in political science as in theology.
Let's take a hamartiological (sp?) look at the Seven Deadly Sins in today's American politics ...
Pride (the excessive belief in one's own abilities, leading to a sense of superiority over others and a disregard for God, pride is considered the root of all other sins.) Der Furor is evidently unaware that adjectives can exist in other than the superlative form when they apply to him. His preening, faux-heroic posturing - exemplified by his glowering visage in banners hanging from the Department of Justice building in Washington ...
his poses reminiscent of that embodied by fascist Italian leader Benito Mussolini ...
and his name illegally plastered on monuments to greater presidents* and better men ...
would be comical in situations less fraught with potential menace. If excessive, embarrassingly overweening pride had a face, it would look like Der Furor.
Greed (a strong desire for material wealth, possessions, or status, often prioritizing material goods over genuine love for God or one's neighbors.) Der Furor has amassed an enormous fortune during the first year and a half of his second term. According to his most recent financial disclosure report, he has raked in at least $2.2 billion, a figure that includes his real estate assets and gigantic income from cryptocurrency investments, which are directly affected by policies he implements himself. That compares to an estimated minimum of $622 million his businesses hauled in for all of 2024, before he returned to the presidency. The level of greed, corruption, and conflicts of interest in this administration, proudly and shamelessly conducted in plain sight and shrugged off because "nobody cares," is beyond epic.
Gluttony (the overindulgence and overconsumption of food, drink, or material pleasure to the point of waste or excess.) While gluttony is generally associated with food and drink, the sin also applies to the excessive overconsumption (is that redundant?) of material resources. A before and after look at the Oval Office, which has been turned into a Walmart Versailles with tacky gilt bric-a-brac, tchotchkes, and geegaws, demonstrates this aspect of gluttony.
Sloth (physical laziness or a deeper spiritual apathy, characterized by giving up on doing what is good and neglecting one's spiritual or personal responsibilities.) The House of Representatives has accomplished virtually nothing in the 119th Congress**, and has repeatedly been sent home early by Speaker Mike Johnson to prevent having to take politically embarrassing votes which might anger Der Furor. For his part, Der Furor, in spite of loudly castigating former President Obama for his golf outings, has not only spent far more days on the links than Obama, but has racked up an enormous bill for the taxpayers for travel to his private clubs to do so. And let's not forget his increasing tendency to fall asleep during meetings*** ...
Lust (a disordered craving for or indulgence in sexual pleasure, prioritizing self-gratification without regard for the well-being or true intimacy of others.) Der Furor owes 5.8 million dollars in a settlement to E. Jean Carroll, who won judgements against him for sexual abuse that have been upheld all the way to the Supreme Court, plus another $83 million judgement for defamation that he is still fighting. There's a cautionary lesson here that is unlikely to be learned. Lust can also refer to any uncontrollable passion or longing ... such as the lust for power that keeps many individuals in Congress† long past their best-by date.
Envy (sadness or jealousy caused by another person's traits, status, abilities, or possessions, often leading to resentment.) I think a very good case can be made that Der Furor is driven by a furious envy (which has been dubbed "Obama Derangement Syndrome") of the stature and accomplishments of former President Obama.
Wrath (uncontrolled feelings of intense anger, hatred, or a vengeful desire for retaliation.) Read any of Der Furor's furiously angry and vindictive "Truth Social" posts demanding prosecution of his perceived enemies. I rest my case.
Hamartiology. A field of study uniquely - and sadly - applicable to the present "leadership" of our nation.
Have a good day. More thoughts coming.
Bilbo
* Der Furor's name has since been removed from the Kennedy Center facade by court order, but tarps have been hung to hide the fact his name has been removed. Good grief ...
** Other than pass the appalling "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."
*** As an old guy myself, I can sympathize with being tired a lot during the day. But then, I'm not the President of the United States with awesome responsibilities.
† Exhibit A is probably Mitch McConnell.
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