[NOTE: This item expresses the views of the individual to whom the item is ascribed and does not necessarily reflect the position of the WRF as a whole.

When ‘no’ means ‘yes’.

If we say that there is no possibility of something happening, how does this develop into a situation where it does happen? Only by torturing language and allowing ‘no’ to become ‘yes’.

When there are ‘no circumstances’ under which an action will take place, how could it be that ‘a circumstance is discovered’ whereby that act can take place? Only by torturing language and allowing ‘no’ to become ‘yes’.

 “Under no circumstances …” backbencher Kevin Rudd chose his words carefully, “under no circumstances will I challenge for the leadership of the party”. The announcement came following the then Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, skilfully staring down the threat of yet another leadership challenge. Mr Rudd chose his words carefully, and only came to the podium after deliberate and informed preparation. This was no ‘door-stop’ gaffe. A sheepish and solemn Kevin Rudd told the nation that there was no circumstance possible that would lead him to challenge again.

This week (26 June 2013) backbencher becomes Prime Minister by challenging for the leadership of the party. Our new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd defends his action by saying “circumstances were so bad that …”

Now I have no strong preference for a Labour government or a Liberal one. No strong preference. The ideological differences between supposedly ‘left’ and ‘right’ here in Australia are so slight as to make them almost invisible, as each political party readies itself to woo the centre. Neither party is Christian. Some Christians maintain that from one side of politics we are more likely to gain Christian-principle concessions. This assertion is strongly made, but I’m not even convinced of that.

I do not object to our current Prime Minister whatsoever on ideology or the likelihood, or not, of anything resembling the Judeo-Christian ethic being reflected in the shaping of laws. I object because his rule commences on the platform of false speech … of tortured language. Surely, a building is as strong and secure as its foundation. Launching a government on the foundation of false words is like building on sand. He has tortured the English language. His ‘no’ means ‘yes’.

How does it come about that words can mean whatever we massage them to mean? Is this 21st century post-modernism? Are we meant to accept this? Can words bend with any prevailing wind?

It is salutary to remember that God’s words are “yes and amen”. Matthew 5:37 reminds us that Jesus says, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Sublime truth is delivered in few words. The ninth commandment is a powerful example of this: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.” The Larger Catechism reminds us what is required of us in the ninth commandment, namely: “appearing and standing for the truth; and from the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other things …”

Then, to the long list of sins that the ninth commandment forbids, I’d like to add just one more: “torturing language”.

Despite all these meaningless word-games from our leading politician, as we are instructed, I will pray for all in authority over us and this certainly includes our 26th Prime Minister (who happens to be our 24th as well).

The material above was provided by WRF Board member Dr. John P. Wilson. Dr Wilson may be contacted at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .