Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
There are always advantages and disadvantages no matter in what time of history we live in. So it is no different today. People often pine for the good old days, but in fact I doubt there is any such thing. Back in the late 50’s I would hear people talking about ‘the good old days’ and how bad things where now. Today, those are the good old days for many today.
I like living in a culture where there is not one particular faith or political philosophy that dominates culture. In the give and take that goes on today, much of it deplorable I know… is in fact better than a society where there is no give and take between different systems of belief, be it religious or political. People can live on automatic without any real self reflection.
It is good to be challenged by others about ones faith. It is easy to reduce statements to the level of being a cliché, a truth that is repeated without any real thought behind it. However when challenged, then we are called to go deeper and to find out if we really believed or not.
World views are taken for granted and they provide a lens for all of us to be able to handle what goes on around us. Yet it can also put binders on us so that our focus is so narrow that it is impossible to listen to others and to try to understand their point of view.
Politics and religion can be the main culprits for societal unrest when they clash. In fact the very worst can be brought out from both sides since challenges from others can raise defenses or better put… hackles. Kind considerate people can be reduced to screaming at each other over political and religious differences. That is because they are both so very important. We all have a philosophy of some sort, the better thought it is the better able to allow room for true communication.
We do live in ‘interesting’ times, dangerous times, but every generation lives in dangerous times. We are after all a dangerous and violent species that is also capable of compassion and empathy as well. When defenses go up, compassion and empathy can be almost impossible.
I have no idea which way our society will go. I don’t see things getting better. In fact I see that our form of government which is not a democracy but a democratic republic might be coming to an end. Too many groups seeking rights no matter the consequences for society, which leads to further break down of society.
Religious people as well as non-religious when they try to control each other or to force their own desires on overall society cause collapse. The divide between atheist and believer is something made up from a very strong delusion. We are all human, with needs, fears and desires. I would assume that all want to live in peace, yet we fight and pound each other.
Capitalism when it becomes short sighted, and is only interested in profit to the exclusion of thinking about long term consequences is also a danger for the survival for any society in the long run. Greed is not good. It devours without thinking, like someone who eats unconsciously, who just grabs food when hungry without thinking about why he or she is doing so.
As a man of faith, a Catholic, I seek to understand my faith in such a way that it connects me with others and does not separate. That does not mean that I cave in on my deepest beliefs, nor does it mean that I do not stand up for moral principles that I believe are important. Not only for me, but for the health and survival of society, which can only be changed and healed by the people on the so called bottom, the masses or whatever you want to call us.
Christians need to defend their faith in a calm and respectful manner. If they are screamed at or belittled it is important not to respond in kind, for when doing that, communication is then really impossible. I believe we are called to pray. That in prayer we really do become one with all, even our so-called enemies. We are called to show love to those who hate us, compassion to those who can’t give it back, and to feel empathy for those who are isolated and alone.
So today, Christians are called to know their faith and learn to be able to deal with anxiety and fear when challenged. We need to learn to listen and to simply be quiet, to let things settle and to truly see Christ Jesus in those who are different than us and who disagree with us. For Christ is in all and loves all, and the only way many people can experience that is through the ‘Body of Christ’ which is us. Yes “Christ R Us’ is a good term. It does not matter if others laugh or insult us, we continue.
It is sad when it is Christians who insult others and belittle them. It takes away from our witness and lessens our ability to reach others. It shows that we do not see with the eyes of Christ Jesus. If we do not see others on a deeper level, how can we love them, or listen to them or yes respect them?
If in the past Christians truly lived their faith, our society would be different than it is today. We need to be humble and take responsibility for the way our society has turned out and is quite possibly coming to an end as it continues to fragment. I hope I am wrong in this, but I don’t think I am. We are in free fall, when we hit will we shattered or bounce back?
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall………
Br. Mark Dohle, OCSO
Holy Spirit Monastery
