One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us. It’s simply too painful to acknowledge, even to ourselves, that we’ve been taken. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.”
― Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
“In every age it has been the tyrant, the oppressor and the exploiter who has wrapped himself in the cloak of patriotism, or religion, or both to deceive and overawe the People.”
― Eugene Victor Debs
By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Hebrews 11:9-10
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I think it is time that we admit
That the country we once lived in
That place of promise
Where justice and equity were valued
If not lived
Where the rule of law meant something
Where good, intelligent people were entrusted with governance
No longer exists
And many of us feel like strangers in a strange land.
This is a place of grief, a place of regret
Where justice is subverted
Power abused
Positions of trust exploited
We see but do not understand
We feel our souls assaulted
We watch people be oppressed
We feel as if power has been placed in the hands
of hate and fear, resentment, malice, and malevolence
and we cannot get it back
that the path into the abyss of tyranny is
inexorable
How do we live in such a space
As extremists on both poles
Pull us apart
Shredding the fabric of our society
How do we live as a people, oppressed and suppressed,
and maintain our compassion?
How do we remain caring and forgiving
How do we remain generous?
How do we resist what is happening?
without becoming a part of the destructive cocktail
that leads to ruin?
Somehow, we must look forward.
We must anticipate that world
Built and designed by the Sacred
Where justice rolls down like a river
Where all are welcome and valued
Where enmity is discarded
Somehow, we must hold on to hope
And clothe ourselves with faith and love
and believe that liberation will come
Living as strangers in this world
Means that we don’t accept the way things are
But instead, resist what is happening.
How?
Paul said it well (Romans 12)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
It is a big ask
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
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