JULY 2012 EDITION

Edmund Burke, a well-known Irish philosopher and political figure of his time (1729 to 1797) is quoted as saying, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing." Well, I believe we are witnessing the absolute relevance of his statement in these trying times in our country's life. 

Neil Postman in his book, "Amusing Ourselves to Death" (1985) said this, referring to George Orwell's famous book, "1984":

“We were keeping our eye on 1984. When the year came and the prophecy didn't, thoughtful Americans sang softly in praise of themselves. The roots of liberal democracy had held. Wherever else the terror had happened, we, at least, had not been visited by Orwellian nightmares.

But we had forgotten that alongside Orwell's dark vision, there was another - slightly older, slightly less well known, equally chilling: Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Contrary to common belief even among the educated, Huxley and Orwell did not prophesy the same thing. Orwell warns that we will be overcome by an externally imposed oppression. But in Huxley's vision, no Big Brother is required to deprive people of their autonomy, maturity and history. As he saw it, people will come to love their oppression, to adore the technologies that undo their capacities to think.

What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one. Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism. Orwell feared that the truth would be concealed from us. Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance. Orwell feared we would become a captive culture. Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture, preoccupied with some equivalent of the feelies, the orgy porgy, and the centrifugal bumblepuppy. As Huxley remarked in Brave New World Revisited, the civil libertarians and rationalists who are ever on the alert to oppose tyranny "failed to take into account man's almost infinite appetite for distractions". In 1984, Huxley added, people are controlled by inflicting pain. In Brave New World, they are controlled by inflicting pleasure. In short, Orwell feared that what we hate will ruin us. Huxley feared that what we love will ruin us."

Wow! Where are we now in 2012?

More people know the names of the current "American Idol" (interesting theological name, isn't it?) than know who their current senators, congressional representatives, governors and vice presidents are!  Many know all the words to the latest rap song but have no idea of the words to of The Lord's Prayer or our National Anthem.  We want bigger and better. We want prettier and more comfortable.  We want fun and good times!  We pursue the trivial and have no patience for the important.  Are we actually "being drowned in a sea of irrelevance"?

Many of us are so concerned with "keeping our heads above water" that we really do not spend much time thinking about larger issues, except to complain about the "sad state of affairs" in the world!  Can you blame us?

"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing."

Our Friday Morning Men's Group is studying The Whole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns, the CEO of World Vision, which is a great Christian evangelical relief organization.

We just finished a telling and disturbing chapter dealing with the tithe. (I know… here we go again, these people in "pro" religion talking about money!)  Only five percent of American households tithe. Nine percent of people who identify themselves as "born again" Christians those who claim to have made a personal commitment to Christ) tithe. For "evangelical Christians", those who claim their faith has the greatest influence on their life and conduct, still only twenty-four percent of them tithe.

"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing (or very little) (my addition)."

Jerry Sandusky happens, Aurora, Colorado happens, the Catholic Church abuse scandal happens. Teen sexting (Google it if you don't know) happens. Abortions happen. The list seems endless.

"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing."

Well, you say, so what can good men and women do? For starters:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)

What is my calling? What am I to do, personally?  Frederick Buechner says, "Calling is where your deep gladness and the world's great need meets."

Pray and ask God to show you one thing that you personally can do to make a difference.

He will show you your calling, equip you, and give you a peace that passes all human understanding.

We can make a difference…one person, one small step at a time. However, we must take that first step, as good men and women, and not do nothing (I know, 10 points off for poor grammar!) We must not "become trapped in passivity and egoism," as Huxley says.

What brought about the rant you are reading?

I am so frustrated, but not surprised by the fact that when the CEO of Chic-Fil-A is vilified in the press and by mayors of major American cities because he dared first voice his ­ personal opinion on a Christian radio program about his view of traditional marriage as being between and man and a woman. He has since stated that that is the belief of their privately held family corporation. I have called on my friends and family via e-mail and Facebook to support this company's right of free speech by patronizing their fine restaurants and doing so myself. I know, it is a tiny step, but it is better than nothing.