PUSHING ON THAT ARC [Sa, 1-9-21]

 CHRIST IN WINTER: Reflections on Faith & Life for the Years of Winter

PUSHING ON THAT ARC  [Sa, 1-9-21]

I have nothing to say about this current outrage and continuing sinfulness that others have not already said better, but it’s not a time to tell some slightly humorous little story and follow it up with a semi-witticism, as I usually try in this column. So, we have to talk about them. Not him; he’s just a result. Them, the ones whose hearts are so corrupt that they cannot even see that others have hearts.

Some are ignorant, either by nature or by choice. Some are stupid. Some are mentally incompetent and thus prone to any rumor or conspiracy theory. Some are just selfish. Some are mad with power or mad for power. Some are afraid and willing to follow anyone who promises safety. Some actually enjoy the suffering of others. Some are so full of violence that they will lash out at whoever is available, just to get temporary relief from their frustrations. They are not going to change.

No, they are not going to change. We are all tainted by original sin, and the original sin manifestation of the USA is slavery/race. Some white people know we are racists, and make allowance for it, trying to create a just society. Others know only their own fear and hate, and occasionally one or another will come face to face with God and see in that mirror their own sin and decide to join the community of the common good.

In the meantime, since they will not change, they must not be allowed to have power. No, I don’t mean take away any of their rights. We cannot do that. But those who believe in civilization, who believe in a common good, must be so well organized and so passionate that the children of darkness cannot taint the common air with their poisons. We don’t ignore them, but we have no illusions about their willingness to change. We just do what is right, and call them to accountability when they do what is wrong.

Barack Obama liked to quote the statement that MLK made popular, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it tends toward justice.” So do I. [1]

Helen says it is true only if enough people keep pushing on that arc in the right direction. As usual, she’s right. I’m going to push on that arc, and I hope you will, too.

John Robert McFarland

1] Apparently it was first stated by abolitionist minister, Theodore Parker, in 1853.