2023-01-30
How do we survive in these times of misinformation, threats from those who would rule us, destruction of our wealth, false imprisonment for the unlucky, and outright usurpation of our historical rights and freedoms?
Increasingly I have found myself looking to counter falsehoods with the truth, right over wrong, love generosity and tolerance over hate meanspiritedness and indifference, awareness of the possible limitations of our current beliefs and systems of governments, and ultimately, a simple faith that things will turn for the best when enough people join in this spirit.
A simple faith that I find even begets a certain measure of serenity.
The words of St Paul may be unfamiliar to those who were not brought up in a religious environment, but they do seem eerily prescient of our current times.
So perhaps it's worth reviewing what he is said to have written to the Ephesians:
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked"
OK, it's a bit more biblical in expression than I outlined above, but is he not expressing just the same sentiments?
Now I'm not trying to convert anybody to Christianity, just to remark that the world has been here before, although not perhaps on the simultaneous global scale of today.
If Christianity works for you, then that's fine. Although I believe it has much to teach us, I doubt that Christ would recognise many in the leadership of our established religious organisations. It is up to us individually to find our own relationship with our Almighty - no intermediary required.
TCW Defending Freedom puts it slightly differently, but to no less effect.
