“The violence at the heart of liberal political doctrine makes this clear: the right to self-defense eventually calls for a project of universal redemption. Another way of putting this is to say that some humans have to be treated violently in order that humanity can be redeemed.”
Talal Asad, On Suicide Bombing (New York: Columbia University Press, 2007) 62-63.
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my sister, my brother, my niece, i have no words for your pain.
1. Humanity: as it exists.
I believe that the acting out of one’s own perceived self-interest has been the cause of much evil in the world. Selfishness and greed seems to be inherent to the human race. In my view, whether or not one calls this sin, or even humanity’s original sin, is arbitrary. The fact that this attitude toward life has been and continues to be prevalent in human history is clear. I am not quite sure how this came to be, though I tend to think that humans, though inherently self-interested, can make good choices. Here, I am presupposing that acting out of one’s own self-interest is a bad action. Perhaps, this presupposition is not self-evident. This is the driving principle behind free market capitalism, and by most, this is not viewed as being evil. Of course, this is usually justified by some sort of “trickle-down” theory, or the belief that the free-market creates prosperity and happiness to many people, instead of systems of injustice that lead to poverty and death.
Indeed, humanity is a fallen race, but is there evil that exists apart from human action? Natural disasters, disease, death, can all be interpreted as natural evils in which humanity plays no role. It is easy to say that humans are inherently self-interested and this is the cause of evil, it is more difficult, however, to understand why so many people die needlessly, because there is no obvious place figure to blame. Certainly, we could interpret natural evils in a sort of dualistic worldview in which there are two independent forces working against each other, called Good and Evil. Thus one might say that everything good comes from a Good God or some other higher being, and that everything evil comes from the Evil One. Perhaps, good will overcome evil, but this is not yet apparent in this world in this time. On the other hand, one might say that God controls every aspect of the world, and therefore causes natural disaster, disease, and other forms of suffering. But why would a good God cause these things to happen? Or one might say, why would God allow these things to happen?
I am not sure where I stand on these questions, though I do believe they are important to think about, and some options are most certainly better than others. Recently, I heard someone mention that God caused/allowed Hurricane Katrina to hit the Gulf because he was angry with the U.S. for supporting Israel’s evacuation of Gaza. I would consider this dangerous and even destructive theology. However, one can see how this sort of thinking could arise within the worldview of an all-powerful good God allowing evil to happen. Moreover, accounts of these actions by God can be read in many sacred texts. In my view, this is simply a worldview that sees God through the lens of a political ideology, or perhaps more accurately, uses God and religion to support one’s political ideology.
2. Humanity: hope for change.
As mentioned in question one, I believe that humans tend to act out of self-interest, which is a major contributor to poverty and violence in this world. Although there are some natural evils that cannot be avoided, it is important to hold a view that does not high-jack religion to support one’s particular ideology. Also, it should be noted that religion is tied to all sorts of acts of violence, not just situations that are out of the control of humans (i.e. to justify war, economic agreements, etc.). I believe that God does intervene in this world, but always out of love for all humanity. I do not believe everyone needs to be converted to Christianity in order to become a better, more peaceful person. I do believe that Christians must always try to create peace through nonviolence in any and every situation, especially during times of war. I believe the Christian story best encompasses the unknown, or what Paul Tillich called the “ultimate concern,” by showing God’s love for humanity. I believe that if Jesus’ radical call to love God, our neighbor, and our enemies, and his demand to turn the other cheek in the midst of violence can change the human beings and the world. I believe the Holy Spirit will help. I also have a deep respect for other religions and worldviews that share a passion and calling for peaceful action.
3. How/Whether God (gods) or a spirit world interact with our world of experience.
I believe there is one God and that Jesus is the revelation of this God. I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe in the Trinity of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit. I believe God has the ability, and indeed does break into our time/space universe in supernatural ways, whether through miracles or divine revelation. I believe in the physical resurrection of the body of Jesus and that his people, whoever that might be, I cannot judge, will be resurrected and will receive new immortal bodies on God’s clock. I believe God will overcome the greatest evil, which is death, as was demonstrated with Jesus. I believe God’s demand is radical in all respects, but also creative: to love him, worship him, follow him, and to live out what Jesus taught by the help of the Holy Spirit.
4. How we determine good acts/choices.
I believe good acts and choices ought to be determined by taking into account a number of considerations. Secular experiences and study is important if it is carried out with an open mind. I believe scripture, both the Old and New Testaments for Christians, can be a helpful guide in life situations. However, I believe that the message of the historical Jesus ought to be the central authority for Christian theology. There are many human models that, by example, can also help us make good choices, including but not exclusively, Jesus, Gandhi, Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero, Thomas Merton and others. I believe a personal relationship with God is of the utmost importance in making good decisions.
5. Place of persecution, suffering, and failure in our lives.
I have already mentioned my views on natural and human evil as being causes for suffering in the world. I believe that it is important to approach issues of evil without using God to justify violence. Suffering exists and it is not beneficial in and of itself. I do believe that one can achieve personal growth from experiences of suffering. However, one can also just as easily personally destruct from suffering. When a group of people has suffered under oppressive situations, suffering can yield great power through resistance, either violent or nonviolent. Just as one could either personally grow or destruct as a result of suffering, so too can a group of people rise up and resist oppression through nonviolence or violence. It is the choice of the person or group as to how to respond to any given situation. Nonviolence is always the healthiest response to suffering as a result of oppression.
6. Purpose of human life.
I believe success is fulfilling one’s special purpose in life. I do not think success should be determined or understood in terms of financial, economical, or political status. Success is how well one faithfully practices a religion, while maintaining a moral conscience, and helping to achieve what is best for the common good. Someone might have a calling as an artist, a priest, a farmer, or perhaps something else. I think we all are called to love one another, to work for peace, and to serve the poor. I believe these callings are more important than one’s occupation. We all have creative gifts that can be used to successfully create better communities and a better world.
7. Place of justice.
The concept of justice has been explored by many minds from differing perspectives. What does it mean for an action to be just or justified? Inherent in this question is the implication that all actions are in some way subject to someone or something. In the world today one might say that all actions are subjected to national and international law. But, to what or to who are these universal laws subject? Who sets the standard for justice and peace in the world? Who enforces these set standards? Considering the vast diversity of perspectives in this world, it always amazes me that international agreements exist. It is a problem, however, that these “universal” standards are usually enforced by the most economically and militaristically powerful state. It troubles me to know that although these standards exist and powerful nations sign treaties in support of their existence, their enforcer is not subject to the agreements that have been made. When this occurs, these universal laws no longer carry any meaning, for the powerful enforcer is free to do whatever it takes in order to secure its status as such. This is a real issue that must be confronted head on. In order to establish any sort of justice and peace in this world, we must work toward agreement and unity amongst diversity. More importantly, all must be subject to these global agreements. No exceptions.
8. Role of security.
I do not think it is right to maintain security at the cost of others. Unfortunately, many times this seems to be the situation. I think that the security that we have in the U.S. is at the cost of others. I think particularly of the American lifestyle. For example, we use too much of the world’s natural resources, and we receive goods cheaply at the cost of others who many times aren’t paid fairly for their work. It is difficult, however, to live alternatively in a system like ours. Major corporations are everywhere selling cheap goods. It is in my best interest to buy these cheap goods, but many times it is not in the best interest of the common good. Sometimes I feel helpless because I love the freedom I have as an American to live for my own best interest. I also hate the freedom because I know that it is at the cost of many people around the globe. I try to buy locally at food co-ops and try to avoid corporations that do not trade fairly. I also actively protest systems that I believe to be unjust. As Americans I think it is important to understand that not everyone can live the way we do, and that the lifestyle we are encouraged to live by the media comes at a great cost. I believe this cost is not unfair to others and is not worth it. Practically, I believe it is impossible to maintain.
9. Promotion of defense of good/justice/freedom/security/prosperity.
I believe that in almost every conflict violence is not the best option. I believe that for Christians it is never the best option; instead, I believe we must always be working for peace. Although I could imagine a scenario in which violence could be justified, I would never be in support of it. I believe that active nonviolence as demonstrated by Gandhi, MLK, and many others, is the best way to work for peace. I believe this on a theological level and on a realistic level. I take Jesus’ demand to turn the other cheek seriously. I think the idea that violence creates peace is absurd, and ultimately doesn’t usually work.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you both as you begin new lives together.
Congratulations!
