Alexander Solzhenitsny says, “I must say that among educated people, politics occupies far too great a proportion of their time. . .Questions of higher spirit cannot even be compared to the sort of blinking frivolity of politics. The ultimate problems of life and death show the colossal nature of this difference even more…People are prepared to stuff their heads with anything, and to talk on any subject, while actually blocking off any true contemplation of the [whole] issue. This is the reason for the increased pettiness of our society, and our concentration on the small and the irrelevant.”
Although I largely agree with him, there must be a good meaning to politics too. Power must also be used to speak some truths and to protect the voiceless, and it sometimes does. Yet we know that huge money, low level sound bites to create alppearances for low level consciousness, human ego and vanity, and the endless need to get re-elected seems to compromise everything today. Maybe it always has. I can see why Jesus largely ignored the whole system in his lifetime, and just lived and taught at a higher level where truth and reality were possible.
This sums up alot of the political discussions I’ve heard. They exhaust me, and it seems that very little “light” gets in – more like an excercise in letting off steam (or hot air). Thank you for sharing this way of seeing.
Richard,
You and Parker Palmer need to connect on this. Check out his new book, Healing The Heart Of Democracy.
Thanks for your ministry
I often hear many people, including many Christians, speaking about the frivolity of politics. While I understand their sentiment and frustration, especially in our current state where politicians can’t seem to get anything done, I feel that it is often short-sighted.
While politics might seem frivolous, policy is enormously important. People literally live and die based on various policies created by politicians. Policy builds roads, cares for the poor, provides healthcare (or not), and countless other things vital to human life.
While politics will never save us from ourselves, as a believer I find fewer places to enact greater positive change in the lives of the poor, voiceless, and often forgotten.
A very insightful statement on the effects of politics in our world. Political issues cannot be ignored. It seems they have a greater influence on our lives than ever before.
You said it so well! Politics does result in policy, and I think that we have to look at each candidate’s views on the areas that Jesus (not established religions) seemed to think were important. He most wanted to help the poor, the sick, and the powerless. We certainly cannot excpect politicians to be Jesus, but what effect would their intended policies have on “the least of our brothers and sisters”?
I see Jesus as a political and religious dissenter. I also realize that this isn’t the typical image, but then I’ve always walked a narrow path.
What I pray for is strength to be a voice for peace and justice. That would coincide with my image of Jesus as a brave activist. The one who put his life and reputation on the line for others.
When I read about other countries like Norway, that have evolved and became a more just society, because of the work from the people at the bottom, I am encouraged. I would hope that our country could also one day be more just.
I realize that I am not always the model of peace and justice in my own life, but I am trying. With the assistance of our loving God who works even with broken pots like myself, I may make a dent in the unjust system. But then, maybe not.
I am tempted to print several copies of this and hand it to anyone who tries to engage me in a political discussion…. and I use the word “discussion” even though in reality they usually want to argue their side to sway me to agree with their position and opinion.
“I can see why Jesus largely ignored the whole system in his lifetime, and just lived and taught at a higher level where truth and reality were possible.”
Yeah, that makes sense to me because it’s really all I’ve been able to come up with so far when looking around at the way things are going. There will always be people who aren’t interested in peace, love and justice and there will always be people who are. You kind of have to overlook the whole dysfunctional system and realize it’s like fighting city hall……some groups will break off and form their own community and make a positive contribution. I think that’s all we can do — and leave the rest to God.
“To care and not to care” at the same time…and learning to breathe under water…
Was “re-elected” chosen over “elected” purposefully? Should “elected” have been a more neutral choice? Does it appear a political side has been supported by your choice of words?
I too agree with Solzhenitsny. And I see the preoccupation a bit more from the left side of the spectrum. Perhaps this is why the narrative seems to be driven more from the left and the questions framed within a leftward worldview, which can easily draw the conversation into the small dualist world of political correctness. I would add that using power, which usually comes in the form of coercion to speak up for the voiceless, sometimes was obviously necessary and helpful. Now, at least with regard to most of the poor in this country, not so much when almost all in this country live like kings and queens did one hundred years ago. As I have heard you say Richard, “ As Christians we only really have two rights: to love and forgive.” Well, I guess it is obvious which side of the political spectrum I lean. And perhaps this type conversation is the best politics, at least in this country we can hope for now, especially in light of what we are in for this year. It is not going to be pretty. Sigh…for me just a closer walk with thee into more reality and truth…by his grace.
Some here might resonate with a conversation on these:
The 7 Modern Sins:
- Politics without principles
- Pleasures without conscience
- Wealth without work
- Knowledge without character
- Industry without morality
- Science without humanity
- Worship without sacrifice.
by Canon Frederic Donaldson
at
http://shalomplace.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/72410135/m/8594097318?r=2254020418#2254020418
I wonder if the whole nature of politics is that most perceive it as some sort of “POWER” … keeps most individuals looking toward politics as some sort of promise land … a high water mark of something … an entity that will do and have others do what we are not interested in doing (or lost track of knowing how to do ourselves) … as in providing services and jobs to those in need?
Seems I need to wake up more myself and follow what keeps nagging at me to do … forget all of this easy living stuff and get a bit messier with life in general.
We should remember that both Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Christ worked in societies where the ability of the individual to affect positive change was quite constrained. Rendering other Caesar aside, it is hard to think how Christ would recommend people to act or witness in today’s democratic nations, especially when it concerns political activity. Christ was explicit regarding where out attention and concern in the world should be focused — on the poor, the needy, the outcast, the criminal. Act accordingly.
For me a starting point is to take several steps back. No matter how disagreeable a politician is, of whatever color, he/she is still a human being, with all the good the Creator has given us somewhere in there.. Something I keep having to remind myself when thinking about the RC Administration Head-office. De-demonizing the opposition would be another way to say that.
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How small the part of all that human hearts endure
Can laws or kings either cause or cure.
Samuel Johnson
Mother Theresa didn’t care much for politics either. She just did what had to be done. She had the right idea.
Thank you Richard for you constant support and insight. Blessings.
Lisa Horner. M. Div. student at Marylhurst University.
Fr. Richard’s daily meditation for today is centered around moving from survival to the sacred. He notes that maturity is only gained when we realize that the world’s perceived comforts and assurances can only get us so far. I think Fr. Richard’s insights are very applicable to the recent political process as well. We have seen that in the last few years all of our assumed guarantees as Americans, gainful employment, stability, wealth, a nice car, a nice house, and relative easy living, are perhaps not as certain as we have always thought. The economic “crisis” has left many wondering whether all of these promises have vanished or if they can ever be recovered as a basic surety of American existence. In turn, the different political factions and groups are all offering their take on the solution. There is a full on campaign at restoring these once sacredly held precepts that one could expect to find here in American middle class life.
All of that said, I think the current conditions in our country present a unique opportunity for the American Christian. As the daily meditation notes “The rug has to be pulled out from beneath our game, so we redefine what balance really is.” Indeed, some of those absolutes have been called into question and I think we have a couple of choices. We can either panic and fret at what we perceive to be the loss of the American dream or as Christians use it as an opportunity to redefine the basis of our existence in this country and in this world. I think the “second half of life” perspective on all of this calls us to ultimately recognize what our basic grounding in life really is. Have we based our ability to be happy solely on shear abundance of material goods and resources or can we begin to look anew at our country and our world?
By no means do I think that recent economic or political difficulties have rendered the American dream lifeless. However, I do think the “second half of life” perspective is the only thing that will help us find peace in all the uncertainty that is bound to unfold as we sort out the many economic difficulties that we are going to face in the coming decade. On the other hand, our political discourse seems to keep telling us that if we can just get back to being consumers again, all will be resolved. I think Jesus would have some very cautious words to say about this and I think somewhere deep inside of us we all know that the answer to the human condition isn’t another flat screen tv or smartphone. The answer to the current conditions in our world will only be found in “second half of life” thinking and solutions. Nothing else can substitute.
Yes Josh, well said. My heart’s desire is that whatever comes next, we as a nation do not forget the goodness, grace, and feedom that we all stand on and that our ‘communion of saints’ will enbrace us with the wisdom to include all and transcend –walking ever more in hope and connection.
Was there a time in our short history when educated people occupied too great a proportion of their time towards political goals that contemplated (and incorporated) questions of higher spirit – to form a more perfect nation? I believe so, which gives me hope in the possibility of good politics.
Are we saying that we should turn our back on politics because we have a higher calling. I believe that Jesus was very political. He pissed off the establishment enough to have him crucified. Jesus taught us to reach out to the less fortunate, That involves us getting to the heart of the poor and oppressed and advocating on their behalf, This is Politics of compassion and unconditional love for those in most need,