It's been a while since I’ve written a blog. The reasons for not writing were personal; but it's
time to get back to sharing a few thoughts from time to time. This is one
way that I can contribute to a just and loving world. It’s also been therapeutic for me to
write. So, thanks for listening…
There are many things that we can do to make our world a more just
and peace-filled island home. What I can contribute are words and
solidarity with those who choose to do more front-line protest. It’s a
small thing, but it is something...
While I'm not a conservative—anyone who reads this blog or knows
me will attest to that!—I agree with the 18th-century Irish
philosopher and parliamentarian, Edmund Burke, who said, "The only thing
necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [sic] to do nothing." Gandhi said similar things, as
did Martin Luther King, Jr. Anyone who
has felt at odds with the dominant culture has said something to the effect
that evil feeds on the complacency of ordinary people who choose to do nothing.
Do you know the name Martin Niemöller? He was a German anti-Nazi theologian and
Lutheran Pastor; he started off as a conservative in Germany and is a
controversial figure because of his early life.
However, he chose to become involved in the Confessing Church in Germany
and he deeply regretted his early views; he deeply regretted that he didn’t do
enough for Jews, Socialists, Gay and Lesbian people, and others discriminated against by the Nazis; he wrote these words after World War 2,
First, they came for the Socialists, and
I did not speak out—because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came
for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Trade
Unionist.
Then they came
for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came
for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
In many speeches Niemöller spoke a variation of the above quote; he included
other groups who’d been discriminated against by the Nazis.
The point is
that I’m joining my voice—at least this online voice—along with my preaching
and local activism in the fight against tribalism, bigotry and fear. I’m back to writing and if only one or two
people are listening, that’s at least something!
Peace.