Disorder

Friends,

I am writing this evening following the recent news of the death of a beloved brother-in-law, and the impact it has on a circle of family and friends. And I am aware now my sister will need to consider a myriad of changes and opportunities in her life. 

Most of us who have lived a number of years have experienced these various levels of “disordering” in our lives: cancer, divorce, death, serious illness of a loved one, unexpected loss of a job, betrayals, among others. When “things fall apart” our lives are thrown into confusion, heart aching loss, and uncertain next steps. Depending on the seriousness of these events in our lives, and our ability to overcome them, some times we can look back and realize, as difficult as they were at the time, these disorientations evoked a number of opportunities for needed growth. Many people report a whole new appreciation of the gift of life after cancer.  And in the midst of crisis we discover a new level of loving support from friends and neighbors, and the confidence in our own stamina, will, and character. This is especially true when and if we can later realize we actually needed to break from our lifestyle complacency and various dysfunctions in our workplace, habits, or marriage, for example. In other words, a time of disorder in our lives forces us to examine how we now want to live on the other side of the challenge of putting our lives “back together again.” And we hope the outcome will be positive and hopeful.

In general I have begun to think some level of systemic disordering is actually necessary to facilitate (force?) potential personal or organization growth. Assumptions about our personal and systemic values and life commitments often need to be fundamentally changed. Historically I find that great and crucial social change has happened when the status quo is profoundly - and often dangerously - confronted. The prophetic tradition of the biblical narrative, from the Hebrew prophets to the ministry of Jesus, and all who have continued to denounce the indifference and privilege of power and wealth, have also provided instead a model of a God of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness for those willing to change. But reforms fomented by the Hebrew prophets and Jesus, were more likely to occur during a time of cultural crisis, oppressive, indifferent governance and an exclusive, ritualized religious practice that neglected the poor and marginalized. In these chaotic times the prophetic teaching and example continue to burn as embers of hope that tend our faith and practice by calling and expressing compassion and mercy in our daily, communal and political lives. 

In conclusion, I have to extend my thoughts above to wonder whether the Trump administration is some form of drastic disordering of a planet plagued by the threats of environmental, economic, and political collapse. Is there some redemption possible from this unfathomable crisis the MAGA world has created? Trump’s announcement this week that he is only accountable to his own morality and intuition seems to be the final nadir of his megalomania. And to declare himself equal or greater than my understanding of a compassionate and merciful God is the ultimate sacrilege, and I can only fear for him and all of us as a result. None of this can know where and how this disordered time will end. 

But I am encouraged to know that the repeated crises recorded in the prophetic biblical narrative always end with a positive historical direction empowered by the ultimate expression of God’s love. The Jesus love ethic of nonviolence and inclusiveness has offered humanity a powerful model for the world to follow. Gandhi expressed it well when he said how much he respected Jesus’ teaching of the Sermon on the Mount and wished it would actually be tried.

And that’s our charge, friends. The incredible disordering of the world today provides humanity an opportunity to reorder it. And my prayer now is that the world, from whatever human leadership or source of wisdom, courage, and imagination, is able to capture the empowerment of the love necessary to create and sustain the necessary changes. And I guess that means it needs to start with us, friends. The crowds gathered today to resist Trump's belligerent expansionism, and the other widespread demonstrations against oppression in Minnesota and throughout the world are hopeful and encouraging signs, and thanks to all for your active involvement in this exciting but perilous world.

Peace,
Tom