Misinformation & Change

How do we create the change in the world we endeavor when social media is toxic and full of disinformation and hatred from others simply because we have different beliefs? What would Jesus say?

I’m not sure what Jesus would say, but I’m sure he would be disappointed in us not being able to be in a relationship with one another because of all the toxic garbage that comes between us. I agree with you that so much of social media is full of disinformation that causes folks to be twisted into believing in all kinds of things that aren’t good for us or society. 

If you are on social media and see a post of misinformation that upsets you, think about the person and why they would share such a post and spread the misinformation. There is no need to argue with the person in the thread. Nine times out of ten, that’s what they’re looking for. My advice is to scroll on and look at something uplifting.

Some people deeply trust this misinformation because it supports their agenda or way of thinking. The way some fiercely defend falsehoods is dangerous, and it destroys relationships. I believe if it is something that destroys relationships, it is evil. (see the post HERE where I attempt to define evil)

How do we create change? One act of love at a time. We can be the change in the world, participate in the processes of change, and show the world that there is a different way of life and love as we follow Christ. It will be difficult, but if we continue to seek the high ground and not get baited into useless arguments on social media, we can make a difference.

Remember always to love one another as you love yourself. Love God, and love one another.

Evil & the World

How can there be so much evil in the world? What makes people evil?

In short, evil is anything that draws us from the love of God in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Evil represents actions that are morally wrong, harmful, or cause suffering, often intentionally, with disregard for others' well-being. In our Baptismal Covenant, we promise to persevere in resisting evil, and whenever we fall into sin, we are to repent and return to the Lord. We do this with God's help (BCP 304).

I don't think people are evil. However, I do think people who are not in right relationship with God do evil things. Some cannot overcome their propensity to harm. Some humans hurt each other in displays of power and greed, thinking only of themselves. The harm and hurt can be characterized as evil by the definition above. 

I don't know why there is so much evil in the world. However, I understand that the world is a hurting place that needs restoration and love from God. I'm not sure society cares much about having a right relationship with God. Therefore, it's up to us, the followers of Jesus, to show society through our actions and love what a good relationship with God looks like. We don't go around correcting or condemning others, but we model the good behaviors that show love, honor, and respect. Hopefully, they too will repent and turn to God. Maybe then, there will be less evil in the world.

Evil & God's Intervention

There is so much evil, hatred, disregard of the laws/Constitution now in this country – why does God not intervene?

I want to break this down so I can consider what you’re asking. Sometimes, it’s better for me to define things as I go, to let you know how I’m thinking about them.

Evil can be defined as those things that draw us from God’s love or seek to destroy God’s creatures. Evil has always been and is in society. It strives for power and drives us apart by highlighting our differences and instilling fear between us. Sometimes humans do evil things, but I refuse to believe that humans are inherently evil. Evil can cause hatred brought on by fear. We are often afraid of and condemn what we don't understand or what we can't control. The early church tried to help by identifying the “seven deadly sins” to help us recognize the presence of evil. They are: gluttony, lust, greed, envy, wrath, sloth, and pride. These things are diametrically opposed to the love and grace we have received from God in Jesus Christ.

As far as the disregard for laws and the Constitution in this country, there is another layer. The principles of the Constitution include checks and balances, individual rights, liberty, limited government, natural rights theory, republican government, and popular sovereignty. While the framers included the basics in September 1787, those ideas were debated until it was ratified in June 1788. This included the first 10 articles we know as the “Bill of Rights.” Over the years, the Constitution has been amended to reflect a greater embrace of the people it governs, starting with an understanding of the need for certain freedoms, such as religion, speech, and assembly. These amendments began in 1791 and continue today. I would almost say that the amendments adding the abolition of slavery in 1865, women’s right to vote in 1920, and equal rights (proposed in 1971 – not yet ratified) express a broader embrace of our freedoms and rights under the Constitution. Laws are ways of enforcing the Constitution and should help us live peacefully in a well-governed and well-maintained civil society. The Constitution is only as good a document as those willing to live by it and defend it. I’m not sure why there is such disregard for the established and proven norms that govern our society.

To your overall question, I think that’s where evil comes in. Evil wants division and hatred. Evil thrives in chaos and dysfunction. Evil destroys the people of God, having them turn on each other. Sometimes this evil is caused by whoever is in power. Sometimes it's perpetuated by others. I personally feel that, whatever it is, we, as a people, have the power to stop it.

The litmus test I use when trying to view any situation through a Christian lens is “if it’s not of love, it’s not of God.” I ask myself, “Where do I see unity, equity, respect, dignity, and restoration?” Where is God in the context of all the chaos? The presence of God may come to us through a situation or a person. Mr. Rogers, of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” told the children, “In the middle of all the bad stuff happening around you, look for the helpers.”

I think that brings us to the final part of your question: Why doesn’t God intervene? God’s ways are not our ways. We shouldn’t think of God as a genie that grants us wishes, and we shouldn’t think of God as a puppet master manipulating situations on earth. We should remember that as Christians, we are referred to as the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12).

It was St. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) who is credited with this excellent thought: 

Christ has no body but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

Yours are the eyes with which he looks

Compassion on this world,

Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,

Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,

Yours are the eyes, you are his body.

Christ has no body now but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

Yours are the eyes with which he looks

Compassion on this world.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

We are Christ’s body. We are how God intervenes. We are the helpers. We are the ones who can advocate for love and good. We are the followers of Christ who serve each other and care for one another. Optimistically, as the body of Christ, we can be the beacon of hope in a broken world where evil and hatred exist.