12-03-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 3, 2024
On this day in 1938, the Nazi party signed the Decree on the Utilization of Jewish Property. This was just one of many steps to legalize the dehumanizing and disempowering of the Jewish people, all in a systematic program of ultimate annihilation. Sadly, human history is littered with such stories, and they all begin with someone who is driven by greed and a desire for power. Scapegoating is one of the single best ways of creating an Us vs Them world, transforming those who posed no real threat into some sort of dangerous monster. Fear of what is different becomes a powerful force that ignores all rational thought or genuine challenges to this unchecked force. In this country, we have seen it happen to indigenous peoples, people of color, immigrants, and other marginalized groups, including those in the LGBTQ community. I can only speak from a Christian perspective, but we mustn’t be easily enticed into such perilous games. They may commence with unkind words or what might appear to be a rather innocent joke about “those people,” but there will always be those who exploit people’s insecurities and grievances for their own selfish ends. During the time of Jesus’ birth, the religious and political systems frequently blamed the impoverished and those afflicted with disease for any societal issue, implying that poverty and disease were divine punishments and indicators of their guilt. The location of Jesus’ birth was the beginning of his work to dismantle any sort of scapegoating. He was a counter narrative to the absurd, yet destructive process of blaming and demonizing a powerless and often marginalized group. Followers of Jesus should be the first to identify and condemn this behavior, and if necessary, to physically stand as witnesses to the selfless love of God.

It may not always be popular, and it could even be risky, but I will stand with you, O God of boundless love, for you are the One who stands with people who are victimized by those who pursue power at any cost. Amen.