INTERNATIONAL
PASTORAL
CARE
NETWORK
FOR
SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
|
INTERNATIONAL
PASTORAL
|
|
by Dr. James Farris The theme of this newsletter article is Demonization. Not Demonization in its classical, or historical, forms in Roman Catholic doctrine. I am afraid that such a discussion is well beyond my grasp as theologian and therapist. I want to discuss the Demonization of George W. Bush, the United States, Saddam Hussein, Ben Laden, and anyone else that we do not like, do not agree with, or are afraid of. I live and teach in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and in this context the process of Demonization often includes the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and what is generally referred to as Globalization. This does not mean that any, or all, of the above mentioned persons and institutions are not capable of considerable violence against and disrespect of the rights and lives of others. They most certainly are, at least when viewed from a perspective that respects and values the lives of others. The problem is that, at least from a Pastoral Perspective, Demonization goes beyond naming and condemning the violence done against others. Demonization is a very popular process in times of insecurity, doubt and confusion. It is a process that involves categorically separating the good guys from the bad guys. However, Demonization goes further than mere separation. The good guys are not only good, they take on the guise of the Holy or the Righteous. The bad guys are not only bad, they take on the guise of the Damned or the Satanic. This is a very comfortable universe to live in. Everyone, at least those doing the Demonizing, knows exactly where they belong. They are either absolutely good or absolutely bad. There are no shades of gray. There is no doubt. There are so many examples of Demonizing occurring in current world politics that it is difficult to choose from among the many possibilities. Jerry Falwell's comments about Islam are an excellent example. George W. Bush's labeling the Iraqi Regime as an Axis of Evil is another marvelous instance. The September 11th attack clearly demonstrates an attitude of Demonization. However, there are other, more complex, examples. I have been blessed with many friends from all over the world. As such, I receive e-mails from an almost unimaginable variety of sources and perspectives. I have a dear friend who is, from my perspective, just left of Genghis Kahn in terms of politics. To say that he is "conservative" is an understatement. The jokes and political commentaries he shares with me Demonize just about anybody who disagrees with George W. Bush, Colin Powell and so forth. I have another friend who is so "aggressively liberal" that I am truly amazed. The jokes and political commentaries that he shares with me Demonize just about anybody who might suggest that the word "conservative" should be included in the English language. To make matters more complex, both of my friends are actively involved in the Christian Church. When I began my work as a minister in the United Methodist Church, some 25 years ago, I believed deeply that to be pastoral meant to love everyone, accept everything, and always try to reconcile differences. I translated that to mean that I should not say "no", and that it was my duty and responsibility, as a "Good Christian," to always try to restore peace and harmony. In other words, I equated being a "Good Christian" with always trying to make amends, please everyone and generally abandon my principles. Early on in my ministry I failed to understand that being a "Good Christian" did not mean abandoning my power, my will and my values. I have changed a great deal since then. I now believe that "Universal Truths" do exist, though it is quite hard to pin them down. My responsibility as person and pastor is to support and defend principles such as "Love", "Justice" and "Equality". The problem is that from all apparent evidence George W. Bush, Jerry Falwell, and my two dear friends who send me e-mails believe the same thing. In fact, they seem quite sure about what these words and principles mean in any given moment or situation, and I still have frequent doubts. So, in the midst of it all, what does it mean to be "Christian," to be "Pastoral," and to seek "Social Responsibility?" As the International Pastoral Care Network for Social Responsibility, IPCNSR, how is it that we can best be "Pastoral" and seek "Social Responsibility?" I am afraid that my answer is more about what not to do than it is what to do. We must intentionally and consciously avoid falling into the trap of Demonizing the "Other". We must declare our beliefs, our "Truths," in such a way that recognizes that "We" are not the "good guys," and "They" the "bad guys." We must say "NO" when it is time to say "NO" and "YES" when it is time to say "YES," but always remember that the "Truth" is very elusive. The moment we Demonize those that we disagree with, even when we do so with the best of intentions and from the moral "High Ground," we have lost our center and our direction.
Dr. James Farris
|
