I posted a video on my YouTube page yesterday about The Atlantic article asking for "Pandemic Amnesty".
Check it out here:
There are already things I wish I would have said differently or provided further commentary on.
If it's not obvious from watching the first 5 minutes or so, I was (and AM) extremely pissed off by all of the authoritarian abuses during this pandemic. It's completely outrageous when you step back and look at what happened. There were hundreds of clips I could have chose from, but I think this gives a decent recap.
At the end of the video, I argue that we should not respond in kind with the same hateful and divisive actions we endured. I realize this is not emotionally satisfying. I'd love to "get revenge" on those who made my life difficult. (for not taking a vaccine, for example) I didn't lose my job during this pandemic, so maybe this is easier for me to say than others. But I reached a point where I thought I might. That was an incredibly stressful time and I can absolutely empathize with those who did lose their job.
The Biblical response should be much different. I read from Romans 12:14-21 in the video. Verse 14: "Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them."
WHAT?! Doesn't God know how hard that is?! It's completely unnatural!
SIDE NOTE: The very next chapter (Romans 13) is the most quoted scripture that seems to conflict with anarchism. "Everyone must submit to the governing authorities..." I don't think I've written on this chapter, so maybe I'll do that sometime soon. But my point is that Romans 12 is just as difficult of a passage!
Just because it's difficult doesn't mean it's impossible. I think half the country got duped into believing government and corporate propaganda. Most of these folks did what they did because they truly believed their actions helped others. But I do have contempt for those in power who manipulated people and turned them against each other. Those people should be removed from power and probably locked up for their crimes against humanity. (Fauci, for sure) Or because they violated their oath to the constitution, or whatever reason.
But that's not my life mission. My life mission should be to spread the Good News. Who would listen to you if you're full of rage? "Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good." Romans 12:21
If you have thoughts, feel free to comment on the video or respond here. Thanks for reading and take care!
-Steve
Comments