We Want a Transcended Parent

Dear St. John’s,

One of the ways to get Hans, my pup, to relax is by playing classical music; so, I have my radio tuned into NPR throughout the day. They usually have news reports every top of the hour, which ironically gives me anxiety if I hear too many updates. Sometimes I often change the channel or turn it off during that time.

This past week, while having NPR playing in the background, I heard something along the lines of, “Trump threatens to destroy Iranian civilization.” A quick Google search later confirmed this was true:

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will…WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight,” he posted on Truth Social.

The President was quickly rebuked for his post by everybody from the Pope, to Republican politicians, and even some of his MAGA base. He eventually reneged on his threat; however, he has made threats before (going after political enemies, ousting the Venezuela president) and made good on it. It seems like once things have gone too far; the President finds a way to push things even further.

Similar to NPR updates, I feel like my reflections (and those of fellow clergy) have a common theme: “these are troubling times.” And they are.

However, another consistent theme is that of hope. In this week’s reading from Psalms, the author writes, “Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord, my good above all other." (Psalm 16:1)

One criticism from atheists/agnostics is that Christians are looking for some sort of “transcended parent” to help us deal with the troubles of life. To which I say, “You’re damn right!”

Do I want to place my faith in the government, or the tech industry, or in humanity in general, for ultimate salvation? -- No thanks.

Nations and autocrats come and go, as do religions and ideologies. God, however, is the anchor to which reality clings to, whether God is acknowledged or not. 

In Christ,

Anthony+