Overcoming the Materialist Illusion: Embracing Courage on the Path to Bearing the Cross
Jurgen Moltmann had great insight when in 1974 he described the breakdown of America and the Church. We see his opinions displayed today more than ever. We have social discord and moral breakdown. Christians have been drawn into the vortex of secular political advocacy at the expense of their witness and faith in Christ. False prophets are rampant with many people, including Christians willingly buying into their conspiracies and falsehoods.
Tribalism is also pervasive, often built around lies and conspiracies. Belonging to a cult of personality (Trump) has become more important to many Americans than truth and honor. Visions of lemmings running off a cliff or monkey see monkey do come to mind.
The claim that God sent a Cyrus is also flawed because if that was the case that is a penalty, a punishment. There are NO political Saviors. Now we all have our biases and opinions and I certainly have mine. This brings us to the materialist illusion.
The materialist Illusion more or less says: “‘Change yourself’, some say, ‘and then your circumstances will also change.’ The kingdom of God of freedom is supposed to do only with persons. Unfortunately, the circumstances will not oblige. Capitalism, racism, and inhuman technocracy quietly develop their way. The causes of misery are no longer found in the inner attitudes of men but have been institutionalized. ‘Change the circumstances’ others say, and men will change with them.’ The kingdom of God and of freedom is supposed to be only a matter of circumstances and structures. Unfortunately, however, men will not oblige. Breakdowns in marriage, drug addiction, suicide, and alcoholism continue undisturbed. Structures that make people unhappy can be broken down, but no guarantee is attached that men will be happy. Thus, both must be done at the same time. Personal inner change without change in circumstances and structures is an idealist illusion, as though man were only a soul and not a body as well. But change in external circumstances without inner renewal is a materialist illusion, as though men were only a product of social circumstances and nothing else. The discussion of Christian practice cannot fall below the level of Karl Marx’s third thesis on Feuerbach:
“The materialist doctrine that men are the products of circumstances and upbringing, and that, therefore, changed men are the product of other circumstances and changed upbringing, forgets that it is men who change circumstances and that the educator himself needs educating…The coincidence of the changing circumstances and of human activity can be conceived and rationally understood only as a revolutionary practice.”
This is true of all practical action in history which is aimed at liberation. If the title ‘Christ’ refers to the redeemer and liberator, then the practical ‘Christian’ action can only be directed towards the liberation of man from his inhumanity. Consequently, the ‘coincidence’ of the change in circumstances and of human activity as a change in man himself applies to Cristian practice to an eminent degree. The alternative between arousing faith in the heart and the changing of the godless circumstances of dehumanizing man is a false one, as is the other alternative, which hinders by paralyzing.”
So today in America and no doubt the world we find ourselves returning to the prideful pursuit of autonomy and expressive individualism. God’s infallible truth is to be ignored and twisted to be a dog whistle for our truth. We openly worship Politicians and conspiracies and create things like technology and science.
1 Timothy 4: 1-5 1Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
Our rebellion both spiritual and physical is nothing new. Humanity has been destroyed numerous times because of it. Today we occupy a unique vantage point. Will we look with eyes that can see or will we continue down our path of delusion and pride? You decide.