Watershed

The Protestant Reformation ushered in change of seismic proportion. One could argue that it was change born of necessity, born in response to abusive power. It was change whose time had come. Martin Luther and the other reformers took exception to the status quo, dared to be faithful to interpretations of scripture that had somehow been lost or buried amidst the typically human tendency toward making it “all about me.”

What a rotten philosophy, mantra, whatever you want to call it. It is an infection that seeks to permeate every aspect of our lives. It is an appeal to our basest instincts. Advertisers and marketers have long known about and exploited it. People in high places are poisoned by it, their judgment clouded by it.

And, one could argue, it is responsible for our fear and loathing of change. If everything is always “about me,” then control is what we seek. And change that doesn’t suit is unwelcome.

Faith, in contrast, gives up control. It resets our bearings, helps us see and feel differently, and act on behalf of others. Change isn’t necessarily any easier, just less threatening.