BY DR. AGONSON
The furies were tamed, and we received law over revenge.
There is a tragic nature to Christianity that few non-Christians understand, and even among Christians, I do not always see an awareness of it: Though we look to a great hope, the present for Christians is mourning, hunger, and thirst. We hope for comfort, hope for justice, long for righteousness. Yet for now, it is better to be in the house of mourning.
Let me speak as a madman then, for what I say next is madness, for it is a truth spoken under oppression: We should kill our leaders. Many, I will not say all, are the hypocrites which load great burdens upon the shoulders of the people, burdens they will not lift themselves. Understand, these are the words of a madman.
Let me speak, then, not as a madman, but as a foreigner speaking to a strange world, for temperance is a language no one understands: The furies are awakening, and they are terrible. Nature herself will balance the scales—not to bring justice, but revenge. These are the words of myth foreign to the world of rationalism.
Let me speak, then, and let me speak as a Christian, as an American, and as a Westerner: I want to be free, I want others to be free, but freedom is a choice between masters. Socrates admits that the wise man will stay with a good master, and Paul tells us that we are no longer slaves to the good master, but sons and heirs of God. Yet, so many are those wanting to tear Athens and Jerusalem apart, I fear my words cannot be heard.
Let me speak then, as best I can, as myself, for I am a multitude: I am praying day and night for my nation. Our election, whether fair or foul, appears foul to many, more so as our leaders forbid and allow others to forbid any public discussion or questioning of it. Our leaders, who sit in a position deserving respect, are contemptible. Our nation has no more knowledge of God, little knowledge of ethics, and our leaders are responsible. Our leaders have torn down the walls keeping them from corruption, but now I see no walls to keep out Madam Guillotine. I want neither.
Let us pray and turn to God, for . . .
Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.
Tale Told 