Rene Girard, whose book Violence and the Sacred I have been reading with a group that meets over warm beer, claims that it is not differentiation between people but its end that causes violence and upheaval. Loss of distinctiveness is disastrous. At least, that is how the Greek tragedians saw things.
He says: 'Order, peace, and fecundity depend on cultural distinctions; it is not these distinctions but the loss of them that gives birth to fierce rivalries and sets members of the same family or social group at one another's throats.' p. 52
This is emphasised by the presence in mythology and in classical literature (and biblical literature) of the phenomenon of warring brothers, and especially twins. Think Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau: they are two similar to ever live in peace with one another.
Modern society's aspiration to equality among its citizens prevents us from perhaps getting how dangerous an idea it can be! As Shakespeare puts it in Troilus and Cressida:
How could communities,
Degrees in schools, and brotherhoods in cities,
Peaceful commerce from dividable shores,
The primogenitive and due of birth,
Prerogative of age, crowns, sceptres, laurels
But by degree, stand in authentic place?
Take but degree away, untune that string,
And, hark, what discord follows!
Do we see this rationale also in Paul's description of the organic order of the Christian community in 1 Corinthians? Differences for him in that epistle are not the cause of disorder but in fact the fount of a unique kind of peace and order; an order that is both 'natural', and also 'spiritual'...
Hmm. (scratches non-existent beard.)
1 comment:
Michael… how about the way in which this dynamic plays out in other areas? Like family.
Many of us gravitate toward and marry those who are in some ways personality opposites. Then when the children come, we see more differences. I haven’t met anyone yet (other than parents of multiples) who say that the first child is just like the second child… “night and day” is the normative description. Why is that?
As it relates to husbands and wives, it would seem that our differences have a way of “rounding us out.” As parents, these differences, if mutually respected, can be a tremendous asset. I’m creative and nurturing. My husband is analytical and a stronger disciplinarian. And our boys seem to need both.
Similar dynamic in the non-scientific work world, be it corporate or ministry. Have you ever tried to accomplish something tangible and excellent with a team of people who are all for the most part analytically wired… or, alternately, all creative? More often than not, something vital is missing in the end. Worst case, you've got a train on its side.
Seems that our distinctiveness/differences (interesting to see those two words side by side, isn't it?) serve up a complex dynamic that can divide us… or knit us together… or, in any given day or situation, do a bit of both.
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