Three features of human achievement in antiquity were the faith of Israel, the democracy of Greece, and the law of Rome; yet it was these that led to the crucifixion of Jesus.
Does this mean that there is no sense in believing Scriptural faith, the rule of law, and democratic demands? God forbid! But we can see how faith can be corrupted, law debased, and democracy manipulated.
There is a message for us all in South Africa in this our moment of truth and trial. When we glibly bandy around words such as “our Christian faith tells us”,”democracy demands” and “the rule of law insists”, we should be sure to utter them in the right order — God’s order.
To the question “Is God on our side?” I reply, with Abraham Lincoln: “Please God, may we be on his.” Only thus can we be sure we are not among those who would crucify Jesus anew in pursuit of a “good” cause.
Aideen Gonlag, St Michaels-on-Sea, KZN
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