The calm heart of the revolution
A Christian Science perspective: God, as Love, is present to give a voice to the voiceless, to support the heart yearning for freedom, and to ensure that His purpose is fulfilled.
When the popular uprisings began in Tunisia and Egypt, many of us – especially those like me who live in Berlin – were filled with empathy, wonder, and admiration. While the situation in Libya and Bahrain is still a major challenge, a fresh wind is blowing across North Africa and the Middle East. Throughout history, many revolutions have been triggered by humanity’s yearning to end bondage and a desire to leave oppression for a brighter future that includes a full and unconditional respect for human rights. The world is watching such revolutions, such active fights for radical change as are taking place right now.
The motive behind these revolutions needs a spiritual foundation if it is to bring the largest blessing. “God has built a higher platform of human rights, and He has built it on diviner claims,” wrote Mary Baker Eddy, in her book “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.” She went on, “These claims are not made through code or creed, but in demonstration of ‘on earth peace, good-will toward men’ ” (p. 226).
Although these revolutionary words were written in the 19th century, they couldn’t be timelier today. It is the spiritual, indestructible heritage of humanity that backs up human rights. For we are each more than vulnerable beings. “Man is the noblest work of God,” states a hymn (Mary Alice Dayton, “Christian Science Hymnal,” No. 51). Human rights stem from the dignity and worth of man as God’s image and likeness, and they have been granted to each one of us.
Revolutions show that there is a link between peace and justice, and unless this link is understood, unrest will persist until justice for all is realized. Yet even in the midst of chaotic change, such as we are witnessing today, I see the need to identify and find a calm deep within – a calm heart of the revolution. This calm heart is the pivotal point of true progress, where pure motives for protest against oppression have their home. These motives are impelled, strengthened, and supported by God, Truth. As much as humanity is struggling to find peace and empowerment for all, God holds the facts about His creation and unfolds the specifics of those facts to us. This calm heart of the revolution is a quiet heart in protest. It can find peace and rest in eternal promises and can unfold the dignity, worth, strength, and safety of everyone as God’s beloved, protected sons and daughters.
We all deserve the very best lives, and this life is revealed as we allow ourselves to be guided more and more by spiritual sense. Mary Baker Eddy, who founded the Monitor, wrote: “Truth brings the elements of liberty. On its banner is the Soul-inspired motto, ‘Slavery is abolished.’ The power of God brings deliverance to the captive. No power can withstand divine Love. What is this supposed power, which opposes itself to God? Whence cometh it? What is it that binds man with iron shackles to sin, sickness, and death? Whatever enslaves man is opposed to the divine government. Truth makes man free” (Science and Health, pp. 224-225).
We can support the link between everyone and the calm heart of the revolution by praying to see God’s continuous government of His creation. Humanity has a right to progress, and Truth is constantly revealing the way out of oppression into a brighter future. Christian Science gives us authority to affirm in prayer the freedom and fearlessness of life. We can honor Truth by listening to its clear verdict over hate and domination. Right where oppression and threats undermine the dignity of man, Truth speaks in favor of integrity, intelligence, and common sense.
God, as Love, is universally present to give a voice to the voiceless, to support the heart yearning for freedom, and to ensure that His purpose is fulfilled. The calm and poise of God’s continuous government of His spiritual creation are a promise for all who are working for a better future. A psalm states that “the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (37:11).
Whatever dishonors freedom, uprightness, and respect must eventually yield to God working His purpose out. The source of all intelligence ensures that no good effort is ever wasted and that every selfless motive has its reward. We can join the yearning hearts everywhere for a brighter future and participate in helping humanity find the calm heart of the revolution.