I had an interesting conversation with a friend who identifies as a liberal Christian. He is always harping on the evils of capitalism and the narrowness of evangelicals (as opposed to his expansive interpretation of biblical doctrine). Concern for the poor in the form of government welfare is the mark of compassion. Judging others by condemning individual sin seems to be the only sin worthy of judgment. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) tends to roll off his tongue. You may know the type.
At any rate, he found a fascinating article where a liberal economist claimed that “Capitalism simply isn’t working.” Amazing. Breathtaking. A liberal  (actually a French Socialist) economist  found flaws in capitalism. Who even thought that was possible?
He posted it on Facebook and a debate ensued. Because he tagged me, I read the article and shredded what, to my mind, were erroneous assumptions. I offered alternative perspectives, such as those of Anne Bradley of the Institute for Faith, Work, & Economics who recently spoke to students at Charleston Southern University about why inequality exists.
In the ensuing debate, this friend wrote: “You’re probably right about [a previous point]. I’m just sick of hearing it from Christians who have no interest in social justice or equality. It’s become a catch phrase and convenient excuse to ignore Jesus’ commands on the subject.”
Translation: A real Christian would care about the poor the way I do (e.g., by opposing capitalism and embracing the welfare state just like Jesus would). It was a not so subtle attempt to bully–to control through condemnation.
Judge Not
I replied: “I am not picking a fight but I am always fascinated by liberals who are offended that others do not “care” the way they do. This is just an observation. Why do they need to control others’ minds? That is the essence of what totalitarian regimes do. I wish they would not feel the need to control me and leave me and my conscience to God.”
To his credit, he replied: “That’s an excellent point. I don’t think I’m quite Stalin, but you’re right; I should reconsider statements like this.”
What is the Cause of  Tyranny?
I have thought about this a lot over the last few days. What causes people to force their views on others? Why force your ideas on others? After all, if your ideas are so self-evidently correct, shouldn’t your most dense, obtuse opponents be convinced of it too? Can’t you let others choose what to believe? Even Jesus says, ” I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20).
If God will not force you to believe in him, why do we force each other to embrace our positions?
All tyranny seeks control. This could be the tyranny of Stalin, the liberal who wants to force you to adopt his views by passing a law making it illegal to have your viewpoint, or the manager at work who will not tolerate dissent. Tyranny cannot permit alternatives from the official position, and this is especially true of freedom of conscience.
Let’s set aside the reality that rapists and murders must be stopped because they are harming others. Let’s also agree that because bad people exist, we need a military and police to protect citizens from people would otherwise do them harm. Â Beyond matters of simple justice, why can’t we largely leave people to choose for themselves rather than feel the need to choose for them? Said another way, why can’t we minimize coercion?
Bad ideas and Fear
My suspicion is that tyranny is birthed by the metaphorical mother and father of bad ideas and fear. Fear demands force. If you are not afraid that your ideas are superior, you feel no compulsion to control others.
By bad ideas, I mean ideas that are not accepted by others. Whether they are bad  because they are inherently flawed or not simply not understood is immaterial. They are not embraced so they must be imposed by the wiser, more noble [tyrant, legislator, activist, boss, or friend]. Moreover, this tendency is only magnified by a sense of self-righteousness.
In God in the Dock [“in the dock” is a British term for “on trial”], C. S. Lewis wrote:
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. They may be more likely to go to Heaven yet at the same time likelier to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be “cured” against one’s will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals.
The Tyrannical Mind
Perhaps this is why wealthy democrats do not give money to directly fund the government programs they care about (e.g. Obamacare, expansion of unemployment insurance, common core, etc.). Instead, they fund campaigns designed to pass laws to force you pay for social welfare programs that you may disapprove of. After all, “everyone should share the burden.”
This is why gay rights activists are not satisfied to freely practice homosexuality without obtaining legal approbation (legal recognition of the equal merit of their practices), forcing  others’ consciences to bend under the force of law. It is  also why the leadership at A & E (Duck Dynasty) and Mozilla felt the need to censor those who disagree with the party line.
And, it is why your boss promotes yes-men who confirm her brilliant ideas, however flawed those ideas may be. It is all the same.
Tyranny takes many forms.Tyrant may be sincere. Many believe their causes to be right. But when motivated by bad ideas and fear, they are much more likely to force you than persuade you with the merits of their position.
Like this post and agree with what I say or I will hunt you down and destroy you!…um, I mean..What do you think?
-Dr. Gerdes
