It’s amazing how we learn even as we age. Just as you retire and look for that life of leisure, something pops up and bites you in the butt. Like a pandemic. Or a revolution. Something you never dreamed of being a part of. Now, I’m starting to understand for the first time in my life what’s it life to be a part of a persecuted minority. Oh, I’m a white male in a country that’s 60.9% white (2022 census) and I’m a Christian in a country that is 67% Christian according to Gallup (2023) and how people describe themselves. My wife and I pay our taxes dutifully each year, even when we owe more in taxes than some millionaires1. We vote faithfully, even when our favorite candidates are projected to lose. We say the Pledge of Allegiance even though we learned the hard way that there is not truly “liberty and justice” for all in the U.S. We obey the laws though I admit to having earned my share of speeding tickets in life. So, what do I have to complain about? And how am I a threat to the current régime? Why after seventy-six years of knowing the blessings this country has to offer, have I started musing about a knock on our door at 6:00 p.m., or 2:00 a.m. from some federal law enforcement agency, or perhaps a few soused members of a local disorganized home guard (Sturmabteilung?) I’ve never seen such a hostility directed at a subset of the population as now. Or, at least I have never been a member of such a subset.
My wife, family and friends are thinking about things that only a month ago were unthinkable (undenkbar.) When in the past we were out of a medication, or needed to see a doctor, we called ahead and our insurance paid for it and we picked it up two hours later. But what if Medicare is not there for us in the future? I don’t think our Leader (am I missing an umlaut here?) would shut down CMS (Medicare) in the near future, but I can foresee Musk and his Lost Boys as they are popularly known screwing with the system and unintentionally crashing it so that it could not recover and we could not get our medications. What then? We could go for months without statins or fish oil, but what about insulin, blood thinners or anti-hypertensive drugs? You need these drugs daily when you are a Senior!
So, Dee and I are giving more and more thought to a worst-case scenario. And my advice is that you should as well, because time is not on our side. I learned from the experiences my German mother shared of the Spartacist uprising in the old country, the numerous books I’ve read and graduate courses I’ve taken in fascism and totalitarian régimes that the longer they go on, the more powerful, intrusive and absolute they become. They are like boll weevils or brutal beasts with unsatiable appetites that grow and grow. Eventually, these régimes consume their own as the French Revolution consumed Robespierre (1758-1794), but not before Madame Roland (1754-1793) exclaimed as she faced the crowd: ‘O Liberté, que de crimes on commit en ton nom! (“Oh freedom, what crimes are committed in your name!”) A minute later she was beheaded to the delight and applause of the rabble in the streets.
I’m not going to repeat myself on how we got here. There are probably half a dozen posts on my blog going back before that shameful, watershed event of January 6, 2021. If you want to learn more about that event, ask someone who was there. Ask someone who without mercy, beat one of the 174 police officers that were injured that day, or who tried to impale the police on a pole bearing the American flag. Ask the “patriots” who brought hammers, saws and nails, wooden beams and rope to construct a gallow for our elected leaders who dared tell the truth even as Madame Roland did. It shouldn’t be too hard to find these mutts. They are out of jail and back on the streets after their Putsch. Some are probably behind the pulpit on Sunday morning, because I know that there were a few clergy–at least six–involved. Sedition clergymen. Preaching the gospel of lynching.
I’ve tended to trust the U.S. government all the years of my life. That’s the way good Germans raise their children. But I knew that there were lies. Stalin and the Soviets lied to the people. Hitler and the Nazis lied to the people. Our President and our government lies to us. Where then is this City on a Hill or this Golden Age? How can we trust the White House now that Herr Trump has been inaugurated? How can we trust the Centers for Disease Control once Kennedy is confirmed? Already, we have diseases like whooping cough and measles sweeping across the country. We were very close to eradicating them completely in the last century, except for the well-intentioned but unhinged notions a handful of anti-vaccine protestors in our Brave New World. Drinking raw milk, taking fluoride out of our drinking water and iodine out of our salt will not promote good health. Even someone with a worm in their brain should understand that.
So, here are some survival hacks for law-abiding, faithful Christians who do not want to bow down to false gods and make mockery of our Christian witness to the world.
RESISTANCE (WIDERSTAND)
According to Dr. Matthew Phillips, Associate Professor of History, Concordia University, Nebraska:
“Widerstand is the German word for resistance. We can distinguish the term resistance in Luther’s writing both in a passive and an active sense. Passive resistance means to not obey an unjust law. Active resistance means seeking to thwart the implementation of unjust law through political means or through force.“
The passive resistance that Luther engaged in was different that that of Ghandi, Dr. M.L. King and others who followed. One example of the Great Reformer’s passive resistance is his refusal to to let his followers engage in acts of violence. He also formed communities among to proto-Lutheran protestants in spite of Catholic edicts and Papal bulls. He also published countless tracts and papers to educate and persuade the masses rather than to incite them to riot. This last example is what I am doing with my blog.
Active resistance would involve strikes where business is shut down or people refuse to go to work. Traffic is blocked. Marches and mass gatherings, perhaps picketing would be in this category as well in addition to hunger strikes. Hiding Jews from the Gestapo in Europe was a form of active resistance. Personally, and for the record, I am not advocating any course of action to the reader. In other words, I am not encouraging anyone to violate the law.
All of these examples above are nonviolent and do not involve the destruction of property, though it is possible some might be arrested.
CHRIST COMES FIRST
Our help comes from above, not from elected leaders. You can’t serve two masters. It is either Caesar or Christ. Whenever the state promotes something controversial, ask yourself “What would Jesus do?” Would He storm the Capital? Would He call for Mike Pence or Nancy Pelosi be hung? Would Jesus mock people with disabilities or threaten strangers (aliens) in our land? Certainly, He would likely not allow lawless people into this country (any country) to terrorize the people, but what about those fleeing persecution? Or looking for a better life for their children? Or those falsely accused of crimes? Would He label the poor as lazy and worthless? Would Jesus say that America is the best country in the world, and the American people better than other people of the world? Are the people in Somalia not made in the same image of God as I?
NO VIOLENCE
First of all, I can think of no occasion where violence against the State is permitted by God who has established human government to serve His purposes. At least as far as our present (new) covenant is concerned. Shooting an enemy soldier as a lawful combatant in a time of war and defending yourself or your family against a deadly intruder in your home in peacetime are likely permitted (at least by the State), but as a last resort. And, depending on what purpose God has called you for, your options may be different than mine.
If you attend a demonstration, bring no weapons. If you believe you will need a knife, a tire iron, bear spray or a pistol to defend yourself, you as a Christian should not even be there.
In fact, have nothing to do with anyone or any group that entertains notions of violence. Even if you don’t follow their lead, you can be an accessory before or after the fact if you know of a violent plan and remain silent. Nor should you make any threats.
NO DESTRUCTION OF PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY
Christians should not behave in a riotous fashion. In American history, we have the Boston Tea Party, but at the risk of being called unpatriotic, I am not a supporter of that event for several reasons. For one thing, the colonists disguised their identities and dressed as Indians, because they did not have the courage to show their faces. Also, the tea that was thrown into the harbor was more than like the private property of some poor merchant who was even poorer for the event. During the American War of Independence, people were “tarred and feathered” or otherwise roughed up. Later, private homes of Tories were burned and so on. This is not Christian. If the power of the Kerygma and the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not sufficient to win the day, then we should rethink our plan.
DON’T ARGUE WITH THE POLICE
Law enforcement officers are by and large ordinary people like you. A little courtesy goes a long way. And if you meet a police officer who seems like he’s looking for a confrontation, just discreetly make a note of his name and follow up the next day with the police department. Do not refuse lawful orders such as showing your driver’s license to a police officer who has pulled you over and if you are instructed to turn off your car, step out of the car, etc., do it without demanding an explanation or arguing the point. The strategy is to get back on your way, not (to) be pushed to the ground and cuffed for being argumentative and noncompliant.
KNOW THE LAW AND YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW
In fascist régimes, the Leader seizes more and more power. Eventually, the law becomes whatever he says it is at any given time. We see this today already as the POTUS and his Veep attempt to limit the jurisdiction of the courts in respect to executive action, particularly the unlawful impoundment of appropriated funds. This might just be plain ignorance on their part or they may be trying to slip something by. The legislature bends to his will either to keep their privileged positions or out of fear for themselves or their families if they protest or act contrary to the sovereign’s demands. That leaves just the courts in America, who have no independent way of enforcing their writs or opinions. But do get a copy of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. You can purchase one in a bookstore, or download it from the Web. Be aware that the Leader can in an emergency suspend your civil liberties by banning meetings, punishing you for being out on the streets after dark, etc. This is known as martial law. Take this very seriously and don’t try to test the limits of what you think you can get away with. You can be shot on sight. Don’t think that cannot happen here in America. Know that you have the right to remain silent. If you do choose to talk, the State will use what you say against you. There is nothing wrong or immoral about asking for counsel and asserting your right to remain silent. Donald J. Trump took the Fifth Amendment more than 500 times in his 2020 deposition!
BUILD A NETWORK AND COMMUNITY OF LIKE-MINDED FRIENDS
This network/community will be your support system. They will care for you, your family and demand accountability of the authorities if you get into trouble with the régime. Seek out others who share your concerns and invite them to join. As a Christian, one of your primary goals is to win them over to Christ. But if they are not interested, do not push the point. You can still provide a valuable service to them by being a good friend when they don’t know who they can trust.
STAY INFORMED OF EVENTS
This is the time for critical thinking. Russian bots and the lunatics in our society will feed you nonsense and try to misdirect you or provoke you. Don’t fall for it. Keep abreast of current events, especially as they apply to your interests and state. Use reputable sources for your news. I use The NY Times, Atlantic Magazine and the mainstream media. These outlets have earned dozens of Pulitizers for their outstanding reporting. As I mention elsewhere:
“The traditional media (pejoratively called the “lamestream media” and sometimes referred to as the Fourth Estate) came under attack because of their fact-based, and balanced reporting. The New York TImes (est. 1851) with their 132 Pulitzer Prizes; The Washington Post (est. 1877) with 76 Pulitzer Prizes; The LA Times (est. 1881) with 41 Pulitzers; The Wall Street Journal (est. 1889) with 39 Pulitizer Prizes and The Chicago Tribune (est. 1847) with 28 Pulitzers to name just a few were beaten down and marginalized by overnight “news” outlets such as Fox News, The War Room, One American News Network, Newsmax, and others with barely a century of reporting between them all, and no Pulitzer recognition for outstanding journalism, arts and letters.”
Who are you going to believe? Joe Rogan or John Bolton?
MAINTAIN A LOW PROFILE
You don’t want to attract unwanted attention to yourselves with anti-Trump signs around your home, flying the U.S. flag upside down and so on. Be discrete when talking politics with others in public places. There are a few people who believe they are performing a service to their country by snooping on people they believe are unpatriotic. At some point, someone may report you, but in the meantime, don’t be paranoid. Just be prudent.
INFORMATION SECURITY AND HOME SECURITY IS MORE IMNPORTANT THAN EVER
Right now, it is safe to assume that Elon Musk and his teenybopper friends have your social security number, the routing number to your bank as well as your account number and other sensitive data. What they will do with it remains to be seen, but there is a chance (greater than 0%) it will wind up on the dark web one way or another. I’d encourage you to place a lock on your credit file and to check with your bank about how to secure your assets. It’s a good idea to keep a list of all your accounts, logon and passwords on a zip drive rather than your computer. It is also a good idea to keep a hard copy of your recent mortgage statement, auto finance statement, credit card bills, etc. so that you have a data trail if you need to reconstruct it.
If you don’t have a camera outside of your home, that should be a priority. You should also have an evacuation plan if you need to get out of your house in a hurry at night. I see no conflict between a Christian’s faith and a weapon for the purpose of self defense (or sport shooting, hunting, and just collecting.) Be sure to comply with state and federal laws for any weapon you possess, and store them where children cannot find them. Never leave a gun loaded and treat a gun as if it is loaded. If you have more than one weapon, you might think about a safe. There may come a time when someone breaks into your home when you are absent for the purpose of theft and steal your gun(s.) So again, you might consider. safe.
PREPARING FOR A CRISIS
Deena and I started prepping a year ago. We purchased a premium military-style backpack and stuffed it with batteries, battery and cell phone chargers, medical supplies, thermal blankets, emergency lights, wollen socksand gloves and now we have all of our emergency supplies in a convenient contained. These bags are sometimes called “go-bags” or “bug-out bags” and they are convenient if you live in a flood zone, have storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes, or are in your third semester of pregnancy. Keeping your documents together is important even if you don’t meet the above criteria. Also, think about your pets and where your destination is, but don’t share that with anyone except close family. Our children know where to find us if some sort of disaster emerges from the mind of Stephen King.
MAINTAIN FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRISTIANS YOU DISAGREE WITH
In Romans Chapter 12 (6-8), the Apostle Paul writes
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (vv 6-8.)
To be fair to our politically conservative Christian brothers and sisters, they may act as they do because they have the gift of prophesy, which in a secondary sense can mean to apply the Word of God whenever they perceive something ungodly, such as an “incorrect” interpretation of what the Framers wanted for America, or a “drag day” in a public school. Others, Christians, however, have the gift of mercy (ἐλεέω), which means:
“to express the act of showing mercy or compassion towards someone. It often implies a deep sense of empathy and a desire to alleviate the suffering or need of another. This term is frequently used in the context of divine mercy, where God or Jesus extends compassion to humanity.”
This is particularly relevant when one is sorrowful or brokenhearted.
But, sometimes these two gifts run cross purposes to each other. As a political liberal, I cannot overlook sin any more than God does, and conservatives must temper their judgment with mercy. Mercy without prophesy may allow Salvadorian gang members to cross our borders to do great harm to our people. Prophesy without mercy condemns all of us and today, while families are torn apart as strangers in our land are forceably removed and evicted. Two divine gifts in our perishable bodies for mortals to sort them out. That should make us shutter.
FOOTNOTE
1In 2016 and 2017, Donald Trump paid the IRS only $750 in taxes per year. My tax owed during those years was several thousand dollars per year.
