Other Compelling Lessons I Learned From “The Crown”

“While I appreciate the fact the so-called “Matthew 18 principle” prohibits gossip and slander, many Christians treat the “Matthew 18 principle” as a kind of theological-bureaucratic rigmarole that must be blown through before the real work of dismantling someone’s reputation or career can be “righteously” undertaken. I find it telling that the eighteenth chapter of Matthew existed for nearly 2000 years before modern Christians transformed it into procedural paperwork. For my money, the chief value of the “Matthew 18 principle” is that it slows people down and keeps them relatively quiet for longer than they’d like. I have more confidence in quietude and patience resolving conflict than sitting down to talk.”

-from “Conflict Resolution: A Defense Of Just Bottling It All Up“

Literal

One of the most stunning turns of phrase in Scripture is the description of Christ as “the first born from the dead,” which we often take as a euphemism or a symbolic claim, and yet it really must be taken at face value to be appreciated.

Symmetry

The installation of public water fountains was the work of prohibitionists. Many men claimed they frequented bars because they were thirsty, thus water foundations were installed everywhere in public so their drunkenness was without excuse. This all took place one hundred years ago.

One hundred years later, public water fountains have all been closed and it is now widely known reported that the lockdown and quarantine have lead to a sharp rise in binge drinking.

Of course, people are responsible for what they do, and I am not entirely convinced there is really a connection to see here. This all has more to do with the zeitgeist than with human psychology.

Suicide In Germany

“The individual’s decision to end their own life, based on how they personally define quality of life and a meaningful existence eludes any evaluation on the basis of general values, religious dogmas, societal norms for dealing with life and death, or consideration of objective rationality.”

-The highest court in Germany rules on an individual’s right to suicide, as quoted in Wesley J Smith’s recent summary for First Things