In journalism classes I was taught to write purely objective articles. But eventually I realized that objectivity is actually theoretical – it helps us be honest and fair but is ultimately impossible.
As an artist I came to realize that having a viewpoint gives life to a work of art, without negating truth, justice, and fairness. We can come to appreciate that we are all in process; no one is perfect, and human society is always a negotiation with one another on the complexities of being good. We are not precise specimens in an exact scientific experiment.
The Intellect is Important
Our Intellectual capacities applied in such work as scientific research and experimentation, especially in life-saving work, requires objectivity, but this has to do with hard numbers, measurements, and concrete materials. Still, those involved can be inspired beyond intellect by a mission for Good. And yes, while driving in traffic you will want to be using your intellect.
Truth and Justice solutions for society draw upon more than intellect. We have to decide if we will “take the side” of the oppressed, the marginalized, the suffering, and oppose the perpetrators of evil. This is not just an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual choice incorporating all our faculties: body, soul, and mind. Setting aside empathy for the needs of others is not “objectivity;” it is self-centered convenience.
Betraying the Spiritual
Because all humans have the capacity for empathy we betray humanity when we ignore evil. Many Christians think they should not participate in conflicts over injustices and oppression and assume the posture of being aloof, “nonjudgemental,” “nonpolitical.” They think they are not “taking sides” and claim to be so contemplative with God that they are “not of this world.” This attitude betrays Jesus’ teaching and example. In his very crucifixion Jesus was in solidarity with the oppressed. Scripture overwhelmingly “takes sides” for good against evil.
Good is not “us being raptured” out of these worldly conditions into some exclusive paradise where we do not have to think about needs and human troubles. Claiming “impartiality” in the face of human need is a way of blocking Goodness, refusing to participate in God’s will being “done on earth as in heaven.” This attitude is to everyone’s detriment and because of it many reject “religion” and God-talk. But it is remarkable that many who reject religion continue doing more good than many claiming to be godly. So, I may call Goodness “God,” but you can call it something else and still be good.
Objectifying the Spirit
For eons people have been trying to structure society by defining goodness in purely rational morals, ethics, and rules. But these “objectify” spiritual truth into concrete, intellectual inventions which can be flawed and changed to preference. The Ten Commandments are not an end in themselves but a sign that God is present and seeks to engage our hearts. Laws point to something greater: the spiritual reality of Love. Good is a choice motivated by the law of Love in our hearts regardless of the rules, the choice to rise to the prompting and energy of Love. This occasionally results in “civil disobedience,” or, as John Lewis called it, “good trouble” when our systems do not function for Goodness.
Being fully human is to walk the earth redeeming conditions to God’s loving will for Goodness. Every word and deed we express, no matter how small or great, either contributes to or detracts from redemption. What we are born for, our True Self, is to grow in Goodness. I view this as God manifesting in the world through each of our unique qualities in relation to one another. It is the Spirit incarnating us, the material world, as demonstrated by Jesus.
It Can be as Small as a Hummingbird
I was impressed with a woman in Hollywood who is fully occupied with rehabilitating injured and orphaned hummingbirds. I do not know if she has any religious stance, but she is doing God’s work. Small or great, our word and deed can be God’s concrete expression of the developing creation if we choose to grow that way. Everyone, at times, chooses wrongly in our development, some more than others, and some of us just give in to the wrong as their way of life — just change the definitions of what is right and wrong to suit your appetite. We must acknowledge this is an option we all face.
Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates God’s law of love handed down at Mount Sinai: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Religious people passed by the man in need but the foreigner, the marginalized Samaritan, gave of his time and substance to heal and restore the man.
So, we are not neutral. It is impossible to be neutral, or objective. To the extent that we turn the other way from the needs and evil in the world we are complicit in them. The solution is to turn to God, confess our incompleteness, repent, and do the good that we can. We cannot do all the good – that is why there are many of us. As we learn, we repeat the confession and try again. This is humanity growing into God’s will.
May we not give up but persevere in this Good journey.
