The criticism of the politically correct, already as good as dead, “nice” people, you know, the consensus builders not of faith, but of “niceness”

“Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing“ (Aristotle d. 322 B.C.).

The status quo of nothing has become the god of politically correct ecclesiastics, who desire nothing more than to say nothing other than what is said by others, who desire nothing more than to do nothing other than what is done by others, and who desire nothing more than be nothing other than what others are. And the only others in their view that are worth taking note of are those who say nothing, do nothing and are nothing. The status quo of being dead: nice!

So, let’s edit the famous more modern version of all this, oft disputed as to its true modern origin. You saw this version here first! –

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.

But Father, but Father, that guy was really, really offended by what you said! He said that you’re challenging him to live up to his declared faith, to his declared patriotism, to his declared loyalty to God and man. How dare you! Oh, Father, how can you be so arrogant, so obstinate? Do you think that you’re another messiah? Do you think that you’re the savior of the world? Huh? Huh?

Sigh. No. Jesus is all. But we are His disciples, no? And, like the Master, so the disciple. Let’s just say it again:

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.

But Father, but Father, don’t you know that that’s suicide to say such things. They’ll curse you, slander you, try in every way to discredit you, make you look like a criminal, despise you, spit on you, crucify you. Judas is alive. Everywhere to be found. What can’t you just be nice? Don’t you get it? Just cave in. Get along. We’ve all given in. Come along with us, for friendship! Otherwise, you elect yourself a martyr…

Sigh. No. Faithfulness is synonymous with giving witness. Jesus is the one who has laid down our lives with His own. What a privilege! And the reason we give witness is not because we hate others, or think we are better than they are, but because Jesus has shown such great mercy to all of us, and loves us, and wants that we all see the fullness of the truth, of love, of goodness and kindness. I have none of those things, but Jesus does. I point to Him, as should we all. Pointing to Him means saying something, doing something, but most of all, more than all other things put together, it means being something, that is, someone, who has received His mercy, His goodness, His kindness. Of ourselves we are nothing, do nothing, say nothing, but with Him, we can witness to Him, who is All in all.

Will it cost us? Yes. Terribly. Nothing in comparison to what our Lord went through for us. He is just so good, just so kind.