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Freedom, liberty, independence, and democracy are interwoven.

By The Rev. Alexander Jalso for The 4 min read

Scripture reading: Acts of Apostles 19:23-40. Text: “Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.” Acts of Apostles 19:32.

In two more days, we will celebrate our Independence Day. It is proper to remember with gratitude all of those who not only fought but also made the utmost sacrifice for our country’s freedoms and our independence. The word INDEPENDENCE does not occur in the Bible but the concepts of freedom and democracy do. We agree the freedoms and independence we inherited should be passed on to the next generations. If our freedoms and our independence are vulnerable then they can be weakened or destroyed through losing our democratic system. Are we permitted to raise these questions: does the democratic system have weak points, could it be abused, and how fragile it is?

DEMOS IN GREEK MEANS PEOPLE AND DEMOCRACY MEANS THE RULING BY THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE.

Our Scripture reading deals with a story in Ephesus concerning Apostle Paul’s teaching that man-made gods are not real divine persons, only our heavenly Father is. Demetrius, a silversmith, whose livelihood was to make shrines out of silver, felt that his income and livelihood were jeopardized. He instigated the people against Apostle Paul. There was a big turmoil in Ephesus, which finally was quieted down by the town clerk. Then the town meeting was dismissed. Please read the whole story in our Scripture reading.

When, as in an election, the majority decides, can we look behind the scene and ask questions such as:

– What do the people know about the issue they will vote on and how did they obtain their knowledge?

– How much does the mass media (TV, radio, newspapers) influence the public?

– How objective are the campaign speeches?

– Should the promises made by the candidates be taken seriously? – Unless it is specified, what percentage of the people constitutes the majority? Are 2/3rd of the votes required or is only 51% sufficient?

– Are we sure that the “majority” of the people know better than a few well-educated, experienced scientists do?

– Is the danger always there either to oversimplify or to overcomplicate the main issue? Between the two, who is right and what is the happy medium?

– Will the majority of the people remain consistent? Who knows what will be the outcome of the next election? Could the majority vote next time for the opposite party? What was the real motivating idea to vote one candidate in? Was it just keep the other candidate out regardless of who gets in?

– Is it possible that the most important issue gets sidetracked and it is replaced by a popular promise?

– How serious could the consequences be when the majority is mistaken and makes the wrong decision? I think it could be damaging or even tragic.

If you think the actions of the people are unimportant for us, then keep in mind what happened on Good Friday. This is the way Mark recorded how Jesus was condemned: “Then he (Pilate) answered them (the crowd), ‘Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?’ For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, ‘Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Crucify him!'” Mark 15:9-15.

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