Luke’s account shows not only Jesus’ ultimate ‘personal responsibility’, offering forgiveness (v.34) where human moral law might license a call for revenge, but one criminal, in extremis, taking responsibility for his actions (v.41) turning towards salvation, while another tries to manipulate his way into a false paradise by hiding from the truth (v.39). Sanctions can, but do not always, create the context for repentance and reform.
This week's news
Our society struggles with sexual morality, especially early sexualisation of children and sexual predation facilitated by the secretive internet. New internet controls promise better to prevent searchers accessing illegal images. How real a solution is this? Can we make progress towards protecting the innocence of children if we block material without also confronting the vicious urges within sexual predators which, we are told, they refuse to acknowledge as wicked?
Reflection
There is nothing self-indulgent or sentimental about Jesus’ forgiveness. God’s order within which the true Paradise is set demands clear distinctions between right and wrong and the acknowledgement of wrong-doing (v.41). Are we morally lazy in creating internet protections which work not by catching offenders but by frustrating their immediate intentions, making it more difficult long-term to uncover them and oblige them to confront their behaviour?
What do we picture as childhood ‘innocence’? Christ and the two criminals were alike condemned for anti-social actions, legitimately to their accusers, though our scrutiny sees profound differences between them. How reliable are we on degrees of culpability in ordinary life? A proposed change to the ‘age of consent’ reveals that many see sexual activity at a young age as per se blameworthy, while to others it can be natural exploration. Others see predation by adults as the main problem, and demand much subtler analysis of differing relationships. Others cry over-reaction. Instead of issuing prohibitions, should we create positive templates for how we would like all our young people to be, their relationships to grow, their spiritual lives to flourish?
What is the role of sex and relationships education or IT education? Luke shows us through the two criminals that moral distinctions can be hidden. Can we devise educational materials which are sensitive, age-appropriate and explicit enough to stop vulnerable young men from becoming abusers, objectifying and selfishly using young women and girls, but still preserve the trust of less sexually-awakened children?
What does Christ the King require from Christian nurture: that we protect our children with firmer control, or that we offer them freedom to take personal responsibility for this rich resource, even with the risk of hurt? How do we discern the moment when any child is ready for such responsibility? Can it properly be done on a wider scale than in family intimacy?
What about the predators? Can they be turned to a better path? Or are ever stronger controls and sanctions the just answer?
Prayer
A prayer for a sense of perspective, which might come before prayers of intercession, or stand alone as a meditation.
Lord, the world is full of intractable problems:
the contradictory internet,
so useful, so full of enriching images and educational possibilities
and yet dangerous, dark in some areas,
capable of promoting dreadful harms;
the situation in the Philippines,
such devastation, such suffering,
such chaos and now political dissension.
Wars and terrorist outrages proliferate,
in Syria, Egypt, Lebanon. The list seems endless.
We feel overwhelmed, helpless, defeated.
We are tempted to be like the ‘bad’ thief
and demand that you solve the problems,
like that, by magic.
But we know that that is not the way.
Give us courage, discernment, patience, ingenuity, hope.
You have endowed us with amazing powers of
creativity, persistence, and vision.
Through your Spirit, enable us to use them well,
to the promotion of your kingdom.
May we, like the ‘good’ thief,
come to glimpse your Paradise
even in the midst of great suffering.
Amen.
Questions
- Do we deprive people of proper personal responsibility by fitting ‘family-friendly filters’ as the default on the internet?
- Is the ‘page 3’ debate important to you and your family ?
Action
Have a critical look this week at the advertising that confronts you, perhaps in particular the Christmas advertising. Is it sexually exploitative? More generally, does it attempt to manipulate people and blur the moral and ethical decisions involved in shopping and other internet activities? Is pervasive advertising detrimental to our sense of responsibility as Christians and citizens?
Young People
Critique the sex and relationships education you experience. Remember to give equal space/time to the good and bad things about it.
Brenda Vance is a retired University Teacher, a parent of grown-up children and a URC elder.
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