Meta-narrative Angst
Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens,
and let us make a name for ourselves,
lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.
(Gen 11:4)
By Stephen W. Hiemstra
The narcissism of our age and its rejection of all forms of meta-narrative is nothing new. It is the natural consequence of the sin of pride that emanates out of a desire to become like God. A de-centered life of rejecting God and indulging pride naturally leads to the desire to dominate others and develop oppressive social systems that substitute self for God at the center.
The process is actively at work in today’s politics both at home and abroad.
New Towers
One can interpret the Enlightenment as the latest tower-building project to reach up to the heavens and force God to do our bidding. This need not be the case. I have said for years that scientific discoveries are like God’s Easter eggs—treats that parents place where they know their kids will find them.
Science is a gift of a benevolent God but can be like the AK-47 that your father bought you for Christmas. Used improperly, it can be dangerous.
The Threat of Scientism
Scientism, the attempt to make science into a religion, is tempting because it allows the self to develop and accumulate more power. Technology is powerful because it allows the individual to command the environment and other people. Who will command the robot warriors or the vaccines against the designer viruses of the future?
Jesus said: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:29-30) For those tempted to pursue narcissistic dreams, do you think a future Caesar (or Adolf Hitler) will offer such a promise?
Meta-narrative Angst
Also see:
Importance of Meta-Narrative
The Who Question
Preface to a Life in Tension
Other ways to engage online:
Author site: http://www.StephenWHiemstra.net
Publisher site: http://www.T2Pneuma.com
Newsletter at: https://bit.ly/trans_22 , Signup
The post Meta-narrative Angst appeared first on T2Pneuma.net.
