This is a very interesting thought, especially since our general population has little education (maybe remembrance from Civics class) about what a democracy is versus a republic. We forget that Benjamin Franklin is quoted to say, "We've given you a republic...if you can keep it."
I listened to a book entitled American Nations, which pointed out that as the Republic hit very choppy waters, there was an idea floated to split the nation into three countries because there were essentially three different cultures in conflict: Appalachian people, descendents of the Puritans, and Southerners. These three groups still heavily influence why we struggle.
If we look at Strauss and Howe's work, we are also at the tipping point of an 80 year cycle called a "Crisis," in which the soul of America is being pulled into various directions.
What I do think the book you reference leads us to is that we have ideals about peace and justice...we just have warring philosophies on how to achieve that peace and justice based on Judeo-Christian ideals versus the evolution of the Enlightenment.
I appreciate you posting a review of Palmer's book. I'll be following this. I can feel doubtful that tears will take place in the public square for America. It seems the collective nervous system is in self-protection mode. As he says, there's much rage, and too little healthy processing of grief. I imagine, if these problems are to be addressed in ways he proposes, it will require us to start in the small, intimate, personal spaces of belongining, where there is felt safety and trust to address grief, listen to one another, find unity in differences. How much is really possible in this democracy, given the technological/communication containers within which we are being malformed? I don't know. We're probably going to have to start hyper-local, small-scale, low and slow. We'll need to lead with mercy to the "other." As Jesus says, "go and do likewise."
Simple majority or ‘mob rule’ offers no protection for the disenfranchised minority. Our chaotic vitriol has a much deeper cause than this or that issue. If the church ever figures itself out, it could become the major catalyst for change and healing.
🤔 following and reading Palmer’s 📕
This is a very interesting thought, especially since our general population has little education (maybe remembrance from Civics class) about what a democracy is versus a republic. We forget that Benjamin Franklin is quoted to say, "We've given you a republic...if you can keep it."
I listened to a book entitled American Nations, which pointed out that as the Republic hit very choppy waters, there was an idea floated to split the nation into three countries because there were essentially three different cultures in conflict: Appalachian people, descendents of the Puritans, and Southerners. These three groups still heavily influence why we struggle.
If we look at Strauss and Howe's work, we are also at the tipping point of an 80 year cycle called a "Crisis," in which the soul of America is being pulled into various directions.
What I do think the book you reference leads us to is that we have ideals about peace and justice...we just have warring philosophies on how to achieve that peace and justice based on Judeo-Christian ideals versus the evolution of the Enlightenment.
Interesting stuff!
AB
I appreciate you posting a review of Palmer's book. I'll be following this. I can feel doubtful that tears will take place in the public square for America. It seems the collective nervous system is in self-protection mode. As he says, there's much rage, and too little healthy processing of grief. I imagine, if these problems are to be addressed in ways he proposes, it will require us to start in the small, intimate, personal spaces of belongining, where there is felt safety and trust to address grief, listen to one another, find unity in differences. How much is really possible in this democracy, given the technological/communication containers within which we are being malformed? I don't know. We're probably going to have to start hyper-local, small-scale, low and slow. We'll need to lead with mercy to the "other." As Jesus says, "go and do likewise."
Agreed - I haven't finished the book yet but I think this is exactly where he's going.
Simple majority or ‘mob rule’ offers no protection for the disenfranchised minority. Our chaotic vitriol has a much deeper cause than this or that issue. If the church ever figures itself out, it could become the major catalyst for change and healing.
Ahhhh delicious tension! oh my, how to hold that which discomforts creatively!?!