Sometime random elements come together to illuminate a thought you've had for months, years, in a way which makes loosely formed observations into tight conviction. Yesterday I had one of those moments and it left me with a clear view of why the evangelical movement is a natural success in 21st century America..
If you're looking for something original here, you may not find it. I'm surely not the first person who is convinced that modern evangelism is nothing more nor less than another self-help fashion for the self-absorbed. Self-absorption is the key to much of what has been happening in America for the past several decades.
If you analyze the waves of liberal despair about right wing aggression and domination and then, if you wonder why, lately, it hasn't grown into effective action, you have to at least consider this: Inaction, along with reiteration of our strong resentment of the other group, allow our egos the latitude without any threat of real challenge. Community action demands goals and accomodation.
There's nothing like a trendy movement to draw the greedy ego. From pot to goddess worship to EST to cocaine to Atkins and (let me whisper in your ear) blogging!, the ego is placed at the very center of all consideration. But those movements have largely belonged to the despised left. What was needed was a movement for the right, for the establishment, a movement which would make big bucks for those leading it and which would coalesce a large and diverse group into a politically and socially useful tool. How about, let's see...
How about a personal relationship with God? Born again -- the spiritual equivalent of declaring bankruptcy and no longer being responsible for your past actions. Me and Jesus. Me and my salvation. Me feeling good again about Me!
Me in the political majority. Me in a position to take out my aggressions on others without being punished for it. Me and the CEO, the top guy and endlessly forgiving to boot: me and Jesus, pals forever!
Yes! Me in a situation which is superior to yours and which you can't possibly understand unless you join my group.
What could be more American! The huge social and political profits from ego massage! Think about how whole institutions and geographical areas on this vast and unruly continent can be brought under control! Think about the political advantage of leadership springing from this movement!
More on this later...
Did you do EST?
Posted by: The Liberal Avenger | February 22, 2005 at 10:06 PM
No.
Posted by: PW | February 23, 2005 at 06:57 AM
Actually, I was thinking about you just now, LA, as I sat reading Pico Iyer's piece in the latest NYRB on Pankaj Mishra's book on the Buddha. Do you ever get into Cambodia?
Posted by: PW | February 23, 2005 at 07:04 AM
You are in the Daou report this morning! Wooo! That is how I found you the first time...
I have never been to Cambodia.
One time I was driving near the Cambodian border and I was "winging it," so to speak, and I found myself on a road that ended in razor wire, tank obstacles (sort of like big "jacks") and minefield warning signs in Thai and Khmer.
This will be year 17 that my wife and I have been together - 17 years of living between the US and Thailand. I keep telling myself that I am going to go off exploring Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam or Malaysia but I never do. There is so much wonderfulness going on in Thailand - even in our little village - that I never feel like I have to go anywhere else.
Posted by: The Liberal Avenger | February 23, 2005 at 10:16 AM
I have a stolen Buddha. I didn't steal it and want to return it to its home but don't know where home is. Far Eastern scholars have looked at it but can't place it exactly. I think it must be part of a gatepost at Angkor Wat but... and there's a long story here which is interesting but not for these pages! I keep looking for someone who hangs out in the area who'd carry a slide around in his pocket...
I guess you've seen the film, "Mysterious Object at Noon"?
Posted by: PW | February 23, 2005 at 10:31 AM
No - I have not seen that film. Should I seek it out?
Do you have a digital pic of the Buddha you can send me? I'd love to see it!
We have quite a collection here. Thai folks love Buddha amulets. We must have 1000 of them around the house "protecting" us. I'll try to find an article about Thai amulets. If I can't find an article, perhaps I'll write one!
Posted by: The Liberal Avenger | February 23, 2005 at 11:44 AM
I'll send a pic. I can also lend you the film. Be warned, it's pretty weird! But Elvis Mitchell liked it in the NYTimes ("unique dish of entertainment" "chamber music" etc.)
Posted by: PW | February 23, 2005 at 12:53 PM
Thank you!
I realized that I should backtrack in what I said about visiting elsewhere... My wife, daughter and I love to travel and we do more than our fair share. Once we get to Thailand, however, we're usually there to stay.
I am very fond of China and Hong Kong. I have had strange and wonderful experiences in Kashmir and Ladakh. I have had strange and terrible experiences in India... I'll email you my Flickr link.
Posted by: The Liberal Avenger | February 23, 2005 at 05:02 PM