The promotion of truth is of the greatest importance.  Lies, deceptions, stratagems, duplicity, and a host of other impediments to the Good are to be rejected by those who would follow Christ.  It is true that such a devotion could lead one into suffering.  We possess the basic human instinct of wanting to avoid what is painful, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.  Such fear does not make us cowards.  It is when we cower at threat to the point of not standing for what is right that we have transgressed our principles and discipleship.  The church does not pray for persecution and suffering, but for peace.

It is particularly egregious when we compromise the truth for the sake of power. Even if one maintains that power would give him an opportunity to implement the Good, he is in the wrong.  Means count as well as ends.  Ethics do not begin at the end, but also along the way to the end.

Power is usually viewed as that strength that a person has to coerce others.  Power allied with truth means the ability to persuade others about the Good.  Socrates had great power and influence in his ability to do this.  To a much greater extent than Socrates, Jesus attracted crowds to hear Him preach the truth.  He most particularly taught his disciples.

Worldly power and truth sometimes coincide; but, most often, it is found among people who persuade, rather than coerce.  The pulpit is power in that it is a weekly opportunity to tell people the truth.  When pastors fail in this, they have been derelict in their duty.

Luther speaks about two kingdoms. One is the worldly kingdom; the other is the heavenly kingdom.  The worldly kingdom has its responsibilities, assigned by God.  Rulers are faithful to the Lord when they fulfill these responsibilities.  Coercion can be associated with truth in certain instances. In Romans Saint Paul reminds the Christians there that rulers are a terror to bad conduct,, but not to good conduct. The ruler is an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

The heavenly kingdom is preached in the congregation where truth should  always win the day.  The people are not to be misled in what is true.  A pastor’s failure in this is a serious matter.

Power is allied with truth most often with persuasion, not coercion.  This power is that which comes from the Good Shepherd.  Our apologetics and witness are part of this persuasion.  They represent a certain kind of power that is effective in changing men’s hearts.

Michael G. Tavella

October 4, 2024

Saint Francis of Assisi