Polarization is a word that is used in several fields of study. As a result, it has various meanings and the context of the area dictates the definition. In the Cultural Dictionary, Polarization has a particular definition, namely: “In politics, it is the grouping of opinions around two extremes.” We can readily see that in the government of the United States. There are Political Parties as well as sub-groups within those parties, such as – liberal or conservative or moderate. Among the more conservative are the “Blue Dog” Democrats and the “Tea Party” Republicans.
In the field of Science, Polarization has an entirely different classification and definition. In this area, it is defined as “the direction in which the electric field of an electro-magnetic wave points.” When it is considered in the area of Physics, the definition is “the process or phenomenon in which the waves of light or other electromagnetic radiation are restricted to certain directions of vibration, usually specified in terms of the electric field vector.”
The more pertinent consideration in this writing is to consider Polarization in terms of the narrower definition that states it as “a sharp division, as of a population group, into opposing factions.” Across the population in our nation and culture, there is a sharp divide that is taking place currently. It focuses on the classes and who should be taxed so that others can get their “fair share” (usually meaning entitlements and/or some form of redistribution of wealth gained from the “rich class”). We can see it almost constantly as a President blamed his predecessor for the recession; or the Minority Party stubbornly opposing the Majority will; or the Secret Service being the Cause of the White House Tours being suspended; etc. It is the old “blame game” that has gone on among siblings, children in the neighborhood, students in school, other employees in the work-place, other politicians in government. Few – if any – are welling to step forward and accept responsibility or blame.
Even sadder within our culture, is how this has infiltrated the religious community for several generations. Just ask yourself, “Why do church groups split?” The honest answer is that, more often than not, a power struggle emerges and the strong wills of people prevent any sound reason or reconciliation. The strong-willed assume a posture of “rule or ruin” and have little regard as it pertains to their conduct, ensuing action, or witness in the community. They want “their way” regardless of the cost. There is a denomination that split away from Group A, and formed Group B, which the following year split into Group C, and then twenty years later split again into Groups D-1 and D-2. There were always “reasons” given but the underlying issue was the “strong-willed” wanting “their way” regardless of the cost.
It is interesting to observe the Creation narrative in Genesis 3:1-15. God had created Man and Woman and placed them in a perfect environment with only one restriction – “Don’t eat any fruit from the Tree in the middle of the Garden.” The text states that “the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord had made.” He approaches Eve with an alternative to God’s decree – and – she succumbs. Not only that, but she makes the same offer to Adam – and – he succumbs. Why did they succumb? They came to realize that the fruit was “desirable for gaining wisdom.” And the first two actions that occur in their lives after they have succumbed is that (a) they realize they are naked, and (b) they decide to hide themselves for The Lord. When they are searched out and confronted by God in terms of what they have done, how do they respond? The “blame-game” begins. Adam responds: “The woman You put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Adam’s conclusion: “It’s Eve’s fault (or even more subtly, it’s God’s fault for putting that woman in the Garden with him).” Eve’s defense: “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Her rational: “It’s the serpent’s fault (the creature You created).” The natural tendency seems to be ready to “blame” someone else – anyone else – rather than to accept personal responsibility for one’s actions and/or behavior. The beautiful message of the Lenten Season is that Jesus Christ died for our sins so that we might be reconciled to God in Him. When we are reconciled, the cycle of blame is ended; condemnation is removed; and one is at peace with God. Consider these things with me.
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