The Cape Francolin, Conspiracy Theories, And Jesus

Flocks of Cape Francolin roam the area where we live. They are a type of pheasant, not the brightest birds around, and seem rather comfortable with people. One afternoon, Mary-Anne and I left our front door open while working in the garden when a group of about 10 of these birds decided to familiarize themselves with our lounge and kitchen area. They have walked through the house before and weren’t too concerned about our presence. But on this particular day, as we entered the house, one of the birds got spooked and flew up into the rafters. This set the whole group scrambling, flying into windows, running into walls, and pooping everywhere they went. We quickly moved out of the entrance to give them a space to escape. One by one they found their way out, except one. This bird ran into the wall so hard, it broke its neck and died.

Homo Sapiens might be slightly more intelligent than these birds, but every now and then we encounter a perceived threat that overrides our rational minds and activates our flight or fight instinct. And if there is no clear enemy, we will create one. Our reaction often cause more damage than the perceived danger.

Wisdom teachers throughout the ages spoke of a way in which to remain at peace in the midst of turmoil. Jesus, for instance, spoke about a way to handle the unknown, a way to deal with real physical threats, and how to respond to the underlying anxiety about our value. In all three of these instances, he said it is possible to ‘fear not.’ 

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Mt. 10:24-31)

When we are in the process of reacting to perceived danger, there seems to be little wisdom in Jesus’ words: “fear not,” but if we listen more intently we can access the peace he spoke about. There is a space in which every fiber of my being knows that it is enveloped in favor, where fear and anxiety are completely absent. In this place of awareness there in no danger, no threat, only the captivating face of the One who knows me and values me. Part of what makes fear impossible in this environment, is that I am no longer aware of myself, of what I see and perceive, for I have been arrested by another gaze. Here I lose my perspective and find myself in the eyes of the Lover. 

Fear in the face of the unknown often produces conspiracy theories – perceived threats that at least gives our animalistic instincts something to fight, no matter how irrational they are.

But what about real danger!? Evil is real and there might be real intention to harm. What does Jesus have to say about that? Jesus acknowledge that there might be situations in which false accusation leads to real persecution and intention to harm … and what does he advise? “don’t worry” Don’t even think of what to say to the judge. Luke 12:12

We can of course ignore this advice and flap our wings, pooping our opinions on social media, and spreading the fear to those who hear us and so make our contribution to the pandemic. But there is another way.

My friends, the puny political battles, and the abundance of conspiracy theories are truly not worth your attention. Paul echoed the teaching of Jesus when he wrote: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Phil. 4:8

Obviously there is a time to speak. May it be from this place mediation and peace.