The Man Who Never Would...

I recently discovered Dr. Who...

Meme credit: http://satireknight.wikispaces.com/gifs

I know right? And like scads of other women, I fell head over heels in love with the doctor... but for a very particular reason specific to the tenth doctor. Namely, I fell in love with his abhorrence for guns and revenge. In the episode, "The Doctor's Daughter" he says "Killing infects you and once it does you'll never get rid of it." And when his daughter (albeit recently acquired via cloning) is killed, he refuses to kill in revenge stating "I never would. Have you got that? Make the foundation of this society, a man who never would".

There's a fascinating social experiment in which a machine places a small amount of pressure on a human's hand and they are instructed to place that same amount of pressure on another human who is required to exact that amount of pressure back on other other person. Apparently it ends up being extremely painful to both human parties, since each person increases the amount of pressure given until the result is intolerable.

The thing about revenge and violence is this... it spirals into a black hole without end. If you're familiar with the Bible, you might recall that crazy story about Lamech who killed a man for simply wounding him. He refers to Cain who killed his own brother and escalates the bloodshed by tenfold. If you at least believe in the Bible as a historical book, I think it clearly proves that burgeoning violence is in our bloodline. So to me, one of the most chilling things about Western media, is how much it downplays the black hole of violence and revenge. I recently watched an episode of Messy Mondays by BlimeyCow which delved into the same dilemma - only much more funnily (funnily makes things funnilier). How can you actually practice turning the other cheek when all you're given as template is the Avengers or V for Vendetta? The cause may be admirable - but the means of violence will never justify the ends. Don't believe me?

Take one good look at the Middle East.
 
And it doesn't stop there. Look at the romantic comedies and dramas. The bad guy/jerk almost always gets what's coming for him. That's what we want!  Heck, we all fantasize about getting even. Even if you're able to turn the other cheek in the moment - you still fantasize about that person getting what's coming for them. I have yet to meet a person who genuinely desires good and flourishing for someone who either consistently hurts them or is a jerk to them.

So... today, you get a challenge. Remember this is all working toward communion and living life to the full. Think of someone who has hurt you or been what you consider a real jerk. Then shape thoughts of goodwill and flourishing toward their life. Perhaps you may even be able to buy an anonymous gift and send it to them. Let me know how it goes.

Cheers,
Liz

#DrWho #MiddleEast #Blimeycow