How do you escape an evil society?
We bought seven acres outside of town. If we get locked into our homes again, we will have some space to walk around. We also lived close to downtown, and watched, with horror, the violence of the George Floyd riots—not from the news—but live-streamed on social media. We saw arson, theft, and even murder, broadcast live. We saw that the cops stood down as cities burned. We saw journalists call it “peaceful.”
So we moved out of the city.
Evil is inescapable, as it exists in the human heart. But sometimes God does inspire us to build an ark to save our family. Here are three options for living in dire times.
The Benedict Option
Saint Benedict founded a monastery. Monasteries are little self-sufficient communities populated by monks. Monasteries preserved civilization and culture during times of darkness and barbarism. Austere living led to an incredible accumulation of wealth, that was used to help the poor. This option, popularized by Rod Dreher (book on Amazon), is to flee from the wicked and form Christian community. A man can turn his own home into a monastery, and pass on the treasures of Christian tradition to his children. It can include growing your own food, buying locally, and avoiding vile mainstream culture.
The Boniface Option
Saint Boniface cut down a tree, the Oak of Thor, that was worshipped by pagans. He had been a Benedictine monk, but was sent on a mission to the pagan Germans. He showed zero tolerance to idolatry and sin, because tolerance is not a Christian virtue. This option has been popularized by Andrew Isker (book on Amazon). Saint Boniface knew he had dangerous enemies, but he chose to love them. Loving your enemies means not letting them go to hell by pretending that sin is ok. That is an act of cowardice and betrayal. Saint Boniface confronted sin in order to save his enemies from hell. He was later martyred on a mission. The Oak of Thor of our day may include those things that prevent us from speaking the truth. We may need to sacrifice our “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.”
The Jeremiah Option
Jeremiah warned Israel that if they did not repent, they would be carried off into Babylon. The Israelites ignored his warning. He then gave them advice for how to thrive in Babylon. This option has been popularized by Scott Hahn (book on Amazon).
Build houses and dwell in them.
Plant gardens and eat of them.
Take wives and beget sons and daughters.
Help your children get married, that you may increase, and not decrease.
Seek the peace of Babylon, and pray to the Lord for it.
The last command is the most shocking to me. We are not to curse Babylon and dust off our feet. Rather, we are to pray for our enemies.
The overall tenure is to live as if for generations, even though it looks like the world is going to end tomorrow. Build community by building your family.
The world needs Christ. That begins in your heart, your head, and your home. As your repent and partake of His grace through His sacraments, Christ will make you into leaven that will benefit your family and all of society.
Praise Him.