Gates of Fire

“History itself teaches us about the unteachability of mankind.” (Winston Churchill)

Although Churchill grew up within the privileged intellectual climate of a prewar Britain, he was at the same time influenced to a great degree by a certain English religious conservatism. A conservatism whose roots reached back to the bedrock of Britain’s ancient past, a past which argues for a much earlier arrival of Christianity to the British Isles than many might imagine. At a time when the Dover tin trade was still flourishing, the Bronze Age of the Roman Empire was beginning to languish. Yet, it was that very empire which had made it possible for the tin-trade to flourish, one through which many a Mediterranean entrepreneur, like Joseph of Airamathea had made their fortunes. Considering the fact, it would not be unreasonable to imagine that the Christian gospel itself might have reached the shores of Merry Old England on board a tin merchants ship. And, as a nation whose peculiarities led it to entertain such notions, it was none other than the English poet, William Blake (1757-1827) who first popularized the idea in 1804 in his preface to Milton, wrote: “And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England’s mountains green.” Yet, if we would but stop for a minute to consider the poem’s epic panorama of a destined Britain, it wouldn’t be surprising if Churchill himself might have taken note, as well as strength from the following refrain — “I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, until we have built Jerusalem again in England’s green and pleasant land.” In consideration of the possibility it follows then that Churchill might have taken aim at the public’s evidential lack of Christian conviction at a time which demanded standing firm in the face of – Nazism. A possible consideration, particularly when accompanied by the din of the populist mantra of “Never again in our time.” Unfortunately, time had run out for England, which was precisely the point of Churchill’s clamoring.

What then can we say about our own times here in America and across the pond; particularly at a time when the general population is so preoccupied with shopping that they show little sign of concern, much less a bit of religious conviction or any sign of martial vigor. As the current trajectory toward factionalism and socialist solution gains momentum, one would be hard-pressed to imagine the hereditary stock of today being less indifferent than those of Churchill’s time, particularly in a nominally Christian sense. Yet, given the natural inclination of the American population today toward banality rather than severalty, the question arises, has allegiance to a higher cause become so unpalatable to the many that the few have little taste for it?

In a proper English sense then, it could be said that we now find ourselves in somewhat of a pickle! Caught between the lines of a story as old as civilization itself, and as the world turns, we finding ourselves written into the script once more. Yet, will we be found wanting? Apparently, if R.C. Sproul was right in offering: “While there are many who profess faith, there are few who possess it!” In a biblical sense, crossing-over is something more than a simple metaphor for transformational change, as the obstacle that lies before us is as much a barrier for us as the Jordan was for Israel. The question is, will we choose to become conquerors, or remain content in a Goshen of self-denial? Yet, if history teaches us anything it is that true conviction, if and when it arises, is rarely dissuaded. Considering the fact and the parallels that can be drawn between our time and that of Churchill’s, it may be worth noting that we still have a choice. We can either gird-up and get on with it, or dismiss from the obvious, in the process relegating ourselves to irrelevancy. The spiritual climate is changing, if you haven’t noticed. “When you see a cloud rise out of the west, you say: here comes a shower, and so it is.” “And when you see the south wind blow, you say, there will be heat, and it comes to pass.” (Lk. 12:54,55) The question is, “…If you can discern the face of the earth and sky, how is it then that you cannot discern the present time?” (Luke 12:56) That is of course if you can still “…discern the the face of the earth and sky?”