In the latter to the Galatians in Sunday’s Lectionary, Paul declares, “For freedom Christ has set us free.” He then goes on to specify how the Christians must live! It just goes to show what a slippery concept freedom is. In the name of freedom, some people put others in chains.
As soon as someone says ‘ freedom’, just watch out.
Freedom is good for those who are oppressed, less good for those who are already powerful or privileged. Yet we human beings are so good at inventing stories to say why we are the oppressed people and we need a better chance than what we have – even when we are in fact powerful.
What lies behind Paul’s description of freedom is the notion that we are also constrained by love. So we must treat people right (and the planet FWIW).
‘Freedom of choice’ used to be a widely used mantra, and the underlying ideas haven’t gone away – far from it. But remember freedom of choice often depends on having plenty of money. People with little money also have very little freedom.
In the steamy air,
a mild glowing sweaty sun
brightens fleetingly.