FDS000

Social issues

The article addresses facts of society and the teachings of Jesus, illustrating the tensions between individual freedom and spiritual security. Literary and biblical examples, such as Victor Hugo and the parable of the Prodigal Son, are used to explore these dilemmas.

10 min society freedom spirituality Jesus Parable 6 verses 5 books

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Introduction

“And what do we see emerging under this dissolving influence of misery, of ignorance, of that sinister school, the workshop of the street? We see emerging that social decomposition which produces children without families, adolescents without modesty, young people without shame, depraved to the point of losing even the sense of shame!”

This is an observation that some might call pessimistic, but that many members of our society recognize as self-evident.

In reality, this description did not concern our present-day society. These sentences are taken from a speech delivered by Victor Hugo on 9 July 1849 before the Constituent Assembly.

In this series of articles, our aim is to discuss various controversial subjects in our contemporary society, comparing them with the principles established by the Messiah Jesus.

The biblical reference

This site analyzes the principles established by the Messiah Jesus, as set out in his teachings. These precepts lay down prohibitions and obligations that can be perceived as a restriction of individual freedom.

Thus, can an individual who rejects this way of life be considered truly free?

Should we see these restrictions as a limitation of our individual freedom, or rather as protective measures meant to preserve us from disastrous situations?

It is common for people to see outside opportunities or situations as more favorable than those they currently have.

Let us recall the story of Monsieur Seguin’s goat!

The Letter from My Windmill

“The Goat of Monsieur Seguin” is a short story written by Alphonse Daudet, published in his collection “Letters from My Windmill” in 1869. The story is told in the form of a letter to a friend, Pierre Gringoire, and is inspired by a popular tale from Provence.

Monsieur Seguin, a shepherd, had had several goats, all of which were eaten by wolves after trying to escape to live freely in the mountain. He then decides to buy a new goat, Blanchette, whom he treats with great care. However, despite his efforts, Blanchette ends up growing bored and decides to escape. She discovers the beauty of the mountain and spends a happy day, but in the evening she is attacked by a wolf. Although she tries to defend herself all night long, she is finally devoured.

In Alphonse Daudet’s story, the goat embodies the desire for freedom in the face of the boredom of captivity. The mountain symbolizes nature and freedom, while M. Seguin’s enclosure represents civilization and captivity. Despite M. Seguin’s efforts to protect the goat, her fate remains inevitable.

This metaphor can also be interpreted, in our view, from a spiritual angle. Indeed, the intrinsic need for spirituality, often criticized nowadays by many people, can be seen as a viable solution for avoiding chaos in our lives.

The spiritual life advocated by the Gospels and by Paul may seem bland compared with the unrestricted pleasures of our society.

The parable of the prodigal son

The of the Prodigal Son, also known as the of the Merciful Father, is one of the most famous parables of the Messiah Jesus. It is found in the Gospel of Luke 15.11-32. This illustrates unconditional love, repentance and forgiveness.

However, we can also examine the attitude of the younger son, who no longer finds satisfaction in family life and sees the outside world as far more attractive. In seeking freedom, he is faced with a bitter and ultimately disastrous experience, as the conclusion of this reveals.

This concept addressed by the Messiah Jesus has been taken up in various forms, notably through the popular saying: “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.”

Demas’s experience

Demas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, mainly associated with the apostle Paul. Here are some key points about him:

Colossians 4.14: “Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.”

Philemon 1.24: “As do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.”

But it is the passage in Timothy that will interest us.

2 Timothy 4.10: “For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.”

Demas was a fellow worker of Paul, which indicates that he was actively involved in the Christian ministry. However, in 2 Timothy 4.10, Paul expresses his sadness by revealing that Demas abandoned him for the distractions and pleasures of the world.

The lights of the world

These three examples, notably the testimony about Demas, reveal a certain weariness leading to a radical change of lifestyle.

Was the individual truly fulfilled and satisfied in his initial condition?

What influence did the seductive attractions of the world have on his judgment?

Are materialistic principles capable of fully satisfying the human being and bringing him true freedom?
How did this feeling of weariness take root in Demas’s mind?

What is the origin of this attracting force which, like a lighthouse to an insect, ends up consuming him?

The purpose of this series of studies

In our society we are confronted with laws that contradict the principles described in our Bibles. But there are also teachings that call into question the statements of the Messiah Jesus and of the apostle Paul.

Our aim is not to debate the merits of these societal perspectives, but simply to recall the teachings of the Messiah Jesus.

In this context it seems important to us to recall that the influence of spiritual forces on the world and on the Church is a fact to be taken seriously, in order to understand as well as possible the issues that directly concern our lives.

We will adopt the following method: we will begin by describing the fact in question precisely, then we will examine the relevant biblical texts dealing with the same subject, in order to reach a conclusion.

It is of paramount importance to us to explain as thoroughly as possible what the biblical Scriptures say.

Conclusion

We observe a growing divergence between the teachings recommended by the Messiah Jesus and the principles of life promoted in contemporary society. Many people express the wish to see biblical principles modernized and adapted to present-day customs.

It is relevant to ask whether the freedom proclaimed in our present society really leads to satisfaction and peace. Looking at the state of our society, it would seem that this is not the case. Biblical principles are often perceived as obstacles to a free life, and the Church is sometimes accused of remaining anchored in the past. However, another approach might be to examine the reasons behind these restrictions imposed by the Bible, and therefore by God. Are these prohibitions meant to protect man and spare him unbearable distress?

It is therefore precisely with this vision that we will study the great principles of our society and compare them with the old biblical rules.

The aim is not to stigmatize any particular person, but simply to inform everyone of the biblical directives that promote our inner peace.

Above all, we would like to put spiritual values back at the center of our lives, because they seem to us indispensable for our fulfillment. But also to prepare our future well, as King Solomon states.

“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 11.9).