Sacrificial Preparation, Violence, & Virtue

Professor Barry Rubin makes an interesting observation at Global Politician in his piece, "Take Me to Your Leader."

The day of giants—though some of them were ogres—is certainly over among Middle East leaders. In fact, what is most remarkable fact is how unremarkable the current rulers are. There is both good and bad in this situation, since while there is no one capable of turning around a whole country Samson-like that also means there is no one likely to pull down the temple and crush everyone underneath. That is, with one possible exception we will discuss shortly.

The job description is as follows: Wanted: A strong charismatic nationalist figure to guide the Arabic-speaking world toward modernization along with stability, an acceptable peace with Israel, good relations with the West, and solidarity against threats from both non-Arab Iran and radical Islamists.

Of course, there is a mirror-image role that could also be filled: A strong charismatic nationalist figure to mobilize the Arabic-speaking world for battle with Israel , confrontation with the West, and solidarity against threats from both non-Arab Iran and radical Islamists. Read all …

What I find of interest about this leader-lessness is this: it may substantiate the notion that the Islamic culture is in a sacrificial preparation stage. The rivalry among potential leaders is so multivalent that internal mediators rise and fall in and out of power at a rate that makes it impossible for any one to gain sufficient prestige to maintain power to unite the whole. Even as significant a scapegoat as "the Great Satan" cannot accomplish it.

If this is so, it does not lead to the hope that Islam is facing a demise of any kind. Rather, it may be an indication of an increasing number of ad hoc "priests" (anthropologically speaking) who are quite willing to succumb to Sudden Jihad Syndrome, as Daniel Pipes has coined the apt phrase, from heretofore seeming respectable positions in western society. The frenzy of sacrificial preparation is not a pretty experience in which to be caught.

Again, my recommendation remains vigilance, practice of the virtues including that of chivalry, and what Jack Wheeler says: Not give a damn about their envy!

This is short-hand for giving our best effort NOT to become embroiled in a mimetic doubling rivalry with jihadists. A state of scandal will not help disciples to be faithful if the sacrificial crisis peaks in its apotheosis of frenzy and violence (besides - it makes your trigger finger shaky). We must remain in a state of Grace to be of any help to those around us.

God continue to bless us in preserving the very best of the remains of Christendom in and through the sacramental power and grace of the Catholic Church.