Bishop's CornerHave We Changed?
By Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker
 Following the terrorist attack on
America Sept. 11, 2001, many people said, “America will never be the
same.” One year ago it was felt that America would be changed forever
because of what happened that day. Have we changed?
That is a question no one can answer with
certainty. I expect there will be polls to try to find some
perspective. I am sure there will be many commentators who will give
their opinion. Any answer any of us gives will be a guess.
My personal view is that America has changed,
but that it will be a long time before it will be evident how we have
changed. The changes I am thinking about are not the increases in
security in airports and major sporting events or the controversial
new directions in intelligence gathering or judicial procedures. I am
thinking of the subterranean changes in the psyche of America that
will become manifest over time as different attitudes and values.
The major change I suspect is occurring is that
there is a new ratio between the spirituality quotient and the
entertainment quotient of Americans. Before Sept. 11 it seemed that
American culture was becoming dominated by the desire for
entertainment. Entertainment was a huge business, and the high value
placed upon being entertained affected every dimension of the culture,
including education and religion. There is nothing wrong with having
entertainment; in fact, it is a positive good in human life. The
problem is when entertainment is valued too highly. Entertainment
involves fantasy, and whenever too much value is placed upon it then
human beings lose touch with reality. Because the events of Sept. 11
shocked us into reality, I suspect the god of entertainment has been
knocked off its throne for good. Yes, this affluent society will
continue to value entertainment, and it will be a huge business, but I
believe it has been put in its place.
Now, the question is, “How will Americans
satisfy their desire for a real life?” This is a spiritual quest I
think has been awakened in many Americans, especially among the young,
who are being formed in the context of a culture that was shocked by
Sept. 11.
Reality is Jesus Christ. In the Gospel
According to John, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the
life.” Jesus Christ is reality because he is the unity of God and
humanity. In him we see clearly who God is and what it means to live
an authentic human life. If we will proclaim, teach and live the
mystery that is Jesus Christ, then the church will be able to speak to
the needs of a culture that I believe did change on Sept. 11.
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