Editorial
Schools of Impiety
The Diabolical Failure of Leaders in the Present Crises
by James M. Kushiner
Perhaps we may extract a predictive spiritual postulate hiding in plain sight in the Gospels: The more our Lord warned his disciples about a temptation or stumbling block, the greater the likelihood that succumbing to it would scar the history of the church.
Jesus often warned his disciples about self-serving ambition, lording it over others, and having little faith. On the eve of his crucifixion, the disciples argued among themselves over who was the greatest. Later that evening, the three closest to Jesus fell asleep despite his request that they keep vigil with him. One of the Twelve soon betrayed him. After he was arrested, nine of the remaining eleven ran away and hid for days. Of the two who remained, one denied him three times, even after being warned that he would be so tempted. He then went into hiding with the others.
The lone disciple who, with the women, followed Jesus to the cross was John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved," who "was lying close to the breast of Jesus" at the Last Supper. John also insisted that Jesus loved all his disciples "to the end."
Even though the disciples regularly misunderstood him, resisted his sacrificial intentions, and exhibited fear, cowardice, and lack of faith, Jesus sent them out as his apostles to the ends of the earth. "Go therefore, and make disciples," he said.
Discipleship is never accomplished once for all time. Vigilance is needed. Paul warned the Ephesian presbyters that wolves would arise among them. Jesus addressed church leaders through letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor; there were serious problems in five. Ephesus abandoned its first love and needed to repent. Pergamum accepted false teaching. Thyatira tolerated immorality. Sardis was "dead," in need of revival. Laodicea was self-satisfied, neither cold nor hot—and the Lord warned, "I will spew you out of my mouth."
Satan desired to tempt Job, demanded to sift Jesus' disciples like wheat, and tempted Jesus himself, then withdrew for later opportunities. He remains on the prowl as much as ever. The perennial responsibility of leaders and laity alike is to maintain soldierly vigilance and faith against the flaming darts of the evil one.
Scandals Past & Present
Recent words and actions from church leaders in Rome, Constantinople, and many other places are scandalizing believers and causing them distress about the spiritual health and direction of their churches. Despite formal doctrinal orthodoxy, it seems that schism, heresy, and moral perversion have spread like wildfires, with little to hold them in check. The Church has been in similar places before. Consider this letter from the fourth century:
The doctrines of true religion are overthrown. The laws of the Church are in confusion. The ambition of men, who have no fear of God, rushes into high posts, and exalted office is now publicly known as the prize of impiety. The result is that the worse a man blasphemes, the fitter the people think him to be a bishop. Clerical dignity is a thing of the past. There is a complete lack of men shepherding the Lord's flock with knowledge. Ambitious men are constantly throwing away the provision for the poor on their own enjoyment and the distribution of gifts. There is no precise knowledge of canons. There is complete immunity in sinning; for when men have been placed in office by the favor of men, they are obliged to return the favor by continually showing indulgence to offenders. Just judgment is a thing of the past; and everyone walks according to his heart's desire. Vice knows no bounds; the people know no restraint. Men in authority are afraid to speak, for those who have reached power by human interest are the slaves of those to whom they owe their advancement. (St. Basil of Caesarea, Letter 92, To the Bishops of Italy and Gaul)
The diabolical ambition that Jesus warned against is on full display in this letter. St. Giovanni Calabria (d. 1954) began a correspondence with C. S. Lewis after reading The Screwtape Letters. They both agreed it was then "Satan's hour," and wrote of the threats and temptations faced by believers.
James M. Kushiner is the Director of Publications for The Fellowship of St. James and the former Executive Editor of Touchstone.
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