Paradise lost

"How beautiful it all seemed at the time of the Enlightenment, that man triumphant would bring to pass that earthly paradise whose groves of academe would ensure the realization forever of peace, plenty and beatitude in practice. But what a nightmare of wars, famines, and folly was to result therefrom."

– Malcolm Muggeridge, "The End of Christendom"

The end of an old year and the beginning of a new one are better times than most to reflect on where we are – and where we are headed. Both are important, because one determines the other. Much like celestial bodies, humans and governments tend to remain in the same orbit until something of sufficient size and power disrupts their path. So the new year will likely resemble the old year in many important respects. When you apply energy, you tend to go where you are already pointing.

Malcolm Muggeridge's small book was published in 1980. Born in 1903, he was one of the most respected reporters and commentators of the 20th century. He moved freely among the world's powerful politicians and thought leaders. And he did so for much of his life.

All that changed when he became a Christian. The access disappeared and the sniping began. Age gave him the necessary time and distance from the events he had reported to pursue reflection. And reflection brought him to the Truth. And the Truth set him free.

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In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel saw a vision of the world's future kingdoms. He was nearer the head of the great statue, closer to the precious metals used to depict the world's early kingdoms. The last and final kingdom was depicted only with feet of clay mingled with iron. Humanity and violence, perhaps? "As it was in the days of Noah …"

The world's failed "isms" have all taken root in the fertile soil of the human mind. Muggeridge correctly determined that they all feed on our pride. "The downfall of Christendom, brought about by the death wish which necessarily accompanies the arrogance of the human mind."

Communism, fascism, Nazism – all were attempts to perfect the human condition, to try to make life somehow "fair." Where all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others. All have ended as unqualified failures, distinguished only by the amount of human blood and the number of human souls they devoured before they reached their failure. Communism is still kicking, sinking the boats of those trying to escape its clutches.

• Just a little more money
• Eliminate dissent
• Double down

Now we have it here at home. But removal of America as a restraining force in world events has always been necessary for the cause in the minds of the true believers, hasn't it?

Contrast the "isms" loose in the world with the one "ity" that has ever made a difference for the people who inhabit it. God binds us to him not with chains and shackles, but with the golden threads of his love. When questioned by the pharisees, Jesus recast the previous 10 commandments down to two:

• Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
• Love your neighbor as yourself.

Years ago I listened to a talk-radio program directed to Generation-X as it was coming of age. The host was fond of saying, "Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried."

The reason Christianity "works" is the same reason the Humpty Dumpty intellectuals are destined to fail. Christianity urges us to change the only person each of us has any control over: ourselves. As we bring ourselves into conformity with the Creator, the problems in the world shrink until they disappear. The world's "isms" require force and violence directed against doubters to usher in their brave new world. Christianity requires only love implemented on the inside, to change our interactions with those around us.

Which one is more practical, and therefore has a better chance of success?

We're now another generation or two further along from those radio talk show days, and the same can still be safely said. While Christianity gave us Mother Teresa in Calcutta, the Enlightenment has given us Air Force One flying from golf course to golf course while the world burns. It has given us Ferguson. And it has given us omnipresent espionage used against the citizenry, so the rich and powerful can continue to stay that way, with no worry of Christianity ever affecting them.

That's the old year in summary, and the new year in prophecy.

Media wishing to interview Craige McMillan, please contact [email protected].