The olive branch and the Bible's influence on the West

“Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth” (Genesis 6:11). God had sent the flood as judgement on the wickedness of mankind. Warned by Him, Noah had built the ark, and only he and his family had escaped.  They were now waiting for the waters to subside (Genesis 6, 7).  The flood as judgement on mankind clearly demonstrates what Paul calls the severity of God.  But the goodness of God is glimpsed in the olive branch as a sign of new beginnings, sign of new life after the devastation (Romans 11:22). It points to a new beginning for humanity, and to peace and reconciliation with God. In fact the olive branch and the dove have become universal symbols of peace and reconciliation.

It's not always acknowledged that this symbol dates back to Noah, but in fact it must be, since the whole of humanity derives from him  and his family (Genesis 9:1). More significant, especially in the West, there is little acknowledgement of the positive influence of the Christianity and the Bible on Western culture and values. To be sure Western culture is far from perfect, but we have to ask why it is that so many want to emigrate here from non-Western countries. Winston Churchill's comment that democracy is the worst form of government apart from all of the rest, comes to mind. It is only seen to be the worst when compared with unattainable utopia. If we do not learn from history we are destined to repeat it. And we are in danger of throwing out the baby with the bath water, as many seek to throw out the foundations of what has been the most prosperous and just time in history.

There is much written if we are prepared to seek it out. Because of space considerations,  I have restricted myself to thoughts that come from Aquilina and Papandrea's book “How Christianity Saved Civilization ... And Must Do So Again.” The authors outline seven cultural revolutions that changed society for the better. Each are the direct result of the presence of Christianity in the world, and were corrections of certain flaws in society. These non-violent revolutions can only be fully appreciated when compared to the then existing situations. The disciple is encouraged to research these things out.

The first mentioned revolution affirmed that all people are created equal. The second, that of the home, affirmed it as a place of safety and love, and where women and children are not to be exploited. A revolution of the workplace affirmed that people are not property and must also not be exploited. The revolution of religion taught that God is love. The revolution of community, taught us to love our neighbour as ourselves.  The revolution of life affirmed life and hope, and encouraged people to stand up for human rights. Finally, the  revolution of government set up the ideal that rulers should serve those whom they rule (not the other way around). These revolutions are not fully complete, neither did they occur overnight.  As I outlined earlier the yeast of the Kingdom come changes things  only gradually, as hearts are transformed. The world's revolution is not really change, it merely interchanges the oppressed and the oppressor.

Father, please open our eyes to appreciate what the Kingdom has already accomplished. Help us to continue to work towards its fulness in Jesus Name Amen