Curiouser Country

Offering a little perspective on the recent election

          In light of last night’s election, a line from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland comes to mind: “‘Curiouser and curiouser!’ Cried Alice (she was so much surprised that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).”  A very curious presidential campaign season has resulted in an even “curiouser” election!  To some people’s pleasant surprise, while to other people’s deep disappointment, Donald J. Trump is the President-elect of the United States.  To me, however, all this just seems rather “curious.”  Why?

          Well, for one thing, we did not elect an emperor, a plenipotentiary who wields all authority arbitrarily to implement his every whim and wish.  I tip my top-hat to Daniel Day Lewis’ portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, who stated boldly: “I am the President of the United States, clothed in immense power!”  Nevertheless, the Founding Fathers wisely established a government with a “division of powers” into the executive, legislative and judicial branches.  Indeed, it was in part “to revolt” against the excesses of such unbridled royal power (taxation without representation) that we fought the Revolutionary War.  We’re not going back.  Clearly, the president possesses plenty of power, not to mention the so-called “bully pulpit.”  But the Constitution places prudent and purposeful restraints on presidential power.  So, to me, it is merely “curious” whom we’ve elected as the 45th president of the United States.  In four years, there will be a 46th president.

          The second reason this election is only “curious” is because as a Christian, my peace and hope and joy are not ultimately tied to the fortunes of any given state or country.  A Christian’s peace and hope and joy should be built on Jesus’ words, especially when he said to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Mt. 16:18).  Notice, that Jesus uttered that promise about his Church and to the first pope; he was not referring to the United States and to the president.  My friends, think about it: countries, nations, empires will all come and go, but the Church remains.  That is, as a Christian I should attempt to rein in both any ebullient enthusiasm, as well as any dour despondency, over this election.  Don’t get too excited, and don’t freak out.  May I suggest that a conscientious Christian would see this election as merely “curious.”

          Lewis Carroll’s classic recounts the story of a little girl who had a great adventure in a “Wonderland.”  But she never forgot her home, or her desire to return there one day.  The United States of America is surely a “wonderland” in so many ways; we are blessed to live here, and to be able to elect our president (with the help of the Electoral College).  But it is not ultimately our home; our home is heaven, and we should never stop longing to return there.  In the meantime, enjoy the adventure!  It’s bound to get only “curiouser and curiouser...”

          Praised be Jesus Christ!