Do the Ends Ever Justify the Words?

Do the ends ever justify the means? It's an age-old question, but one that took on gut-wrenching urgency for Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor (1906-1945).  As Hitler and the Nazis gained power, Bonhoeffer struggled to determine his role. What should he say or do? What did God want him to do? Should he protest the evil he witnessed?  Should he get involved in the opposition? Was it moral or ethical for him to participate in a plot to overthrow Hitler? Would killing Hitler be justified as a means to end the regime’s atrocities?

While many of us will never have to deal with questions of this magnitude, reading about Bonhoeffer’s life got me thinking about  the “ends and the means” and  how this relates to the ways we speak to and about one another.

Because I love the beauty and power for good of language and words, I’m distressed to witness how we are becoming inured to language used as a weapon of abuse, a “means” to achieve a desired “end.” I’m specifically referring to the public use of insulting, demeaning, mocking, and degrading language to describe opponents,  dissenters, or individuals and groups “on the other side,” a practice that is increasingly common and accepted, particularly in politics. It appears that some of our leaders choose their language to demonstrate their own superiority or righteousness compared to the person or group being demeaned and, in so doing, to achieve their desired end result.

My opinion is that no political gain or good cause justifies

insulting language that strips others of their dignity.

I believe we have stepped onto a slippery slope by normalizing insults

and name calling as acceptable means of achieving specific ends.

Trying to balance and find a foothold on this slippery slope is exhausting and stressful. Dehumanizing language has become so normalized, we may not even recognize it as the root problem. But many of us know something is very wrong and are feeling uneasy, anxious, or fearful.

What do we do? We must climb back up the slope, for these two reasons:

1) To ensure we aren’t teaching the next generation that unkind, uncivil, and degrading language is normal; and,

2) To  avoid sliding into the darkness at the bottom of the slippery slope.

Each of us must use language that respects the dignity of others, no matter how strongly we disagree with their views. And we must protest the use of insulting and demeaning language from others—some of the quotes and speeches we hear from our politicians and leaders are deeply offensive to individuals or groups of individuals. Whether we are called to quiet words or loud political action, let’s each  do something.

SUGGESTIONS:

1. Consider these resources to learn about Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer;  Saints and Villains by D. Giardina; movie, “Bonhoeffer” by Angel Studios.

2. Read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, a four-pronged code of conduct that offers wisdom in how to directly interact with others. The first is “Be impeccable with your word.”

3. Say the Prayer of St. Francis (Prayer for Peace). It begins, “Lord, make an instrument of your peace.”   

4. Check out these two amazing organizations that promote civil conversation in unique ways: Braver Angels, and One Small Step, Powered by StoryCorps.

I feel this is one of the most important subjects I’ve addressed. If you agree, please share this blog. Thanks and God bless.

Donna

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Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, her podcast/vlog series, “Engaging with a Messy World” and " “Pop-Up Conversations on Health of Mind, Body, and Spirit,” and programs at her church. She is the author of Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey (Luminare Press, 2021), a recent best-seller on Amazon, 2022 Illumination Awards Gold Medal Winner, 2022 Reader Views Literary Award Gold Medal Winner, and 2022 Catholic Media Association First Place Awards.