Did I tell you how much I like Doctor Who? The writing of this show is just superb. It has a very kitschy veneer but this seems designed to drive away the pretenders. If you hang around you get a show that explores the depth of human emotion quite well.
Anyhow I was watching the show last night and they were visiting 18th century France (1729). The Doctor develops a quick but profound connection with Madame de Pompadour who at one point reflects on her willingness to confront (or at least deal with evil); she says:
"One might endure a world full of demons for the sake of an angel"
These are the kind of sacharine statements that actually work well on me. I love that comment. It has reminded me of a few passages from the Bible. First I think St. Paul was aware of this aspect of human nature when he warned against leaning on evil for the sake of receiving God’s grace when he asks:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid."
In the Old Testament God is willing to endure cities filled with evil for the sake of 10 righteous people (Sodom & Gomorrah).
The whole thing has me wondering at what we (humanity) are willing to endure for the sake of one angel in our lives. What are we willing to endure for the sake of God?
Harnessing Chaos 