Ethics (1)
"AGREE WITH YOUR ENEMY"
By John McConnell
We know that the best way to resolution of conflict and peaceful progress in the human adventure is to come together and work together on the important matters in which we agree.
Understanding of this profound truth by leaders and laity is now essential for the survival of civilization.
As we witness the culmination of history's long record of conflict we are facing both the possibilities of unspeakable horror and at the same time amazing opportunity for a new and better future.
Preparations for a new millennium are increasing awareness of this auspicious global crisis with its danger and opportunity. It is significant that the figure who set the stage for this historic event was the author of the words that must concern us now. So what is the meaning of his words, "Agree with thine adversary (enemy, antagonist, foe)." The words could not mean to affirm what you do not believe, for this would not be honest agreement. But the truth these words reveal is that an honest search will always find in even the worst enemy important items with which there is common accord.
The most important item on which people of every culture and creed can agree is the fact that we are one human family and have only one Earth. And that to avoid a catastrophe from pollution, poverty and violence we must now convert attitudes and actions from Earth Kill to Earth Care. Our survival requires that we now act as Trustees of Earth, seeking in ecology, economics and ethics the choices that will provide a sustainable future. Cooperation for these common goals will increase as we see in our enemies' views important points of agreement.
My own experience has demonstrated in a measure the value of this approach. On October 4, 1957 the first Sputnik (Satellite) was launched. Immediately I wrote an editorial in my weekly newspaper in North Carolina (The Toe Valley View). I urged that we launch a bright visible "Star of Hope Satellite" that would be a global symbol of understanding and peace. We could accompany this by a great good will crusade that would give strength to the many religious and philanthropic agencies working to solve problems of hunger, illiteracy and conflict.
The editorial was picked up by the wire services and brought global attention. Letters of support came from Eleanor Roosevelt, Billy Graham, leaders of Congress and later from leaders in the Soviet Union. The attention led to my attending the 1958 Atoms for Peace Conference in Geneva where I had a role in stopping atomic testing in the atmosphere.
In my conversations with Soviet delegates I made clear my differences with communism but stressed agreement on common values and goals -- which opens up more meaningful
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communication and ways to cooperate without compromising our differences. I found the U S Delegate who encouraged me was using similar methods. The halt to testing of atomic weapons in the atmosphere was achieved.
Many years later in meetings with Ambassador Dobrynin he agreed with me that both pollution and the spread of atomic weapons were a serious danger to the future of human life on our planet. He agreed that it would not matter whether Communism or Capitalism won -- if the planet goes down the drain. And that working together to avoid this might result in better communication about our differences.
Similar conversations at the same time with Judge Clark in the White House were followed by cooperation in the United Nations for environmental action and other common concerns. This resulted in more objective communications that played an essential role in ending the cold war.
The nature of today's mass media has given priority to dissent, conflict and violence. A vigorous effort to turn this around is now a vital necessity. There is a glimmer of hope. Here and there solutions are getting attention. Perhaps Internet, with its new information super highway, will circumvent the TV madness that drowns our efforts to heal, build and understand with its graphic depictions of hate, fear, greed and lust.
A recent program told how violence over differences about abortion was greatly reduced when both sides decided to cooperate in helping newborn children who were at risk. Immediately their discussions about their differences were less hostile and more meaningful with mutual credit for good intentions. Again, honest agreement, with a touch of goodwill, can lead to a peaceful, prosperous future on our planet.
Jesus said, "Agree with your enemy."
Oh that those who claim his name would heed his words.
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