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February 6
David Barnhart
February 06, 2025
Graffiti from Atlanta. 2019.
Today marks the birth, in 1890, of Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a Muslim friend and colleague of Mohandas Gandhi who was similarly committed to nonviolence to work for an independent, united India. He was opposed to splitting India and Pakistan in two, and favored a united, secular government. He was also committed to the rights of women. He was arrested and exiled multiple times as he opposed authoritarian rule in Pakistan.
Today is also the birthday, in 1608, of António Vieria, a Jesuit priest, author, and missionary in Brazil. He became a fierce protector of indigenous and Afro-Brazilian people from other colonial powers, and he stood up to the Inquisition.
Today also marks the death, in 1804, of Joseph Priestley, scientist and co-founder of Unitarianism in England. He discovered oxygen and the carbon cycle, among other things. His advocacy for religious tolerance and optimism in the progress of humankind made him many enemies, and he had to flee to the United States.
Reflection:
Among many other quotable things, António Vieria said the following:
“We are what we do. On the days we do, we truly exist; on the others, we merely endure.”
His words about Brazil could apply to the United States today:
“The worst accident that Brazil suffered in its illness was the deprivation of its speech: many times it wanted to complain justly, many times it wanted to ask for a remedy for its ills, but it always choked its words, or respect, or violence; and if ever a groan reached the ears of those who should have remedied it, the voices of power also reached it, and overcame the clamors of reason.”
Abdul Ghaffar Khan said:
“My religion is truth, love and service to God and humanity. Every religion that has come into the world has brought the message of love and brotherhood. Those who are indifferent to the welfare of their fellowmen, whose hearts are empty of love, they do not know the meaning of religion.”
Joseph Priestley wrote:
“To different minds, the same world is a hell, and a heaven.”
Priestley’s words remind me of C.S. Lewis’s depiction of the afterlife in The Great Divorce. Almost nobody from hell can stand to remain in heaven—the grace there is too uncomfortable. This theological take has helped me have compassion on those who hate others so much that they reject good for themselves.
Prayer: God whose nature is Love, continue to love the world into being and healing. Help us be agents of that grace. Amen.