First, before 9/11, praying in public schools was forbidden but now, cropping up all over the nation, is the reality of students and teachers praying. Attendance surged at this year's annual See You at the Pole celebration. Teachers are broadcasting morning prayers over the P.A. system and are praying with questioning and distraught students. One Fellowship of Christian Athletes' spokesperson stated, "Tens of millions of Americans broke the law on Sept. 11 and in the days that followed they prayed in public places. Kids prayed in schools.
As we return to some sense of normalcy, let's recognize our dependence on God." The fact is that in a time of crisis people are drawn to faith, to the reality that there is more to life than simply the daily grind of living. There is a transcendent being and He has revealed Himself to us. The central issue is - will we respond? 9/11 is forcing people to respond. See World (22 October 2001), p. 71.
Second, patriotism is in clear resurgence. One of the most powerful images of the crisis is "Three firefighters, their clothes and black helmets shiny with ash, gazing into a squinty-bright sky as they hoist a flag above the rubble of the World Trade Center." This graphic image reminds us of other patriotic images like the 23 February 1945 photograph of four marines erecting the flag atop Iwo Jima. Such patriotic images also take us back to the paintings of Norman Rockwell who painted a country whose spirit remained abundantly intact despite two world wars and the Great Depression. In a time of buildings being destroyed and anthrax threats a reality, such images are comforting and powerful.
Patriotic images, whether in the art of Norman Rockwell or the robust photographs of firemen at the World Trade Center, capture a significant emotion of American life: an appreciation of the values and the rituals of America. Such images are important, for they shape the feelings of national concern and affection. See New York Times, Deborah Solomon, "Once Again, Patriotic Themes Ring True as Art."
Third, the culture is taking a different look at men. As Patricia Leigh Brown has suggested, "Since Sept. 11, the male hero has been a predominant cultural image, presenting a beefy front of strength to a nation seeking steadiness and emotional grounding." These men are welders, policemen, firemen, businessmen with can-do altitudes and heroic efforts at rescuing people in times of horrific slaughter. The contrast is now between the firemen coated with ash and soot and the casually dressed generation- Xer in his BMW. After a decade of softness, there is a longing for manliness.
Camille Paglia has argued that "These are working-class men, stoical, patriotic. They are not on Prozac and are not questioning their gender." Absent is the gender neutral emphasis of the nineties. What is emerging is a view of men with the complementary traits of brute physical strength and the strategic elements of tenderness and self-sacrifice. The firemen, the policemen and Todd Beamer, the 200 pound man who rushed the hijackers of that flight that crashed in Pennsylvania, are the new male cultural heroes.
In addition, the terrorist strikes have also brought out the image of men crying. Heartfelt sadness and a willingness to demonstrate one's emotions are real, even for men. This is a healthy balance for men. Perhaps, the 9/11 tragedy will restore the true, more biblically-centered understanding of true manliness strong, protective, servants who think of others and not self and who are willing to express their true emotions. It is a refreshing image may it endure. See the New York Times (28 October 2001), "Week in Review" section, p. 5.
Finally, America is learning to live with fear. Virtually every major nation of the world has learned to live with fear, but the United States has been strangely spared, until now! The terrorist strikes of 9/11 and the current anthrax danger are bringing home the reality that living with the constant threat of danger may be America's new destiny. The FBI and the Attorney General's office continue to warn us of imminent attacks from terrorists. Americans have not yet panicked but there is the constant reality that going into public places is potentially no longer safe.
America is vulnerable and exposing oneself, one's family to this menacing world is now dangerous. But this is the goal of the terrorist instill panic in the general population so that the nation is paralyzed. Perhaps the United States will need to learn the lesson of Israel. We may need to live with the daily reality of terrorism; yet go on with life. We who believe in God, His sovereignty and His control must lead the way. Psalm 46 shows us how: The unknown psalmist, at the time of the superpower Assyria's invasion of Judah, exhorts Judah to get their eyes on God who is our "refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear." In his words, no matter what happens to the earth, mountains or the sea, we will not be afraid. God's presence is a calming peace that solidifies and comforts. God's presence is a source of phenomenal power that crushes all enemies. God is the covenant- making and covenant-keeping God. Therefore, we have no reason to fear! He will ultimately destroy all of the weapons of war and the nations will bow before Him. Perhaps that is why the Bible exhorts us to fear God, and no one or nothing else.
The admonition of Scripture is get our eyes off of the circumstances Osama bin Laden, the Taliban, terrorist threats, etc. and get our eyes on God, who is our source of security, peace and power. America is not yet in a state of panic, but additional, large terrorist strikes could induce a panic not seen since the Depression. If you know the Lord, panic is not an option. May God give us the strength and the focus to trust Him totally, completely and comfortingly.
