An Unprecedented Priority

A priority, as defined, is a fact or condition of being prior in time, order or importance. The East holds precedence over Western civilization, yet our priorities are different. In the Eastern world and to the Eastern mind, the highest priority is the cause of the nation as established by religion and caste system codification. The second highest priority is the good name/reputation of the family. Finally, the right to barter just about anything that will secure community status.

The Western way of thinking derives from individual/personal considerations. Our highest priority is the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness/profit. Our second priority is due process of law to protect and enforce these human rights. Finally, the individualized right to official grievance, commonly known as an injunction or lawsuit, with an equally official deliberation and ruling given.

Ever wonder, as a Judeo-Christian, how Yahweh of the Old Testament could command Joshua to slaughter men, women and children in order to claim the Promised Land? Ever wonder why national lands continue to be more of a priority than individual life in the Middle East conflict? Ever wonder how a suicide bomber's family can be lauded and rewarded in Eastern civilizations?

Make it an unprecedented priority to at least know, if not study, the biblical priorities still reflected in the other half of the world. Make it an unprecedented priority to see that Western ways are more reflected in a New Testament individual who was crucified based upon an Eastern way of thinking.

This does not mean, however, that we Westerners can claim an un-precedented advantage, or God-given priority, over the cradle of human civilization. For just as the firstborn heirs to God's Kingdom hold precedence due to their unique position in time, order and importance in the history of salvation, but not an evolutionary pride of place; so its priorities, along with others in the East, have more historical value than progressive worth.

In this new era of international communication and commerce, the priority of national self-interest, tribal or caste system of rule, and even family/clan business loyalty seems as detrimental and counter-productive as terrorism. That, of course, doesn't mean that, in the name of priority, power plays like suicide bombers won't continue to plague global cooperation and human solidarity.

And, unfortunately, it doesn't mean that a false priority will not be given to emergency measures that rob nations and peoples of the time, order and importance of promoting human rights and values. 

Salvation history, like its secular cousin, is simply a lengthy attempt to get our priorities correct, in the face of humanity's inhumanity to our self.