Higherarchy

Yes, it is misspelled, just as it is misunderstood. ‘Hierarchy’ derives from the Greek words for ‘sacred’ and ‘order’. With homophonic confusion many think the word refers principally to a ranking system of superiors and inferiors as in military or corporate management. With our democratic sensibilities we generally reject systems based on inequality. Unfortunately, this misinterpretation of ‘hierarchy’ supports an already prevalent tendency to reject not just the sacred but, as well, any order that requires distinction among ourselves.

The close coincidence this year of the Passover Feast and the Feast of the Annunciation – foundational events for Western civilization – prompts these thoughts. Is there a relationship between belief in God on one hand and distinction based order on the other? Does denial of the former lead to disappearance of the latter?

Many opinion makers press the point that to be equal we have to be the same. Shared equality requires shared identity or, more forcefully, the eradication of any distinguishing differences.  For one individual to be in any way different than a second individual somehow indicates that the first holds power over the second. Hence, we read about the desire of some to eliminate the differences between male and female, parent and child, one faith tradition and another, et cetera. As has been observed elsewhere where equality once meant sameness of opportunity ideally provided us by birth it now means sameness of outcome inevitably required of us by correct politics.

Believers, namely those who give credence to a sacred order, espouse the concept of natural law. From their perspective the denial of the existence of an infinite personal Being and the rejection of distinction based order are both anathema.  With diabolic irony the much trumpeted call for diversity in our universities and workplaces in reality results in an intolerance of distinction and, consequently, the eradication of difference. The resulting identity becomes the monochromatic identity of the common denominator.

Imposed uniformity would homogenize identity and stultify any instinct to unity. There would be no engaging or fruitful communication. Conversation with another would be no different than a conversation with oneself. Dialogue would break down. We would each be imprisoned in a private cell of solipsism distinguished from other such cells only by its separation.

Knowingly or unknowingly those who would perpetrate enforced uniformity on us would suppress the human spirit breathed into us when we were infused with the imago dei. Cynically or naively, they would lead us into a world of unbearable boredom or, worse, probable barbarism.

But, the Hebrews were freed from bondage and the Incarnation presaged a new realm. As children of God our spirit is irrepressible, freedom is our birthright and infinite freedom our destiny. Diversity, that reflection of the Creator’s ineffable glory, will prevail. Why?

Because of Easter! A joyous Easter to all our readers from the trustees of the National Catholic Community Foundation!