Condemning darkness in the world will not make it light

In Finland, it is common to complain about the government’s actions. Everything the government does or decides is somehow wrong. Bad, unpleasant, and shocking things and phenomena are highlighted in the news and on social media.

The political world is fuelled by disagreement and sharp criticism of politicians who belong to other parties. Social media platform X gives prominence to posts that are provocative, shocking or simply nasty. Algorithms like it when there is controversy and confrontation. And the human brain gets dopamine when your post goes viral and gets a lot of likes. The same pattern is seen on other social media platforms.

“Better than cursing the darkness is to light the light.”

The unfortunate result is that good news does not spread online in the same way as bad news. Unless it’s a story about a missing child who is found safe and healthy or a pet that has been on the run for days is then found alive, or a person who has had a serious accident recovers etc. People like the stories of survival.

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Wrong

There is also negativity and outrage in Christian circles. The Church and its actors are heavily criticised. There is always something to be dissatisfied with. There is bad preaching, a wrong emphasis, a wrong statement, and strange opinions, etc.

Criticism has its place. Nothing will change if no one gets angry, they say. Still, the focus should be shifted more to the good things.

I also think the media has taken a role that is too critical. It seems that in Finland, journalists see cynicism and criticism as a great virtue. It is, of course, important to point out what is wrong, but could we not point out more of the good things? We have a lot of them in Finland.

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We have freedom of speech and religion, we have prosperity, peace, clean nature, and safety. The welfare society ensures that no one falls. You can go to school for free, if you get sick, you get care. Things are so much better now than they were 50 years ago.

Focusing on bad news

“Better than cursing the darkness is to light the light.” I first heard this idea from Finnish Bishop Emeritus Erik Wikström when I interviewed him years ago.

Light overcomes darkness. The kingdom of God does not extend by cursing darkness and highlighting injustice. People’s well-being is not enhanced by focusing on bad news.

When you listen to people’s testimonies of how they have come to know Christ as their Saviour, they have often been touched by Christian love and good deeds. Love heals.