03 Aug, 2020 Change theory – and how to read the news
Change theory – and how to read the news
This blog might seem a little bit ‘fringe’, but I think you’ll be surprised to find it isn’t really. I just thought the topic of ‘compulsory micro chips’ might be an or entertaining easy way to illustrate some change theory principles, and my overarching point – which is on the importance of learning how to ‘read the news’.
Regarding the topic of the illustration – which is ‘compulsory micro chip implants’
– We are all aware the technology exists.
– We could probably all make a list of the benefits of the idea too. So it’s not a dumb idea.
– Some could also make a list of the way this would infringe upon personal freedoms and rights – which have a 2000 year history behind them. (Our freedoms are remarkable in the West today, easily lost, and difficult to regain).
Now, I’m not overly concerned or interested in microchips as a topic. It’s an illustration for the topic, which is the nature of change theory – which I’m writing about to make the real point – which is the importance of learning how to read the news (and of helping others to do so also through good robust conversation).
Re micro chips – the issues involved :
- The benefits are clear (Consolidation and protection of ID cards, passports, medical records and finances)
- The real debate will be about whether we trust the leaders who will control a global ‘tagging’ system like this – which is plausibly coming our way, even if a few decades away. (The current debate is a reaction to belief it is ‘on the doorstep’ – while some others are currently calling those thinking this crazy).
- For the Christian, this is a particular topic of intrigue because the Bible warns of a time when people will not be able to buy or sell without a mark imprinted upon their hand or forehead – and it then prohibits those who follow Christ from participating.
What sits behind the Bibles ‘offence’ at this idea?
The ‘offence’ of this system is that it represents ‘a world united to achieve good – but without God who is the source of all ultimate good’.
- The goal of global leadership and the unity (or tyrany) it pursues is viewed by God as an ultimate act of pride and rebellion against him. This would be the first time since the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 that the whole world has reenable to unite again – without regard for him.
- Why is a world united together without God a problem?
- Without God humans invariably stuff things like this up – no matter how good the initial motive. Great human suffering results – as evidenced in all other examples of people seizing power over the masses in human history.
- Also – while faith in God is a basis for human rights (see the last 7 of the 10 commandments – each of which defines human right. E.g. ‘Do not steal’ = the right to privately owned property, and to security), the first 3 of the 10 commandments talk about God’s rights. Because he is the creator, he DESERVES to be recognised and respected (and he wants to be thanked and appreciated too, but leaves that to our free choice).
To consider what I would do, were I to try to lead a change in this area
The logic of leadership through change isn’t difficult. Seeing this logic gives us a context from which to read the news. Everyone has a worldview. Some also have agendas.
Phase 1 – Soft-launch the idea across a number of years, while accusing those who oppose it of believing in conspiracy theories – while also concurrently calling those writing in favour of it ‘enlightened individuals’.
Phase 2 – Normalise the idea through news media as ‘common sense’. I.e. stop the denial – but let others say everything first, and show yourself to have listened to all opposition with great sincerity.
Phase 3 – Begin to implement it on the weak and vulnerable (which is those in the developing world – by doing it without asking them, or under Government / military mandate in their nations), while concurrently beginning to malign those who oppose the idea in the West because they are standing the way of what is best for humanity.
Phase 4 – Wait for a new crisis to leveraged to get those in free nations like the West to surrender freedoms – while thanking us for doing this to them.
Phase 5 – To conclude the matter, persecute those who resist, because they are endangering others.
I think, with a basic understanding of human nature, the above makes simple sense from a leadership perspective.
The important questions re microchips
I’m not aware of anyone who would argue with the potential benefits of an electronic system like this . The questions would be:
- Does it infringe upon personal freedoms sufficient enough to oppose?
- For the Christian – is this really the system described in the Bible, or are we misinterpreting?
My conclusion on the topic in the illustration (microchips)
It would require a really big crisis to force this on people. It’s hard to imagine, but plausible. I think the current reaction is more about people realising this is all plausible now.
(Do you agree? Do you disagree? I actually don’t mind. It’s our freedom to have the conversation and learn together that counts!)
The real point: How do we ‘read’ the news?
We live in a crazy and changing world – and this makes it important is that we learn how to read the news.
- Every statement has a context – because every author has a religious worldview, and a political worldview.
- For example, it is said that there is no true record ‘history’ – because history is always recorded through the cultural and religions ‘lenses’ of the author.
- There is also no true ‘news’ or journalism for the same reason. The challenge of the journalist is to make their best effort to be impartial. However, few are capable of this when a culture slides in the way ours is, and in our day an increasing number do not try.
Let’s equip those around us to ‘read the news’! Context is everything. Everyone has a worldview from which they speak.
I suggest this is now an important topic for intentional conversation!
DAVE MANN. Dave is a creative communicator with a vision to see an understanding of the Christian faith continuing, and also being valued, in the public square in Aotearoa-New Zealand. He has innovated numerous conversational resources for churches, and recently coordinated a 5th nationwide multimedia Easter project purposed to help open conversation between church and non-church people about Christianity take place, including regarding the specifically Christian origins of many of our nation’s most treasured values. Dave is the author of various books and booklets including “Because we care”, “That Leaders might last”, “The Elephant in the Room”, and available for free on this site: “The What and How of Youth and Young Adult ministry”. Married to Heather, they have four young boys and reside in Tauranga, New Zealand.