Extraordinary Valor

Dear Jonathan,

Thank you for your confidence in my "good character" -- may it prove to be well-founded!

While I agree with you that the instinct for courage is present in every one of us (call it Natural Law), I wouldn't be so sure of the character (call it The Fall). I remember in college attending a rape-awareness/prevention meeting, where women were advised that, should they get raped, they should shout "fire!" The reason: People show up to watch fires; they're less inclined to put themselves between a rapist and his victim.

How often do we hear stories about crimes or accident scenes where victims screamed for help, but none of the passers-by stopped to lend a hand? How often are injustices perpetrated simply because no one will speak out against them? How many Germans were silent in the midst of the Holocaust, not because they were Nazis, but because they were (rightly) terrified of what would happen to them if they came to their own countrymen's defense?

There's a reason why we celebrate heroes, and it's not because they're a dime a dozen. It's because, when under the greatest pressure, they do what we all hope we would do, but which too often we do not. Please God, if I were in such a situation I would rise to the occasion, but I won't be so bold as to presume how I would react in circumstances unlike any I've ever experienced. "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

And while we're all blessed with "better angels," it takes a tremendous act of faith, generosity and charity, to heed them.

Best,
Chris

PS: Feel free to prove me wrong. I can't imagine a debate I would rather lose than this one!