The Mosquito Manifesto

WHAT DO YOU do when the democratic process delivers the power of the presidency to an authoritarian leader with the strategic impulse control of a 2-year-old?

Here are a few responses I’ve observed.

OPTION 1: The Ostrich. Bury one’s head in the sand until the annoyances pass. The virulent rhetoric of Mr. Trump’s campaign, combined with his appointees and advisers, make this option available only to men of European decent. (White women may cover their heads, but shouldn’t bury them completely.)

OPTION 2: The Spaniel. Fluff up one’s coat and appear clean and eager on the doorstep of the new master. Hope for the best; hope for a bone. This option is supported by many who are well-meaning, are part of the political elite, or are dangerously naive.

OPTION 3: The Cockroach. When the light comes on, scatter into the street with a sign saying “Not My President.” Or simply hide in a dark corner hoping to pass the coming wrath undetected. This escape behavior is instinctual in creatures that are startled or undeveloped.

Since the wee hours of Nov. 9, I’ve exhibited most of these behaviors myself.

But as a Christian, I’m not allowed to live in illusions for long. In Paul’s “letter of tears,” written to the fledgling church at Corinth, he wrote, “We cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:8). Therefore, existing in a “post-truth” state is not an option.

Americans are deeply disillusioned about the state of our nation. The fundamental optimism of the “American dream” has not matched reality for at least three generations. American optimism has always been partly delusion, as evidenced by the experiences of those defined outside of it or on whose backs the “great good” was built.

An election, however, is supposed to be a tool for the nonviolent transfer and distribution of power, not a therapy session to deal with disillusionment.

For Christians, disillusionment is part of developing a mature spirituality. Authentic prayer brooks no illusions; it dismantles illusions to reveal truth.

HERE IS WHERE the sword of the Spirit slices cleanly: Are we American Christians or Christians in America?

American Christians conflate the cross and the flag, theology and nationalism. Conflict between church and state creates a cognitive dissonance. Since the state ultimately comes first, these Christians acquiesce to shifting political winds. They are defined by their inertia, their silence, their overriding desire to maintain good relations with all—even when confronted with the grave moral responsibility to give aid to the victims of nationalistic ideologies.

On the other hand, Christians in America claim “Jesus is Lord,” above national interests or ethnic affiliations. Conflict is expected between the demands of the state and one’s confession of Christ. Christians in America draw strength from the spiritual, political, and cultural cutting edge of the gospel and from the body of Christ that knows no national boundaries. They are prepared to “speak truth in love,” as Paul says, to the powerful. Courageous acts of solidarity with slaves, women, outsiders, and prisoners are what set them apart. Creative acts of resistance and taking a public stand in defense of the endangered are hallmarks of their faith.

Even a rekindled revolutionary gospel faith may not build a movement effective enough to stop an authoritarian leader bent on turning back demographic inevitability by engineering a “whiter America,” all while indulging his insatiable need for power. But as Christians we must try.

FINALLY, THERE IS one more option to consider.

OPTION 4: The Mosquito. “If you think you are too small to make a difference,” says the Dalai Lama, “try sleeping with a mosquito.”

There is a reason Mr. Trump wants to “drain the swamp.” Everywhere “mosquitoes” are taking small bites out of Mr. Trump’s body politic—sanctuary churches, “deport me first” campaigns, active bystander trainings, circles of protection, citizen oversight committees to prevent police abuse, and so on. The mosquitoes are organizing a defense of the vulnerable and creative disruption of Mr. Trump’s worldview. They are finding each other. Be forewarned—mosquitoes swarm.