1 June 2016

But If Not

The words of my title come from the early days of the Second World War, when the British were trapped between the sea and the Germans at Dunkirk.  The sent back a message to the Homeland:  But if not.

The words were understood by any warm blooded British citizen who owned a well thumbed copy of the King James.  The story comes from the tale of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, imprisoned and threatened with being thrown into a roaring furnace because they refused to bow down to the golden idol.  Their  response was manly and direct:

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. BUT IF NOT be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.


The message helped rouse the British to gather and do the impossible, and save the men on the beach, a mission which became known as the 'Miracle of Dunkirk'.

Today, the Canadian Parliament  passed its bill legalising euthanasia.  All amendments and protections suggested by members of the opposition were voted down.  It goes to the Senate, where it will most likely pass readily.  This will be our law.  Judging from history, the law will not be revisited, even when, as seems likely, it is struck down by the Supreme Court for some constitutional reason they will invent on the spot. Canadians may notice it for a week or so, and then roll over and go back to sleep.

But for us, we know that we cannot serve this law.  All we are left with are the words of the British and of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  But if not, be it known unto ye....we will not serve thy gods.

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