Scapegoating and CK

Still problematic in the modern world.

As I was reflecting on the events of the last few weeks and the murder of Charlie Kirk, I came across some written work on the process of scapegoating. This concept has ancient roots, however, the manifestation of this pattern is still very present in our world and I began to see how the recent events could be conceptualized within the context of it.

Photo by Marjan Blan on Unsplash

Scapegoating is the process by which one of the rivals in a conflict projects anger and rage onto a surrogate perceived responsible for group tension. Rivalrous tension between parties in the conflict produces violent energy and destruction directed toward a punishable object or chosen victim, afterwards causing a cathartic effect for one or both parties. Some ancient writers state scapegoating served as a medicinal violence. (Robinette)

In the micro world of Psychology we call this triangulation. When anxiety or tension mounts between two people, a third party will be drawn in to absorb the tension, the energy of dissatisfaction and angst between them is directed toward this object or person. (H. Lerner. The Dance of Anger). This too is a pattern that often leads to toxic, destructive ways of relating in a family system.

In the Mirror Bible there’s a quote that frames these thoughts with similar themes in scripture. The author states “sadly history repeats itself in horrific proportions until we fully realize the finished work of Jesus and what it was that the Lamb of God accomplished.” Or as another writer states, “God was willing to undergo our violence in order to free us from it. “

Lord, we pray that you would help deliver us from this kind of evil, on the macro level between cultures, races, ethnic groups and nations and in the micro within our families and most intimate connections. Psm. 46:9-10. Isa. 53:5.