We live in a world where ideology often butts up against reality. Philosophy and theory that make sense in the classroom or temple rarely take into account the irrational actions of humans. Were we all logical automatons, the ideals we have about how we should conduct ourselves in this world would have a real chance of working. Alas, we are often still driven by our lizard brains' primal instincts, to the detriment of our society.

With Christmas just a few days in our chronological rear-view mirror, I had a moment to consider how the lessons of one special man have so often been ignored. Jesus had simple philosophies about how we should conduct ourselves. He felt we should treat the least among us as equals, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, heal the sick... He welcomed all to join him with open arms. Even in his own time, though, he had trouble when that idea bumped up against the reality of man:
(the story of Jesus driving the money-changers from the Temple, John 2:15)

I was reminded of this when I read a story the day after Christmas about monks doing battle with one another in the birthplace of Jesus:

I know that the church has always had blood on its hands, and the Crusades and other violence done in the name of religion is essentially the thread from which the fabric of history is woven. Still - as the centuries have passed, the conscience of mankind has arced towards enlightenment. But how sad a commentary is it on our inability to put aside petty differences, when those devoted to the teachings of Christ battle like common street thugs in a turf war? What chance do the rest of us have?

With these stories, I am reminded of the Occupy Wall Street movement. They began with the noble idea that every individual had worth, and all should be heard. They created a pure democracy, and invited all to join them. They eschewed politics, believing that they could change the hearts and minds of people enough to effect change in our economic system without involving the government.

In short - they felt they could drive the money changers from the temple with words and didn't need the lash that the government provides.

Instead, they've been infiltrated by agents provocateur, stoners, and anarchists. The money-changers on Wall Street are laughing at the simple notion that words and ideas will change the way the greedy do business. They are not about to give up their seats in the temple of commerce, not about to give up their golden bull, not about to change anything unless they are forced to, and even then they'll have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the streets by their lawyers.

The human race has come a long way in 2000 years. Human nature has not. The idealism of Occupy Wall Street is admirable, but doomed to fail if it doesn't learn the other lesson from Jesus, by way of Teddy Roosevelt: Walk softly, and carry a big whip.