“Matthew writes in his Gospel (Matthew 27:18 RSV) that, Pilate ‘knew that it was out of envy’ that Jesus was delivered to be crucified. If Matthew didn’t agree with Pilate on that, he would not have written it the way he did. He might have said Pilate ‘thought’ that it was out of envy. But no, Matthew writes, Pilate ‘knew’ indicating that Matthew himself agreed with Pilate on that particular matter. Neither would Mark in his Gospel (15:10 RSV) have written likewise if he didn’t believe it to be so.”
“This explanation may seem oversimplified amid all the theological speculation there is about the matter. But it is still the basic reason for Jesus crucifixion, and the only reason that is explicit in the Bible. Furthermore, it wasn’t simply a matter of Jewish people being down on Jesus. It was the envious religious leaders of that time who were down on Him, just as some religious leaders of present time Terraprima, Christian though they claim, are down on fine, exceptional people of today.
After a pause, Collin then concluded that topic by adding, “Since this is not a Bible study or theology class, I don’t think I need to pursue this particular issue further. I hope I have made my point to this group.”
“You have for me,” responded Gilda, “Christians should indeed have an aversion to envy. No need for more detail as far as I am concerned.”
The others agreed. Dr. Eldren smiled and nodded approval.
Collin looked at his watch, then spoke again. “This session has been heavy going with quotations and definitions, as well as the behavior of belittlers. I think this would be a good time to end it for this evening if that is okay, Dr. Eldren?”
“About right for me,” replied Dr. Eldren, and he soon left for other work.
The group members agreed to proceed to the Corner Coffee Shop after connecting with Vita Seldon on the way.
Chapter Four
The following week the support group came together again, eager to hear more about the mind-game playing belittlers of Terraprima. Collin resumed the story immediately after the usual good evening courtesies.
“This evening” he began, “we will have more incidents pertaining to the life of the Lawtons in their congregation in Terraprima; the continued belittling of the ministry described as excellent and superior that Durwin was giving them regardless, and as he did, the attempts at belittling becoming more openly offensive, as opposed to that of a hitherto more passive belittling.
“I mentioned previously that the church landscaping hadn’t been well cared for, and that it was a part of Durwin’s general plan for the church to improve it. He asked for a Saturday morning work bee to do so. Several people turned up for it. Durwin and Canda were very much accustomed to such work. They brought along some tools among which was a full size bow or buck saw to use for cutting off the large lower limbs of big trees in the vacant lot.
“One of the men, using the saw, began to cut off a limb about two to three inches in diameter. He had to reach up to that limb with the saw. Consequently he sawed into it from its side rather than its top. About two thirds of the way through, the weight of the limb caused it to snap at the saw mark, but only partly. The result was the saw blade was critically jammed in the cut. Durwin saw the predicament and the possibility of the saw blade being broken.
“It became obvious as the man twisted frantically to free the blade, that he was not used to this kind of work. Durwin rushed to his aid. ‘Hold it,’ said Durwin calmly and helpfully, ‘you have to push that limb back up into its original place before you can get the saw out without breaking the blade. The man’s face immediately grew somber with the corners of his mouth dropping noticeably as though Durwin had done him some grave injustice.
“One would think I had shot his very dear mother, thought Durwin as he saw the man’s face so distraught. Then he quickly said to the man in as relaxed a manner as he could under the tension, ‘well I guess I know these things because I grew up with lots of forest around me. It was a part of our growing up to learn the techniques of things like this such as they are.’
“The man’s countenance did not change an iota. Durwin immediately added, ‘I guess you can teach me lots of things you learned in the environment in which you grew up.’
“Still there was no change in the man’s face. Durwin grabbed a rake, pushed up the limb which in turn freed the saw blade. The man pulled the saw down, handed it to Durwin and walked away, far too proud and oversensitive to handle such a situation rationally. He never worked with the saw or near Durwin for the remainder of the day.
“But there was a lot of good work done that day. Durwin and Canda did much of it, because as I said, they were accustomed to that kind of work. Some people appreciated it. However, the mood of the man who tried to work with the saw spread through a portion of the work team. It would be hard to get them back again to continue and finish that particular job of tidying the landscape. In fact it would prove impossible with some of them. Later, much later, Durwin and Canda would continue the job themselves, much to their own detriment. I will tell you the details later. For now I wish to point out how sensitive was the pride of these people.”
“Hollow, undisciplined pride again,” remarked Donna Coyne. “Hollow, but with a stubborn enough crust not to let anything new enter into their minds.”
“Childish enough not to let anyone be superior even in such a little way as cutting a limb off a tree,” added Gilda Emerson.
“And to think,” said Albin Anders, “that a psychiatrist tried to tell me I was too sensitive to the slights of other people. What about the sensitivity of these people?”
“Right you are, Albin,” said Collin. “You remember that in future if someone tries to make you believe you are too sensitive to a few slights from belittlers. The slights are many, and often so subtle they can hardly be described. They are even sometimes hard to decipher from things that well meaning people say and do to you. These subtle slights are delivered by people so sensitive that the least little thing will trigger off their pride and envy and all the harm they can inflict because of it.”
“Well taken,” said Albin confidently.
“But be sure, Albin,” Collin cautioned, “to learn and practice discerning the well meant remarks and overtures of good people from the often subtle, sly, underhanded belittlements of those who mean to bring you down. We all make mistakes in this. It isn’t always easy. But a true friend will make allowances for mistakes of that kind, especially after you have yourself recognized it.”
“Thanks Collin,” said Albin appreciatively, “that’s very helpful.”
“You’re very welcome, Albin, and now let’s get on with the story,” said Collin. “One day Durwin received a telephone call from the chairperson of the board of a large not-for-profit community organization that did some of their work with the cooperation of the churches. This chairperson asked Durwin if he would serve as a member of the board of directors of the organization. Durwin was still feeling new to the situation and wanted to please his church board to whatever degree possible without losing his own personhood. So he told the