<![CDATA[We´re no longer in paradise – that´s for sure]]>J.K. Rowlings has made herself a name writing. She´s found her voice in many ways and needs no introduction. She´s famous for going to dark places and not shying away before monsters and fiendish beasts in fables and stories, in myth and dark alleys of that spooky Island. Now her brave stand against yet another shitstorm has drawn the attention of the popular German magazine “Spiegel”, because she has not gone into hiding, but come out with her guns firing.

Her thoughtful response to this complicated issue is authentic, even convincing in parts. She eloquently tiptoes, where angels fear to tread. She´s no Voldemort, nor Dolores Umbridge either, but like the rest of us part of a fallen and broken world, where paradise is long lost and we´re all on our way back – seeking everywhere to find it and by all means to regain it. It´s complicated terrain – and with all those trolls out there, difficult to find one´s way.

We know full well, that none of us is going to get there by biology, economy, force or intellect – but only by grace through faith – even if all devils try to oppose that and his ilk is having a wail of a time wrecking havoc – in what was origianlly supposed to be safe havens like families, clans, tribes and nations.

In the meantime, we will continue to stick to our Lord and our God, who is a mighty fortress indeed as Psalm 46 teaches us and the theological Doctor sings with the Church:

1 A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.

3 And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

4 That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever! 

Dr. Martin Luther 1483-1546 Psalter Hymnal, (Gray), 1987
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