Deuteronomy 19:14; Proverbs 23:10-11
Why do you think God is so concerned about maintaining property lines? What do property lines represent? Where do you see boundary markers being moved today in a way that is detrimental to peoples’ inheritance? Consider the impact of zoning laws, urban renewal proposals or eminent domain laws in your community.
For Further Reflection
Since 1962, a fire has been burning in an old coal mine beneath Centralia, PA. Through “eminent domain” laws, which allow the State of Pennsylvania to seize ownership of private property without the owner’s consent for reasons of public safety or economic development, Centralia is now a virtual ghost town with a population of 10 people (2010). In 1962, the town had a population of over 2,000. How do you think the people who lost their property feel? How do you think God feels?
Book Recommendation: Root Shock by Mindy Fullilove. This groundbreaking book examines the immediate and long-term impact of the federally funded program, Urban Renewal, on communities in Pittsburgh, PA, Newark, NJ, and Roanoke, VA.
Tongue on Fire 
So this is a tough one for me. Our city has joined with the Denver Metro Area in building a lightrail train mass transit system. We are so excited for its completion in a couple years. Gene may have the option of riding the train rather than driving alone in his car everyday! the train’s energy efficiency is environmentally beneficial, and the tracks were largely laid following old train tracks and drainage ditches so as to minimize community & property impacts. As a societal investment, I’m a real fan of the project.
However, one privately-owned home & place of business was displaced by the train station closest to us. They’d been there for decades. They fought it, but the city displaced them under eminent domain laws. I think a public good inflicted a private wound. I am a bit more circumspect about that today. I confess, when I saw the signs of protest put up by the property owner, I considered their attitude curmudgeonly and selfish. Today, I am trying on compassion instead. I still believe the train station and the project as a whole is a good, and may even (gulp) justify the displacement of one family. I don’t know how well they were compensated or how they feel about it now that they’ve (literally) moved on. Tricky.
Similarly, a couple local schools in our district have recently been closed, and the student populations blended into other already existing schools. This is a result of painful budget cuts and a need to use existing resources with utmost efficiency. There’s that word again: efficiency. The modern world is complex and technocratic; decisions are often driven by data rather than individual desire or need. I often find myself on the side of data, if it is used to pursue the greatest good for the greatest number. However, I want to also practice personal, one-on-one connection…dance with those who dance and mourn with those who mourn. I believe systems are inescapable and not inherently evil, so I try to make sure that I use and support them in the most humane way. Systems exist for people, not people for systems. Enacting that is one way I try to seek first the kingdom of God.
In fact, that line of the Lord’s prayer has reverberated recently in my praying. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” I want to align my activities in this world’s systems with kingdom-like intentions and actions. Supporting the DREAM Act, teaching in low-income low-achieving schools, tutoring at a women’s shelter. I want to be one person infusing God’s kingdom into the world’s systems. I suspect that I will stand in wonder and shame when God shows me how far I’ve fallen short on that great Someday when He returns.
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Thanks for the insightful post. At least the family was displaced for mass transportation and not for expansion of an expressway. I’m reminded of Spock’s comment in the Star Trek movie, “The Wrath of Khan”: “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” That was spoken after he had voluntarily sacrificed himself. There is a need for everyone to see the bigger picture and make sacrifices for the common good. I just hope they got a good price for their property and were given assistance in relocating their home/business. That would be just and fair. Unfortunately, eminent domain laws often under compensate people in the interests of saving tax-payer dollars. Amen to the Lord’s prayer!
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