Before mobile phones were equipped with camera lenses to take photos, we could only use a camera with various kinds of lenses for photography. Even today, we can still admire serious photographers carrying lenses in various sizes for the desired optical effects.
Indeed, how we want to present the so-called reality to our viewers will determine the lens we will use to capture the reality. We may further accentuate certain features of the images with filters to tell different stories.
In fact, what lenses do we use to look at realities will affect our intellectual as well as affective understanding of them. If we use a fisheye lens for viewing, objects at the margin will be distorted, and create a round image of reality.
If we use a lens with a certain colour filter, the reality will be tinged with that colour. But if we use the wrong lens to capture a specific composition, the resulting data image will be out of focus and appear blurry.
Back in June, when I was visiting the United States, one of the bishops with whom I had an in-depth conversation shared with me that a recurrent problem of the Church and the country was that they often viewed their realities through a “political lens.”
Therefore, everything that happened likely resulted from the players’ respective political motives. Other explanations are either marginal or accidental.
That bishop’s observation was what I have found problematic with the dominant culture in our world today. In addition to the political lens, the filter that we use provides us with black-and-white images, allowing only a small margin of gray.
Moreover, the ones who use such a lens and filter are also the ones who make use of platforms and equipment to reach much of the public. We, therefore, are having these realities being instilled in us, believing they are the only credible realities.
What should make us worry is that the long-term consequences which include the formation of a one-sided worldview, and fears of the bad guys from the dark, will destroy our enlightened reality, believing that actions must be taken to contain or eliminate those not seen to be on our side.
Ironically, the lens that we use and the narratives that we have taken to heart are, in turn, shaping the present and future of our world. How much are we aware of that? And how much do we want to allow those opinion leaders to pick the lens for us and shape our future?
What other options do we have? Some helping professionals who provide support are now advising parents who are overly anxious about their children’s performance to quit visiting those parents’ sharing groups on the internet.
Views shared in those groups are often lopsided, failing to present a balanced and objective picture for parents to consider. In turn, anxious parents are forming even more anxious children. And we know that anxiety and depression often come hand in hand.
But what can we replace with these problematic lenses? There are lenses that highlight the glory of humanity and the beauty of God’s Creation, such as music, art, literature, science, religion, and spirituality.
As Christians, we believe that the Gospel offers a comprehensive life-giving and purposeful compass for one’s good living. In-depth understanding, sincere acceptance, and courageous living out of the teachings of the Gospel will ensure us a good life that brings blessings not only to ourselves but to the world.
It is indeed a challenge for us to choose these affirming and hope-filled lenses when we feel that we are under unjust criticism or attacks from external agents. The option of adopting lenses and actions similar to theirs must be most tempting.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, is a practice that is, sadly, widely accepted in our world today. Should we follow suit, we would be letting ourselves fall into the same whirlpool and caught in endless cycles of revenge. And our world will become more hell-like!
The only way for us and Hong Kong to break these vicious cycles is to use an approach that builds rather than destroys, to focus on goodness rather than evil, and to engage in dialogue rather than threatening rhetoric.
I believe with wisdom from our Christian gospel lenses and those of other religions; we can develop a more life-giving and edifying approach that is worthy of Hong Kong to tackle against those distorted campaigns.
Reflections of Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan of Hong Kong. This article was first published in the diocesan weekly Sunday Examiner on Oct. 4, 2024.
