In a world longing for
peace and tolerance, such fighting talk seemed out of place; it would make for a
quieter life if we appeared content to listen to all nations, to offer sympathetic
and constructive echoes of whatever they happened to be saying already, to play down that old imperialistic claim that Christ is with us in special, unique,
and necessary fashion.
If
necessary, draw the curtains, shut out the wandering cat, silence the dog
and warn your flatmates or family that you'll need some
peace and quiet for a while.