One of the memorable songs of the 1980s is ” Living on a Thin Line “ by the Kinks. Largely unknown, it underwent something of a revival after it was used, of all things, for an episode on The Sopranos .
The song has been interpreted many ways ; some think its about the fragility of life and how our best-laid designs can unravel at any moment. Others think its a statement against politics and war, especially the Falklands War (which occurred shortly before its release), but that may be too narrow a description. I think it has larger dimensions. Living on a Thin Line is an elegiac ode to a Britain that no longer existsor perhaps (as cynics might say), never really did exist.
Whatever its intended meaning, the song, admittedly very secular, is paradoxicallyand perhaps unintentionallya warning against secularism. Its lyrics are revealing, even haunting:
Living this way, each day is a dream.
What am I, what are we supposed to do?
Living on a thin line,
Tell me now, what are we supposed to do?Now another century nearly gone
What are we gonna leave for the young?
What we couldnt do, what we wouldnt do,
Its a crime, but does it matter?
Does it matter much, does it matter much to you?
Does it ever really matter?
Yes, it really, really matters.
Listening to these lyrics, one cant help think of the aimlessness of modern society, not just in Britain but throughout Europe (and increasingly, the United States). Many people, especially those who assail the Church, have absolutely no idea how to order their lives, much less improve the lives of others. They are very passionate about pointing out the sins of Churchmen (real and imagined); and explaining why Christianity is supposedly a blight upon the world. But when it comes to answering the great metaphysical questionsWhy is there not nothing? Why is there anything at all?most are left speechless; and the clumsy efforts of a few celebrity agnostics and atheists to eliminate God from the universe on “scientific” grounds hasn’t helped .
If you ask secularists what the meaning of life is, and what they are living for, youre likely to get a quizzical look, a secular platitude (to each his own) or a confused, hesitant response: Were not really sure. Were just kind of going with the flow. The problem with going with the flow, however, is that it isnt leading anywhereat least nowhere healthyspiritually, mentally, or emotionally. Theologian Henri de Lubac dealt with this issue at length in his masterful book, The Drama of Atheist Humanism : If man takes himself as a god, he can, for a time, cherish the illusion that he has raised and freed himself. But it is a fleeting exaltation! In reality, he has merely abased God, and it isnt long before he finds that in doing so, he has abased himself.
Modern, secularized man is in a state spiritual and emotional eclipse; if he is not stricken with what the French call ennui a boredom and philosophical listlessnesshe is often overcome with anger, even paranoia, which is increasing all the time .
Desperate for guidance, desperate for leadership, wanting something more than the world can offer, he doesnt know where to turn; and so his heart cries out in a whimper, like the song quoted above, What am I, what are we supposed to do?
Pope Benedict, like all great Christian leaders, understands that longing and knows that it exists even among rebels. Watching secularists chant We dont need God! brings to mind the brash teenager who says he resents his parents setting a curfewall the time secretly appreciating that parental guidance and love.
Benedict will be going to Britain to offer that love and guidance. He wont be aiming to elevate himself, but instead turn peoples thoughts and hearts toward the One who created us and from whom we draw our daily sustenance.
Those looking for answers to lifes greatest questions will be given them for the listening. Benedicts recent Message for World Youth Day spoke to these ongoing anxieties : To some extent, this urge to break out of the ordinary is present in every generation. Part of being young is desiring something beyond everyday life and a secure job, a yearning for something really truly greater. Is this simply an empty dream that fades away as we become older? No! Men and women were created for something great, for infinity. Nothing else will ever be enough.
Read more here .
While I have you, can I ask you something? I’ll be quick.
Twenty-five thousand people subscribe to First Things. Why can’t that be fifty thousand? Three million people read First Things online like you are right now. Why can’t that be four million?
Let’s stop saying “can’t.” Because it can. And your year-end gift of just $50, $100, or even $250 or more will make it possible.
How much would you give to introduce just one new person to First Things? What about ten people, or even a hundred? That’s the power of your charitable support.
Make your year-end gift now using this secure link or the button below.