“Mob mentality”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Friday, September 27, 2024
Acts 19: 21-41 (Forward p. 60) CEV p. 1159
Today’s account of happenings in Ephesus sound all too familiar, with riots and violence in Britain over the false supposition that three children had been killed by a Muslim and asylum seeker, the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, the January 6 insurrection in Washington DC, and disturbances in many other places as well. And, with many of them, Luke’s description of what took place at Ephesus sounds oh so true:
“Some of the people in the meeting were shouting one thing, and others were shouting something else. Everyone was completely confused, and most of them did not even know why they were there” (verse 32).
But isn’t that exactly as it is: with a crowd mentality, a mob mentality, people are simply drawn, like moths to the light of a candle flame, ‘by the action’. They may not even know why they are there.
And, if there is a sense of grievance, or of threat, then the drawing card is even more effective and compelling. Fear of losing something is very powerful, and if this impacts their livelihood or finances, even the more so. So, no wonder the silversmiths of Ephesus were concerned. The ministry of Paul and his associates had been shown to be very effective, such that demons were cast out and former practitioners of witchcraft turned to the Lord. So, “The Lord’s message spread and became even more power’ (see 19:11-20). No wonder the silversmith Demetrius was worried, worried about the impact that all this might have on his business.
So, how was this crisis averted and the mob dealt with and dispersed? It was through the wise and calming influence of a civic official. He was able to quieten down the mob in several ways:
a) He reminded them of their illustrious history and heritage as a city and invited them to remember it and be proud of it. Not every city
could claim Artemis as their city’s patronal god, especially with its notion that her image there was heaven sent. He tells them that
there is no disputing of this.
b) He goes on to say that Paul and his associates have not broken the law but robbing temples or insulting the goddess.
c) He tells Demetrius and his coworkers to take the Christians to court if they have a case against them.
d) And finally, he tells them that if they want further action, they can always appear before the city council.
So, there we have it, a plea for calm and moderation, an appeal to their civic pride and the things they know and cherish, a correction of misinformation (especially effective in dampening their fears and feelings of threat) and an invoking of the proper, civilized forums for discussion and action. In other words, mob action doesn’t work; go through the ‘proper channels and procedures.’
But there we have it: grievance, threat, fear, and misinformation, these have always been powerful forces to drive a mob mentality. But calm, rational speaking and listening—taking the time to listen and be heard, work so much better. And that certainly goes for us as well: we need to listen carefully, and to take the time to try to get the fuller more complete picture.
Forward notes: “Now after these things had been accomplished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go through Macedonia and Achaia, and then to go on to Jerusalem” (verse 21a).
“Being a peacekeeper can be an exhausting job. I’m often in the middle of button-pushing topics, and as a result, I’ve learned that navigating heightened emotions takes particular skill and thick skin.
“In my experience, what many people desire most is to be heard, while others want loyalty, a feeling that someone has their back. I walk the line by staying loyal to a higher purpose—believing that everyone deserves the dignity of being seen or heard. Most often, when a person finds their dignity acknowledged and respected, tension resolves and, along with it, the concern that everyone agrees with a particular point of view.
“We are in dire need of peace in this world. We can do our best to usher it in by offering everyone the dignity they deserve. We’re all made in the image of God, and with this knowledge comes a certain security and safety that makes being ‘right’ a frivolous pursuit.”
Moving Forward: “Who in your life needs a reminder that they are valued and beloved by God?”