Delusional Thinking in Today's World: A Growing Concern

By Dale Jodoin Canada is currently facing a disturbing and growing trend: the deliberate burning and vandalism of Christian churches. Since May 2021, 33 churches across the country have been destroyed by fire, with 24 of these confirmed as arson. In addition to these devastating fires, another 96 churches have been vandalized, with acts ranging from graffiti and broken windows to the desecration of religious symbols. This wave of attacks is raising serious concerns about the safety of religious institutions in Canada and what it might mean for the future of the country. The numbers paint a grim picture. Of the 33 churches that have been reduced to ashes, nearly three-quarters were intentionally set on fire. The remaining fires are still under investigation, but the sheer scale of these incidents suggests that many of them may also be cases of arson. What is particularly alarming is that these attacks have not been limited to any specific region. Churches in both urban centers and rural communities have been targeted, showing that this is a nationwide issue. Beyond the fires, the widespread vandalism of churches adds another layer of concern. With 96 churches across the country suffering damage, the attacks have become almost routine in some areas. Vandalism includes everything from offensive graffiti to broken windows and smashed religious artifacts. In some cases, there were attempts to set fires that were thankfully extinguished before they could cause significant damage. These incidents contribute to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among religious communities, particularly in small towns where churches often serve as the heart of the community. The reasons behind these attacks are complex and multifaceted. In some cases, they may be linked to anger over historical injustices or social issues. However, the sheer number of incidents suggests that there may be other factors at play. One possible explanation is the growing polarization within Canadian society. As divisions deepen over social and political issues, some individuals or groups may feel that targeting religious institutions is a way to express their anger or make a statement. This kind of thinking can lead to dangerous and destructive behavior. Another factor that may be contributing to the rise in attacks is the phenomenon of copycat crimes. When a crime receives a lot of attention, it can inspire others to commit similar acts, believing that they are part of a larger movement. The frequency of church attacks in Canada raises the possibility that some of these incidents are copycat crimes, with individuals mimicking what they have seen in the news or on social media. The lack of consequences for these crimes is also a serious concern. Out of the 24 confirmed cases of arson, arrests have been made in only nine instances. This means that in most cases, the individuals responsible for these devastating fires have not been caught. This lack of accountability can create a sense of impunity, where criminals believe that they can commit these acts without fear of being punished. If this perception takes hold, it could lead to even more attacks in the future. Another issue is the security of churches, particularly those in rural areas or small communities. Many of these churches do not have the resources to implement strong security measures, making them easy targets for criminals. Without increased protection, these churches remain vulnerable to future attacks. This is a significant concern, especially for communities that rely on their local church as a place of worship, gathering, and support. Given the scale and severity of these attacks, one might expect them to receive widespread media coverage and public attention. However, this has not been the case. The issue of church burnings and vandalism has not been as widely reported as one might expect, and there are several reasons for this. One reason is that the media often focuses on stories that are immediately impactful or sensational. While the destruction of churches is undoubtedly tragic, it may not generate the same level of immediate public interest as other news stories, such as major political events or natural disasters. Another reason is the sensitive nature of the underlying issues. The targeting of churches touches on complex and politically sensitive topics, including religion, cultural heritage, and social justice. Media outlets may be reluctant to delve deeply into these topics for fear of alienating segments of their audience or provoking backlash. This cautious approach can lead to less coverage of these incidents, even as they continue to occur. There is also a growing concern that violence against certain groups or symbols is becoming normalized. When violent acts happen frequently, people can become desensitized to them, meaning they don’t find them as shocking anymore. If society starts to see these attacks as just another part of the news, they may not pay as much attention, and the media might not cover them as much. This normalization could lead to a dangerous cycle where such acts are seen as less shocking and more acceptable forms of protest or expression. Furthermore, Canada has been grappling with a host of other significant issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, and political controversies. In this context, the ongoing attacks on churches may be overshadowed by these more pressing concerns. As a result, the full extent of this trend may not be fully recognized or addressed. The implications of these attacks are serious and far-reaching. The destruction of religious institutions not only threatens the safety and security of faith communities but also challenges the values of tolerance and respect that are foundational to Canadian society. If these attacks continue unchecked, they may contribute to a climate of fear and mistrust, further polarizing communities and undermining social cohesion. Moreover, the failure to adequately address this trend could signal a weakening of the rule of law, where certain groups or symbols are seen as legitimate targets for violence. This could lead to an increase in similar crimes, not just against churches but against other institutions or groups that are seen as controversial or unpopular. To prevent this from happening, urgent action is needed. Law enforcement agencies must prioritize these cases and work to bring those responsible to justice. This will send a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated and that those who commit them will be held accountable. Additionally, communities must come together to protect their places of worship, whether by investing in better security or by fostering dialogue and understanding to address the underlying issues that may be driving these attacks. The media also has a crucial role to play in raising awareness of these incidents. By bringing more attention to these attacks, the public will be more aware of the issue, which can help prevent future crimes. Increased media coverage can also put pressure on authorities to take action and on communities to come together in support of one another. In conclusion, the rise in arson and vandalism targeting churches in Canada is a disturbing trend that cannot be ignored. These attacks are not just crimes against property; they are crimes against communities and the values of respect and tolerance that are important to Canadian society. If this trend is allowed to continue, it could have serious consequences for the future of the country. Now is the time for action. By working together, Canadians can stop this trend and ensure that places of worship remain safe and respected spaces for everyone.