From Esther to evolution

Who knows whether we have not come to this place in order to risk our reputations | Marvin Olasky

Illustration by Krieg Barrie

One of the Bible's great statements about courage comes in chapter 5 of Esther. The Jewish queen of Persia has told Uncle Mordecai that she can't go before the king: If she does, she'll probably die.

Mordecai responds with admonition—you won't escape by hiding—and then a line that has sent chills down my spine: "Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

For such a time as this.

In every generation moments of truth arise. Esther, early Christian martyrs, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and many more throughout the centuries have faced life-or-death decisions.

In this land of liberty our task is easier: We have reputational decisions. Should I speak up for biblical truth and have people think I'm a—horrors—fundamentalist, or should I hedge?